Bon Appétit: The 11 Best French Restaurants in Brisbane

Dreaming of a Parisian vacation? We've got you covered with our edit of the best French restaurants in Brisbane and the best French patisseries and bakeries for a croissant and café au lait! Between fluffy baguette and rich butter, sweet and smooth crème brûlée and extensive wine lists, we've got an absolute crush on the decadent flavours of French cuisine.

Whether you're celebrating or just looking for a taste of French finery, these delicious French restaurants are the best in Brisbane. They’ll tide you over until your next escape to the real deal, we promise!

Montrachet - Reopened October 2024

One of Brisbane's favourite French restaurants has reopened on King Street, with the kitchen helmed by the award-winning French chef Clement Chauvin, and a fresh new menu.

When visiting anew, diners can expect to see some of their favourites (the favoured double crab souffle and traditional escargot remain), alongside staples like bouillabaisse and steak frites, but each dish has a modern twist.

There are also some new delights to try; Le Duo D’agneau de Printemps (spring lamb two ways), Le Pithivier (roasted pumpkin and mushroom pie topped with sage and brown butter crumble), and a hearty beef Wellington with red wine jus.

With a luxe interior that mirrors the halcyon haze of the Belle Époque, Montrachet is a beloved Brisbane institution known for serving up French classics and a must-do for any Francophile.

1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills

Petite

The team behind beloved Fortitude Valley restaurants Happy Boy, Snack Man and Mini have opened their latest venue, to the delight of foodies and wine-lovers alike. After the success of Mini, a pop-up French bistro, a more permanent French solution has arrived on the corner of East and Ann Streets.

Serving a concise menu of 20 dishes and 20 wines, there are suggestions for pairing to cut out any laborious decision-making when you’re eager to dine. With a menu designed for sharing, Petite is the ideal new dining destination for date nights or your next special occasion.

Corner of East Street and Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

Les Bubbles

If you’re someone who struggles with decision paralysis when faced with a huge menu, we’ve got just this thing.

Les Bubbles is a Parisian steakhouse in the heart of the valley, in a building that once housed an illegal casino, bath-house and brothel. The building’s colourful history lives on through the cheeky decor and styling of the venue and in the spirit of The Bath House bar and function room below the restaurant.

Les Bubbles focuses on one dish and makes it fabuleux. Often referred to as the national dish of France, steak frites is the centrepiece of the menu at this French restaurant in Brisbane.

The steak is flame-grilled to your preference and served with a soft leaf salad and bottomless frites. There are options for the pescatarians and vegetarians in your dining party, too!

Corner of Little & Wickham Streets, 144 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

C’est Bon

Bienvenue and welcome to C’est Bon, a French feast for the senses in the heart of Woolloongabba. From breakfast to dinner C’est Bon will take you from 'matin' to 'nuit' with their sincere and seasonal modern French feeds.

With gorgeous, rustic decor and a passionate kitchen team, C’est Bon is easily one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane for any occasion. Expect bougie takes on loved dishes like lobster thermidor, terrine and tartare, to sweet classics like crêpes, crèmes caramel, and tarte tatin.

Enjoy their unique space sitting in the restaurant, the bar, in the intimate cosy cellar or enjoy the soleil on the garden terrasse or rooftop bar. This is the perfect Parisian spot for your next meal!

609/611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba

Herve’s Restaurant and Bar

Housed in what was once a timber mill in Albion, Herve’s Restaurant and Bar is an elegant long lunch location with a loft-style aesthetic.

Watch the energy in the bustling open kitchen with numerous chef stations crafting seafood dishes, pastries and wood-fired deliciousness.

The entire menu is exquisite from amuse bouche to desserts (and the enormous wine list is what dreams are made of), but it’s the Western Rock Lobster Ravioli we’re dreaming of, featuring lobster bisque and tarragon oil for melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Level 1, Craft’d Grounds, 31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion

Bisou Bisou

Brisbane’s freshest face on the French fine dining scene is certainly Bisou Bisou. This French-inspired brasserie and aperitivo bar is brought to you by the Ghanem Group (also responsible for gifting Brisbane with Donna Chang and the Boom Boom Room) and will whisk you away to Paris for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Serving a menu full of French staples alongside modern dishes, you can dine as simply or as ostentatiously as your heart desires.

We love dining on the freshly sourced mussels, classically pot-cooked and served with your choice of sauce and a crusty baguette.

458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

La Belle Vie

At the top of Bardon with a glass-walled dining room offering tree-top views, grab a seat by the window and enjoy one of Brisbane’s best French restaurants.

With degustation or a la carte menus to choose between, this Inner West restaurant offers classics from foie gras and traditional French cheeses to pan-fried duck breast and – the true mark of any traditional menu – a crème brûlée.

Well-versed in providing top-tier food and service, the La Belle Vie team hark from a mixture of Michelin Star restaurants to family-owned bistros.

Sitchu Tip: Book a dusk sitting to maximise the stunning golden hour views as the sun sets over the lush, green hills.

60 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon

Boucher Bistro

Get ready for a bold claim on our part (but one we’re ready to back up) Boucher Bistro is home to the best French fries in Brisbane.

As well as the aforementioned pomme frites, you’ll find modern classics like a rich Roquefort cheese soufflé and an absolute must-try seafood bouillabaisse.

Chef and owner Peter Carter has over 20 years of experience in the industry and he’s offering an amazing set menu with six courses setting you back $105. You can also score five matching French wines for $155.

365 Honour Avenue, Graceville

La Lune Wine Co

Now, this is a cosy corner! La Lune Wine Co makes for a very fun date night out, as you’ll be up close and personal with the friendly chefs and bar staff if you opt to sit at the bar.

If you prefer something a little more removed, choose one of the tables and settle in for a night of shared charcuterie and excellent wine.

You’ll find La Lune by wandering down the eclectic food and beverage precinct that makes up Fish Lane, making it the ideal location for a night spent visiting one of the best French-inspired restaurants in Brisbane.

Shop 3, 109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Lune Croissanterie and Lune Lab

Lune Croissanterie is the best thing to have ever come north from Melbourne... These bakers take croissant creation to the next level with the ultimate attention to detail.

Head to their new South Brisbane store for an exquisite experience and enjoy every bite. If you’re seeking fine dining in a degustation style setting, you can’t look past Lune Lab.

A few steps from their Croissanterie, this elevated pastry experience allows the mastermind pastry chefs behind the Lune team to flex their creative muscles and turn croissants into a sweet and savoury gastronomic adventure.

15 Manning Street, South Brisbane

Chouquette

Anyone who’s been to France will tell you just how incredible the pastries and the fresh bread are… and Chouquette is the closest thing you’ll find to an authentic patisserie in Brisbane. The French owners honour traditional methods of baking to ensure consistent quality across their loaves and cabinet goods. Loaves are baked fresh daily and available in pumpkin, olive, fruit loaf and more. If you’re planning a picnic or an elevated brunch or dinner party, stop in at Chouquette to stock up on quality French baked goods to delight your guests!

19 Barker Street, New Farm

Seeking more fine European fare after trying all of the best French restaurants in Brisbane? The next stop is Greece, with our guide to the best Greek restaurants around the city. You can keep it Mediterranean by trying all of Brisbane’s best Italian restaurants, too!