Bon Appétit: The 12 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!

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.

Sitchu Tip: Keen for cocktail hour? Visit Herve’s on Wednesday through Sunday between 4pm to 6pm to sample their newly created cocktail menu at their Session Society offering.

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

Montrachet

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. Chef Shannon Kellam uses seasonal ingredients to create a la carte and set menus that portray Parisian perfection. With multiple awards under their belt, Montrachet has set the standard for the best French restaurants in Brisbane. Start with a French 75 signature cocktail of gin, lemon and sparkling wine before diving into a decadent menu of French onion soup with gruyere toast or escargot baked in butter and topped with puff pastry lids. Move onto your mains with a seafood bouillabaisse or a classic steak and frites dish. Make sure you leave room for desserts – there’s a gorgeous crème brûlée or go for something special with an underrated French gem – and a personal favourite of ours – a baba au rhum with tropical cream.

1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills

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 absolutely 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’ 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. As always, French desserts are an absolute must with Lindt chocolate soufflé, classic tarte tatin and roasted caramel pear with light and fluffy lemon beignets.

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 at front of house, 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

Darvella Patisserie

When the Venzin Group set up shop anywhere, Brisbane takes notice. Named for the tiny town in Switzerland that their ancestors hail from, Darvella warmly welcomes you to explore their range of croissants, breads and speciality cakes. You can also sample locally made Swiss-style cheeses, meats and savoury pastries. Darvella has a strong focus on utilising sustainable and local produce of the highest quality. This charming patisserie is set on sunny Oxford Street in Bulimba, so why not catch the ferry and spend a day exploring the suburb after brunching at Darvella.

37 Oxford Street, Bulimba

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

Mica Brasserie

If the sun is up and you’re craving French fare, wander on down to the Breakfast Creek lifestyle precinct and visit Mica Brassiere. Serving a mix of breads to pastries your sweet tooth is well and truly catered for (even if you’re gluten-free or vegan!). Mica serves up a bright, flavourful and decadent breakfast and brunch menu that has quickly earned it the reputation of being one of the best French restaurants in Brisbane.

We can’t stop thinking about the Toasted Croissant Sandwich, with cold smoked Tassie salmon, avocado, celeriac and sunflower seed remoulade and fresh lettuce. It’s the perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence.

The Promenade, Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Centre, 194 Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead

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!