Bon Appetit! These Are Brisbane’s 11 Best French Restaurants
Foodies and Francophiles, unite!
Bonjour, mi food-lovin’ amour! The French are known for their incredible taste, and you’ll find plenty of that in their food. From heartwarming bouillabaisse to zesty crêpes suzette and the ultimate comfort food, potatoes dauphinoise, each bite is filled with that je ne sais quoi you won’t be able to get enough of. But first, let’s make sure we’re speaking the same language…
In France, there are three main dining experiences: restaurants, brasseries, and bistros. Bistros are casual neighbourhood haunts, while brasseries offer extensive menus served all day and well into the night. As for restaurants, well, that’s just everything in between!
Ready to eat? Bon appetit!
By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!
Bisou Bisou
Fortitude Valley
This elegant brasserie on Brunswick Street is equal parts chic as it is delicious. French for ‘kiss kiss’, you’ll feel the passion imbued in the experience, evoking a Parisian atmosphere through well crafted French food and revolutionary cocktails. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as drinks from the aperitivo bar, the indulgent menu caters effortlessly for both intimate date nights and share-style catch ups.
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Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar
Albion
A newbie that’s quickly cemented itself as a stellar dining experience, Hervé’s brings artisanal French-inspired food and wine to the Craft’d Grounds precinct. Whether you’re settling in for an Oysternoon with a bottle of Mumm Champagne and six freshly shucked oysters, or digging into the a la carte menu featuring coal grilled Moreton Bay bug, Western Rock lobster ravioli, and more, the world-class restaurant is sure to deliver. Celebrating the romance of experimentation, refinery meets relaxation to suit any occasion.
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C’est Bon Restaurant and Le Bon Bar
Woolloongabba
This charming neighbourhood nook in the historic Woolloongabba is packed with French flavour across the restaurant, bar, cellar, and rooftop bar. With each menu designed to highlight local and seasonal produce, C’est Bon embodies a paddock-to-plate philosophy from the selection of breakfast crepes to the quail au vin with pine mushroom. As for their cellar, it’s home to an exceptional selection of French and local wine, featuring family vineyards with a personal connection to C’est Bon.
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Montrachet
Bowen Hills
Arguably one of Brisbane’s best restaurants, this acclaimed French bistro has carefully crafted a seasonal menu complemented by an extensive French wine list. With a renowned reputation cultivated by its impeccable service and superb offering, the kitchen plays host to award-winning chefs and experienced leaders of the industry who create innovative interpretations of French classics. Whether you’re dining in the cosy interiors or lining the pavement of King Street, Francophiles and foodies alike will find plenty to delight in here.
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Green Glass
Brisbane City
Trot up an incognito flight of stairs and you’ll be greeted by a New York-style loft slinging French cuisine that’s surprisingly affordable considering its elevated take. From the creators of Happy Boy, the menu of share-style entrees, hearty mains, and delicately decadently desserts offers something to please for all palettes. Paired with a selection of boutique Australian wines, the crispy pork risotto, grilled salmon with smoked carrot mash, or steak frites served with parmesan seasoned fries will be taken to new heights.
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Aquitane Brasserie
South Brisbane
Like dining on the Seine River, Aquitaine is the waterfront restaurant combining fine food with magnificent wines. Taking you on a French culinary journey through its traditions, romanticism, and adventure, the menu of classic and contemporary dishes uses the very best from local suppliers to wow. Alongside its a la carte menu, Aquitaine has also introduced a degustation menu that provides a modern interpretation of humble, rich French fare, perfectly paired with the gorgeous views.
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La Belle Vie
Bardon
Bardon’s little slice of Provence quaintly resides with lines of fresh white tablecloths and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering soaring views to Mt Coot-tha. Tradition is the name of the game here, as La Belle Vie promises an authentic French dining experience with contemporary tones to boot. Plus, whether you’re dining on escargot, baked mussels, grilled eye fillet in red wine jus, or honey and spice sauce on pan-fried Aylesbury duck breast, your meal will include a complimentary artisanal baguette. Oui oui!
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La Cache à Vín
Spring Hill
Taking cues from the subterranean cellars of Burgundy, this once disused wine cellar is now home to a warm and welcoming French restaurant showcasing Lyonnaise-influenced dishes. Packed with nooks and crannies made for memorable moments, sip on lobster bisque cappuccino and revel in the talents of Montrachet’s former owner, Thierry Galichet, as his renowned experience in French fine dining shines in the spotlight. Doubling as a wine store, visit La Cache à Vín for a true taste of France.
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Miss Claudes Crepes
Newmarket, South Brisbane
From croissants to baguettes, France has quite the gastronomic profile, and this cafe pays homage to one of its finest. With its owner hailing from Normandy, this creperie uses a fourth generation recipe to create light, soft, and wafer-thin delights in an array of sweet, savoury, and breakfast options. Our pick? The Nutella combo, with banana, strawberries, and vanilla ice cream, drizzled with choc-hazelnut spread.
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La Vue
Brisbane City
Pairing the indulgent flavours and romantic atmosphere of French dining with waterfront views of the iconic Story Bridge, La Vue offers the sophisticated evening you’ve been waiting for. The refined dining space plays host to textbook-perfect techniques and passionate chefs, serving up premium seafood, foie gras, and other first-class creations. Throw in standout service and traditional decor, and you have yourself a visit to Paris without a plane ticket.
Belle Époque
South Bank
This chic French patisserie is oh-so-sweet and delightfully chic, paying homage to traditional French baking and craftsmanship. Reminiscing a Parisian promenade in its fitout, you’ll feel far away from the get-go before your first bite into the decadent menu seals the deal. Renowned for their high teas that offer tier after tier of sweet, savoury, and sublime delicacies, Belle Épopque also dishes out breakfast and lunch skillfully and freshly crafted every day.
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