Bon appetit! The best French restaurants in Melbourne

White tablecloths and well dressed waiters don’t have to mean pomp and pretension. In the case of France-Soir, it just means good food and an even better night out. The restaurant specialises in classic French fare and the atmosphere is swinging with character and life. Steak tartare and whole duck breast with sautéed potatoes are worth the price of admission, especially when paired with a French wine from the extensive drinks list.

Dish Cult recommends: The set menu ($125)

If it’s understated French sophistication that you’re after, Bar Margaux has it in spades. An effortless blend of New York’s underground drinking holes and France’s moody bistros, it’s best to head here once the sun has slipped well past the horizon.

Having said that, if you get here between 5pm and 7pm, your earliness will be rewarded with the Beggar’s banquet, a feast which includes a bottle of champagne, oysters, frites and salmon rillettes. A little later indulge in classic French bistro dishes such as steak tartare, escargot and slow-cooked duck breast with frites. Later still, go for a cocktail paired with either the Souffle du jour or Tarte au chocolat.

Dish Cult recommends: The fish of the day with sauce vierge and cavolo nero ($32-$42)

Having relocated to its Prahran digs after finishing in South Yarra, Entrecote is back to serve the discerning masses, and in bigger and better ways than ever before. This buzzy spot exudes Parisian vibes in the best possible way, with dining rooms and French-esque courtyards, lantern lights and striped awnings at the entryways. You’ll feel like you’re Emily in Paris.

The signature Steak frites is guaranteed to have you begging for more, with pasture-fed Cape Grim Angus Porterhouse seared in a secret herb butter sauce. The Notre Pithiviers (a buttery puff pastry with brie, mushroom duxelles, and an enoki and herb salad) is sure to go down a treat. Perfect for date nights and birthdays and just about anything in between, Entrecote is the ultimate in French food.

Dish Cult recommends: The two course menu ($79.90)

Contemporary French dining has arrived in Fitzroy’s streets, and it’s really never looked better. You’ll find a more creative, modern take on France’s national cuisine at Bon Ap’. Enjoy Moules Normande (mussels tossed in cider, shallots and cream served with frites) or a seven-hour cooked saltbush lamb shoulder with sauteed vegetables. If you’re feeling like something lighter, the extensive cheese and charcuterie choices will remind you why France is justly famous for such delights. Round off your meal at this casual and funky little spot with Bon Ap’s rightly famous Crème brulee or Dark chocolate mousse with Chantilly cream and nougatine.

Dish Cult recommends: The two courses celebration menu ($50)

The dining room at The French Brasserie is a mix of moody contemporary and classically French, with a fit-out full of modern black accents and red leather booths. Main dishes include the fall-off-the-fork boeuf bourguignon, which features slow cooked beef cheeks, baby carrots, and confit shallots, and the confit duck leg served with root vegetables. A highlight on the entrée menu is the French onion soup, which is served with toasted bread and melted gruyere cheese – a true match made in French heaven.

The French Brasserie flies you to Paris, and if you were there you wouldn’t pass up dessert, so why would you here? We’re huge fans of the chocolate fondant served with vanilla bean ice cream, and the lemon curd and meringue tart.

Dish Cult recommends: Boeuf Bourguignon ($43)

French by way of Richmond, Noir is a humming bistro which describes itself as made for Melbourne’s people, and it feels just like it was too. Dark and moody with tasteful white accents from window frames to tablecloths and candles, Noir lives up to its name of the classic black and white feature films. Head Chef Peter Roddy is a decorated master of the culinary arts, having racked up Michelin stars from stints with Gordon Ramsay in Glasgow, and Michel Roux Jr’s Le Gavroche in London.

Drop in for the Steak du jour, the Meredith goat’s cheese tortellini, or the Beef tartare with potato bavarois. On the dessert board you’ll find Orange and chocolate gateau with Muscat ice cream, and Vanilla creme brulee with apple sorbet and a croissant crumble. All well worth your French time!

Dish Cult recommends: Slow-cooked rump of lamb ($38)

This glitzy South Yarra restaurant draws inspiration from the best of contemporary French bistros with Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean influences sprinkled in for good (and tasty) measure.

The vibe here is gorgeously approachable, making it a great spot for either a casual dinner with friends or a first date. If you love the sound of a Croque monsieur, the one at Bistro Gitan comes with the traditional ham and cheese, as well as smoked Morteau sausage. For heartier fare try the Poisson du jour, a dish of calamari, apple and pine nut salad, lemon and ginger or the Spatchcock with a mustard crust. While the dishes themselves might not be purely French, the overall result is such a satisfying experience you’ll forget about it entirely – and you’ll probably thank them for it too.

Dish Cult recommends: La pochouse – oven baked deep sea rockling with mushrooms and bacon ($43)