The French bistro experience is a timelessly elegant one—white tablecloths, soulful dishes, a certain nonchalant atmosphere that can turn any meal into a celebration. Across the country, a new wave of bistros are offering that heady mix of rustic hospitality and refined culinary craftsmanship. Here’s where to say bonjour to beautiful food, warm service and a little taste of France without leaving home.
The Sutton Forest Bistro – Sutton Forest, NSW
Set amongst the rolling hills of the Southern Highlands, The Sutton Forest Bistro at the historic Sutton Forest Inn offers a country-style take on the traditional French bistro spirit. Here, rustic charm meets genuine old-school hospitality, whether you're perched in the bustling public bar, settled in the spacious dining room, or soaking in the country air from the relaxed beer garden.
The menu showcases regional produce with a French twist—think hickory smoked chicken wings dipped in housemade ranch to start, followed by mains like a pork cutlet with caramelised apple and potato gems. For a true showstopper, the rib eye arrives with seasonal vegetables, golden housemade gems and a slab of café de Paris butter melting into every glorious bite.
La Chouette – Hunters Hill, NSW
Nestled in the leafy elegance of Hunters Hill, La Chouette delivers a slice of Burgundy to Sydney’s shores. A stylish, sophisticated space of white linens, sandstone walls and light green tones sets the stage for a refined yet welcoming experience, perfect for date nights or long, leisurely lunches.
The kitchen blends modern technique with traditional heart. Start with lightly cured kingfish paired with saison fruits, vegetable salad and crème fraiche, then move onto a standout duck breast with beetroot barigoule and baked shell pasta. Lovers of heartier plates will be tempted by the rack of lamb, accompanied by creamy spinach and a mushroom anchoïade. Dessert? Lemon tart with white chocolate mousse is mandatory.
Le Pas Sage – Adelaide CBD, SA
In the heart of Adelaide on Hindmarsh Square, Le Pas Sage (meaning ‘the Naughty Ones’) defies French clichés with a playful yet precise approach to traditional bistro fare. Sophisticated without being stuffy, the vibe is intimate, warm and charmingly rebellious, much like its modern interpretation of French classics.
The menu reads like a love letter to French technique with a modern twist. Indulge in an oven-baked camembert drizzled with honey and thyme, or a beef tartare seasoned with mustard, capers and shallots. Mains like the coq au vin are an ode to rustic French cooking, but for something special, the beef fillet served medium-rare with Parisian-style mushrooms and a luxurious béarnaise sauce is simply sublime
From romantic candle-lit rooms to country gardens under wide open skies, these venues prove that the French bistro experience is alive and thriving—charming, decadent and utterly irresistible.
