From illustrious establishments tucked away in leafy suburban streets, to bright and colourful modern dining in some of Perth’s hottest night-time haunts, there is no shortage of French food to tuck into.
Forget the expensive trips to Europe and failed attempts at making creme brulee, here are all the best French restaurants in Perth right now.
Mistelle Bistro
Shenton Park
Mistelle Bistro quickly became a firm fave since Benoit (ex Rockpool and Print Hall), Chantelle and the crew first threw open the doors some four odd years ago. Its modern French cuisine, attentive service and picturesque Perth Hills location gave you that French countryside style experience, minus the flights.
We'll forgive you for missing that tranquil green backdrop, but you shouldn't have to miss the gorgeous French eats. The legends have just opened a charming new bistro in Shenton Park that is every bit as good. You'll find all the faves—think: housemade charcuterie, confit duck and creme brulee—but if you like surprises, get along to their Test Kitchen Tuesdays. For $55 you get three courses, with each dish designed to reflect the season and local produce is available.
Le Rebelle
Mount Lawley
Le Rebelle is an intimate restaurant and wine bistro bar, inspired by the old romanticism (‘romantica’) of classic Parisian and New York bistros where, traditionally, they served as a meeting place for anything and everything. With beautiful and cosy interiors, atmospheric lighting and ace staff to guide you through your night, Le Rebelle is a breath of fresh air. We're kind of obsessed with the crab toast (as is the rest of Perth, it seems) along with their glazed Wagin duck with frites and bearnaise—honestly, you won't leave a lick of sauce on the plate here.
La Lune
East Fremantle
If you're lucky enough to be an East Fremantle local, consider us jealous. This gorgeous Parisienne-style cafe, bar and bistro from the husband and wife duo behind Assembly Yard is an absolute stunner. From the sunny street-front terrace to the bright gallery walls and splashes of marble, velvet and gold, the old heritage space feels incredibly fresh and inviting. Go hard on indulgent French classics like vol au vents, steak frites, dauphinoise potatoes and steak tartare washed down with a good French drop or one of their iconic martini parisiannes on les cocktail list.
La Bastide
Shenton Park
Dreaming of the French countryside? The newly opened La Bastide will have you there in no time. Popping up in the spot once home to Petit Mort, the fresh-faced French darling is the ideal Shenton Park addition. Come in day or night for classic French dishes (think: steak tartare, homemade duck rillette, steak frites and dauphinoise potatoes) and great wine, with a warm non-pretentious vibe that feels as comfortable for quick mid-week dinners as it does for the big occasions.
Vincent Wine
Northbridge
More cool wine bar than classic French restaurant, we'd still chalk this up as one of the best French spots in Perth. Vincent Wine is inspired by Parisian wine bars, so (surprise, surprise) it’s all about French and Italian winemakers at the bar, making up a solid 80% of the wine list. The bistro-style nibbles that you can scoff down alongside it are just as good. Mind-blowing charcuterie and pate plates that are (almost) too pretty to eat, gorgeous steak tartare and the oh so moreish duck and pork rillettes...it's very easy to spend a whole afternoon grazing in the breezy courtyard as you watch the world go by.
Angel's House
Fremantle
Angel’s House is a pretty little slice of France set within in an orange heritage-listed 1880s-built home in Fremantle. Run by two passionate French brothers, Anthony and Jeremy, the bistro serves up quintessential French cuisine in a relaxed setting, all made with locally grown, seasonal produce. Think escargot, cheese souffle and beef bourguignon washed down with the finest French wine.
Chez Pierre
Nedlands
For an authentic experience, look no further than French restaurant Chez Pierre in Nedlands. With a classic interior reminiscent of the brasseries of Paris, this place is relaxed fine dining at its best. The chef offers up a la carte, degustation and weekly regional tasting menus for just $65 a head that gives you an excuse to come back again and again.
Bistro Guillaume
Burswood
A more modern interpretation of Parisian bistros, Bistro Guillaume draws heavily upon its riverside resort location and features a fresh, colourful interior full of natural light. The ‘Partager’ menu makes this place a perfect choice for intimate dining or date night, and the Chateaubriand (basically just a really big, thick cut steak) is crazy good.
Bloody French
Subiaco
Tucked into the southern end of Rokeby Road, Bloody French is a warm and welcoming restaurant that sort of feels like home. The menu is seasonal but always features delicious interpretations of French classics, including snails a la bourguignone for anyone who's keen to give them a go. The best thing about this place (apart from the food)? They have a fire going in winter!
Once you're done here, check out our favourite Italian restaurants in Perth.
Image credit: Ridhwaan Moolla (La Lune), Mistelle Bistro, Le Rebelle, Natasja Kremers (La Lune), Elle Borgward (Vincent Wine and Angel's House), Bistro Guillaume