Storm the Bastille for a French Meal at these 5 Restaurants

It’s time to grab a crusty baguette, slab of cheese and glass of red to celebrate all things Français for Bastille Day on Sunday, July 14.

Established in 1880, this celebration commemorates both the storming of the Bastille on this date in 1789 as well as the Festival of the Federation in 1790. 

Down Under, it offers the opportunity to embrace France, its food, wine and culture as you enjoy your favourite French food, either at home or at our local restaurant. Here are five that won’t fail to impress on July 14:

Located within an historic 1842 homestead, Gracie’s Restaurant on Broadford-Flowerdale Road in Strath Creek is an idyllic location for an intimate meal or family celebration. Nestled within function venue Flowerdale Estate, this restaurant boasts an outdoor deck for sipping a wine on balmy days overlooking picturesque scenery and gardens, while indoors is warm and inviting as guests enjoy everything from high teas to romantic dinners.

 

Stop in on Sunday for a French feast and say merci to starters of Toulouse sausage, braised puy lentils and Dijon mustard, before larger plates such as sous vide lamb rump, char-grilled lamb cutlet, red cabbage, apple, daikon radish fondant and lamb sauce; pain perdu, coffee cream, poached pear and housemade quince paste makes for the perfect finish to a memorable meal.

Beach life and city trends harmonise amid a French touch at Hemingway’s on North Steyne in Manly. Like a good orchestra, the Manly foodie scene needs the most versatile instruments to play their best music in your ears and that’s where Hemingway’s comes in – think a window view of Manly Beach, draped curtains, dark wood table settings and monochromatic artwork on the walls.

 

Classic entrées such as snails roasted with garlic and parsley, served with mushrooms, red wine jus and a baguette, or beef tartare, capers, onion, cornichons and crusty bread always entice; before delving into a plat principal of confit de canard – confit duck leg, duck fat chat potatoes and duck jus, or steak frites with Angus flank steak, fries, garlic and herb butter.

It's easy to see why Chez Olivier on Toorak Road in the heart of South Yarra, is one of Melbourne's most loved French restaurants. All elements combine in an authentic ambience of moody down lighting, worn timber floors and intimate table settings, with rows of wine bottles on shelves and a large bar area ideal for an after-work drink.

 

Join Sunday’s lunchtime Bastille Day celebration and indulge in exquisite French cuisine such as foie gras, served with housemade brioche along with mains like pan-fried snapper fillet, fried sweet potato, butter and caper sauce and desserts of apple tarte tatin; there will also be a special guest and French-inspired surprises throughout the meal.

Discover Southern French-inspired café and restaurant Tapenade on Commercial Road in the heart of Melbourne’s South, offering a selection of authentic family recipes and a wide range of wines, cocktails and beer. Let your mind travel to France in warm and welcoming surrounds of recycled timber, plush blue banquette seating and potted greenery adding a calming vibe.

 

Perhaps linger on a comfy chair by the window before delving into a Sunday lunch starting with duck liver mousse, sweet wine jelly, croutons and housemade pickles; then devour signature confit duck, slow-cooked for 12 hours, served with seasonal accompaniments such as pommes frites with rosemary salt and green salad, finish with Basque burnt cheesecake with a hint of brandy and berry coulis.

Tucked away in a laneway lies the hidden gem of Spring Hill, La Cache a Vin on Wharf Street, delivering a French dining experience like no other. Step into a magnifique cavernous dining room, featuring leather banquettes, a marble bar and the piece de resistance – the French wine cellar door just inside the entrance – as you prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey that will leave you coming back for more. 

 

Saturday, July 13 is the day for celebration with a Bastille dinner starting with a glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a five-course menu with dishes such as snails served with onions, capsicum, tomato butter and olive crumb; followed by eye fillet, housemade French fries, green salad and Roquefort sauce. Finish decadently with crème brûlée, chocolate and cognac ganache and hazelnut ice cream, or lemon tart and diplomat cream.