France is not only a picturesque country to visit, with a vast contrast of rolling provincial landscapes, stylish urban sub culture, classical architecture, soaring cathedrals and bucket list worthy sightseeing; it is also a foodie’s dream.
From artisan bake houses creating buttery, flaky croissants and baguettes to perfection, to the fine dining restaurants serving traditional recipes of beef tartare, ratatouille, escargot, cheesy fondues and fine local wines, French cooking is done with refinement and culinary precision. In the lead up to Bastille Day (July 14), we are saying Bonjour to all things French, with our collated list of must visit authentic eateries painted in red, blue and white.
ParisiAnn Patisserie | QLD
The address says west Toowoomba, but the taste says the centre of Paris at ParisiAnn Patisserie. Join the husband and wife Chef team at ParisiAnn for decadent desserts made the authentic French way. Indulge in hand crafted sweet treats like salted caramel eclairs, with crisp choux pastry filled with lashings of caramel and Chantilly cream finished with a delicious salted caramel ganache or perhaps a creamy crème brulee with a toffee outer ready for cracking with the first scoop.
Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar | QLD
For a night of French sophistication, head to Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar in Bardon, Queensland. Head Chef Romain Bapst, is regarded as one of Brisbane’s most celebrated and loved Chefs, hailing from the Alsatian city of Strasbourg in France. Bapst brings with him years of extensive training and experience from award-winning restaurants, which has seen the creation of a fresh and modern menu. His signature sand crab lasagne with a creamy crustacean sauce, has seen media attention and critical acclaim Australia wide.
France Soir | VIC
Melbourne is known for its multicultural food scene, offering a vast array of French eateries. Head to South Yarra to experience sumptuous Parisian cuisine in an authentic setting at France Soir set along Toorak Road. An impressive wine list exceeds 40 pages of hand selected drops, whilst the menu has been created by Head Chef Geraud Fabre of Bordeaux. Fabre has spent many years working in Michelin stared restaurants, offering Melbourne diners the chance to sample his culinary techniques. Delve into dishes like the Lapin du jour- farmed rabbit of the day or steak tartare alongside an enticing dessert menu with options like the crepe suzette.
The Palm Court Tea Salon | NSW
A traditional high tea offers an air of elegance, rich with customaries and traditions, originally reserved for the working men which would be taken standing up or sitting on high stools, hence the name. Transitioning to a social event for ladies and gentlemen to enjoy before the evenings activities, the high tea has been a celebrated event ever since. For a luxurious high tea this Bastille Day, join The Palm Court Tea Salon nestled inside the historical Mansfield house, offering a grand space styled with touches of gold, antique architraves, high ceilings and waiters in traditional butler’s attire creating a grand space to enjoy a social snack with friends.
Mon Amour XO | VIC
Mon Amour, translated to my love, is a French inspired eatery in Melbourne’s Albert Park offering a delicatessen stocked with cold cuts of French, Spanish and Italian meats and cheeses. Enjoy healthy meals from early morning until late afternoon with eats like the croissant with cured black forest ham and Emmental cheese or a lunch of nicoise tartine with cured tuna loin, green beans, free range poached egg, baguette with tapenade and heirloom tomatoes all whilst seated in a contemporary diner, oozing French charm.
Les Bistronomes | ACT
Take a culinary journey with a distinct French theme and treat yourself and loved ones to a dining experience at Les Bistronomes, located on the corner of Mort and Elouera Street in Braddon. Enter to discover an interior furnished in timeless rustic style with exposed brick walls and floor to ceiling wine cellars housing an array of international wines to accompany any chosen traditional dish. Sample dishes like the ash crusted duck a l’orange with pickled red cabbage, orange and pine nuts, finishing the night with a decadent Valrhona chocolate fondant with hazelnut ice cream and caramelised white chocolate.
Le Bon Choix Ascot | QLD
It is a crime for any foodie to visit France without sampling one of the sweet treats they are famous for, however for those wanting to try these same delicious sweet treats, who may never find themselves on the streets of Paris, head to Le Bon Choix in Brisbane’s suburb of Ascot. Take a seat in the Parisian styled corner café and sip on a smooth cup of coffee whilst perusing a menu of traditionally made pastries and treats like the sour lemon meringue tart, a creamy vanilla éclair or a flaky almond croissant.
For more French restaurants close to you, search via your location here.
