Bon Appétit: The Best French Restaurants in Adelaide

French gastronomy is practically an art form, from indulgently decadent dishes to simple classics that carry that certain je ne sais quoi. And let’s not forget the mouth-watering wines, renowned alongside some of South Australia's own wine greats.

Adelaide is home to a rich selection of French dining experiences, from charming bistros that serve up fast, fresh dishes to elegant cafes offering the perfect morning croissant. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the city’s dark and moody brasseries are perfect for enjoying classics like steak frites, slow-cooked coq au vin, and rich, buttery escargots.

Here are some of the best French restaurants in Adelaide to get your authentic Parisian fix. 

La Louisiane 

Descend into the basement of a heritage building and find La Louisiane, a moody brasserie where classic French dishes and some of Adelaide's best martinis await. It’s a spot for good times, with live jazz on weekends setting the perfect vibe.

Enjoy gruyère soufflé, steak tartare, snails with garlicky herbed butter, or the signature burger and fries. For true indulgence, don’t miss the steak frites with Café de Paris butter, followed by profiteroles—akin to chocolate, pastry, and cream heaven. Pair your meal with their world-class wine list for an unforgettable experience. Bon appétit!

89 King William Street, Adelaide  

Longplay Bistro

Longplay Bistro brings undeniable French-inspired flair with a casual yet lively vibe, perfect for wine lovers and music enthusiasts. Co-owned by Marshall King of Clever Little Tailor and Pink Moon Saloon fame, the venue’s one-page menu, crafted by chefs Calum Horn and Jude Hughes, delivers refined European bistro dishes. Highlights include velvety venison tartare with house-made crisps, perfectly cooked dry-aged ribeye with béarnaise, and delicate King George whiting. The space itself combines sleek design with a relaxed atmosphere, featuring striking décor and bespoke wooden tabletops. Whether day or night, Longplay offers a vibe you won’t want to miss.

131 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Delicatessen Kitchen + Bar 

Dining at Delicatessen Kitchen + Bar feels like a mini Paris getaway, with the perfect mix of French bistro classics and laid-back South Australian vibes. For lunch, indulge in a timeless salade Niçoise or a twist on the classic Caesar, topped with crispy duck leg. Keep cosy with their rich French onion soup or melt into their decadent Croque Madame. Come dinner, the menu expands into sumptuous dishes like bouillabaisse, making it clear why Delicatessen is one of the best French restaurants in Adelaide. C’est magnifique!

12 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Hey Jupiter

Step into the charm of a Parisian-style cafe tucked in the vibrant corners of Ebenezer Place at Hey Jupiter. Whether it’s a leisurely morning petit déjeuner with coffee and croissant or an indulgent au Champagne, this spot radiates effortless French flair. Mid-afternoon cravings? Dive into oysters, saumon fumé, beet and chervil salads or a classic croque monsieur. As the sun sets, settle in for steak frites, joue de boeuf à la bourguignonne, or poisson du jour, each dish a warm embrace of French comfort. One of the best all-rounder French restaurants in Adelaide to savour that Parisian vibe, no plane ticket required.

11 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide

Bistro Francais

Adelaide’s King William Road is a paradise for food enthusiasts, lined with exceptional restaurants, cafés, and bistros stretching through Hyde Park, where Bistro Francais proudly resides.

Believing French cuisine should be an everyday indulgence, Bistro Français opens its doors from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a menu brimming with authentic recipes, contemporary interpretations, and seasonal delights. Pair your meal with wines sourced from esteemed French regions as you savour dishes like boeuf bourguignon, steak frites, or crepes aux champignons. Finish with the quintessentially French crème brûlée for the perfect sweet touch.

144A King William Road, Hyde Park

Garcon Bleu

Immerse yourself in 1920s Parisian elegance and glamour right in the heart of Adelaide, all in celebration of exceptional food and wine. Garcon Bleu invites diners to savour the essence of French gastronomy amidst award-winning interiors, perched on level 9 of Adelaide’s luxurious Sofitel Hotel.

Under the guidance of Head Chef Gianni Delogu—whose experience spans Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK, Europe, and Asia—the innovative menu bursts with bold French flavours. Opt for the Rapide menu for a swift yet exquisite lunch, or indulge in the À La Carte menu to savour every sumptuous bite.

Level 9, 108 Currie Street, Adelaide

La Buvette Drinkery

Dreaming of Parisian late-night cafe and cocktail culture? Situated just a step away from Adelaide’s bar district of Hindley and Bank Street, La Buvette oozes French style, with its deep blue interiors, low lighting and large blackboards stating their natural wine selections. Begin your evening with an aperitif, get your fill of classic French dishes from escargots to charcuterie to steak frites, and finish up with an expertly curated cocktail. C'est magnifique!

27 Gresham Street, Adelaide

Herringbone Restaurant

Seasonal South Australian produce, served in a rustic European style, takes centre stage at Herringbone Restaurant, where a communal atmosphere is imbued with culture and warmth. Light, airy, and stylish surroundings come alive with vibrant dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, with a menu that evolves alongside the seasons. This spring, highlights include whipped cod roe dip with Yarra Valley roe and potato crisps, crispy skin barramundi complemented by roasted celeriac, Café de Paris butter, and lemon, and a zesty Meyer lemon tart brûlée for dessert.

72-74 Halifax Street, Adelaide

A Prayer for the Wild at Heart

A Prayer for the Wild at Heart is where French flair aligns with Adelaide’s relaxed charm. Located on Hurtle Square, this charming brasserie serves exquisite dishes like whipped duck parfait on brioche fingers, potato rösti with chive crème fraîche and Aquna Gold sustainable Murray Cod caviar, indulgent gnocchi Parisienne with truffled mushroom ragout, and a rich cassoulet featuring house-made Toulouse sausage.

By day, it’s a sunlit cafe and popular bottomless brunch spot; by night, it evolves into a chic bistro with retro vibes, leafy alfresco dining, and a stellar wine and cocktail list. Perfect for anything from leisurely breakfasts to indulgent dinners, it exudes pure joie de vivre.

44 Hurtle Square, Adelaide 

Le Pas Sage 

Step into a slice of Paris in the heart of Adelaide's CBD at this quintessential French bar and bistrot. Evoking the charm of a ‘90s Parisienne bistro, Le Pas Sage offers more than just atmosphere—it serves up decadent French classics alongside perfect cocktails and an impressive wine list. Whether you’re indulging in gooey raclette with potatoes and cured ham or sipping a glass of Bordeaux, this sophisticated spot seamlessly blends nostalgic elegance with culinary flair, making it a must-visit French restaurant in Adelaide. 

Pullman Adelaide, 24 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide

Les Deux Coqs

Venture into the Adelaide Central Market, where Les Deux Coqs will take care of you. Born from a passion for their home country’s cuisine, founders Bastien and Katia have brought some of the very best French food to Adelaide. Here, you’ll find authentic French charcuterie, pâtisserie, viennoiserie (baked goods), and ready-to-eat products to take home (you can even order online). Parfait!

Stall N°2 Adelaide Central Market, 44-60 Gouger Street, Adelaide

Loving our list of Adelaide’s best French restaurants and want to discover more top-foodie spots? Check out our guide to the best new restaurants and the finest long lunches in the city.