Australians have developed a deep appreciation for fine French dining, drawn to its elegance, precision and timeless appeal.
French cuisine champions seasonal produce, refined techniques and artful presentation - values that resonate strongly with Australia’s sophisticated food culture. From delicate sauces to perfectly balanced flavours, every element is crafted with intention, creating a dining experience that’s both indulgent and memorable.
Australians also love the ritual and romance of French dining: leisurely meals, expertly paired wines and an emphasis on savouring each bite
Iconic dishes like duck à l’orange, beef bourguignon and crème brûlée evoke a sense of occasion, offering a taste of Parisian luxury without leaving home. With Australia's world-class wine regions and passionate Chefs, local restaurants are putting their own spin on classic French fare - blending tradition with modern flair.
For Aussies, fine French dining is more than a meal - it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship and culinary excellence. Here are five restaurants to discover fine French dining for yourself:
Savour a refined taste of France in elegant surroundings at Bistro de Paris on Chapel Street South Yarra. Honouring French culinary traditions with the finest Australian produce, the menu blends classic techniques with locally-sourced meat and seafood to create an authentic and elegant bistro experience in Melbourne.
Say merci to entrées of steak tartare, Dijon, capers, Cognac, cornichons and crisps, or baked Burgundy snails, garlic and persillade; before plat principal such as saddle of rabbit with green pea purée, heritage carrots and tarragon jus. Finish sweetly with crêpe Suzette and vanilla bean ice cream.
Take a leisurely drive north from Sydney along the Pacific Highway through Pymble and say bonjour to a little taste of French sophistication at Brasserie L’Entrecôte. A stylish dining room awaits with exposed brick adorned with artwork, leather booth seating, chocolate walls and dimmed lighting, making for an ambient space for an intimate meal.
Brasserie L’Entrecôte gives a nod to the original Le Relais de L’Entrecôte, a famous one-dish Parisian steakhouse circa 1959, inspiring a vision to keep the menu simple yet do each dish well. Start at the bar with a glass of Merlot and traditional French onion soup, before sliding into a booth for dry-aged duck breast, crispy potatoes, thyme and honey sauce.
From hand-glazed plates to freshly baked bread, Periwinkle Restaurant on David Low Way in Peregian Beach is anything but ordinary. Unwind with your morning latte in the Village Square on wicker chairs, where a beachy chic vibe is highlighted by pastel mosaic tiles and basket drop lights, creating a relaxed, yet elegant dining experience.
Allow Chef and creator Frank Boulay to entice with a modern French menu, where Mediterranean-influenced dishes are prepared with fresh, local produce delivered daily. Delve into starters like nicoise salad with grilled tuna, cherry tomatoes, beans, potatoes, eggs, olives and capers, followed by steak frites with lettuce and green peppercorn sauce.
Signature restaurant of Montville’s picturesque Spicers Clovelly Estate, The Long Apron is a dining experience that insists on a lengthy stay. This intimate restaurant feels instantly inviting and once seated in the elegant yet comfortable dining room, with its natural rattan and black timber curved chairs and white tablecloths, or out on the terrace gazing over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Most alluring are the seasonal European-inspired dishes on the menu, which blend classic techniques and the finest local produce with elegant results. Delve into the likes of little white goats’ cheese, salt-baked beetroot, burnt onion jam and leek ash to start; for the main, think roasted pork roulade, kohlrabi fondant, celeriac remoulade and horseradish sauce.
Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar, nestled within Albion’s historic Craft’d Grounds precinct, offers a refined yet inviting French dining experience. Housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old timber mill, the venue features a loft-style interior with exposed beams, polished wooden floors and bespoke lighting, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
The menu showcases French culinary artistry with a contemporary twist - signature dishes include sand crab soufflé, baked with comté cheese, a silky bisque made from the shells and seasoned with pastis. For the plat principal, think roasted duck breast, pressed confit leg, braised quince, parsnip and a sauce made from the bones.
