What's Cheaper Than Flights from Melbourne to Paris? These Chic Spots Around the City!

As the cold, wintery months fast approach, talk of people preparing for their European summer getaways becomes louder and louder. And for those of us not going, it stirs up feelings of envy, jealousy and sadness. As we sit in our offices, rugged up in a thousand layers, Sarah and Susan are posting the Eiffel Tower on their Instagram story. Ugh.

While you Google flights from Melbourne to Paris in a despair, we’re here to remind you that Melbourne is a city full of other cultures and cuisines. So, why not trick yourself into thinking that you’re on a Parisian holiday with these French restaurants, cafés, bars and shops? It’ll be the exact pick-me-up you need. 

Roule Galette

It doesn’t get more French than Roule Galette. Located on Flinders Lane, this cosy little spot is serving up traditional French crepes and savoury galettes – and they’re the real deal. It’s the perfect date spot or place to catch up with a friend for lunch before continuing on your city adventures. Plus, most of the staff are French, too, which makes convincing yourself you’ve boarded a flight from Melbourne to Paris that little bit easier.

Fancy a French toastie? Head right next door to Croque Monsieur, Roule Galette’s little brother. Same vibes in an even smaller space that’s just as cute!

241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

104 Koornang Road, Carnegie

Le Petit Marché by Entrecôte

For a taste of Paris in the form of a deliciously rich and creamy hot chocolate, you need to try Le Petit Marché. Their hot chocolates went viral on TikTok last year, as videos of people spooning freshly whipped cream into drinks so thick they looked like melted chocolate popped up left, right and centre. Run by the Entrecôte team, her you’ll find their renowned steak frites in a delectable sandwich, pastries galore, and the fluffiest quiches you’ll ever try.

146 Greville Street, Prahran

Florian

Located in Rathdowne village, Florian Eatery has the perfect mix of both Australian and European dishes to satisfy any French cravings you may have, while still offering some home comforts. Its blue exterior and floral-filled interior provide the perfect environment to cosy up with a book or type away on your laptop while sipping on a coffee – it’s giving main character energy.

617 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Tartine Bistro

French bistro by day, trendy wine bar by night, Tartine Bistro is our go-to spot for a lazy, French-inspired long lunch. Here, you can sip and swill your afternoon away on French wines while indulging on mouth-watering steak frites, assorted tartine and charcuterie. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon or evening rendezvous with your beau, or classy spot for your next girls’ dinner.

105 Swan Street, Richmond

Bar Magnolia

This small French Bistro is loved by locals and surrounding Melburnians alike for creating a beautiful French fare. Bar Magnolia, situated in Brunswick, is the perfect place to come to if you’re in the mood to share small plates over a glass of wine, including yellowfin tuna and & quail œuf écossaise with tapenade, Sydney rock oysters, twice-baked dreaming goat chevré souffle, and much more. With its moody atmosphere, it helps to set the mood and create great vibes for date night.

295 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Siglo

Siglo is a bit of a cross over between Spain and France, so you get to enjoy two European experiences in one! ‘Siglo’ means century in Spanish, and this cigar bar celebrates three centuries all in one place, as it takes inspiration from the history of the Princess Theatre’s 19^th century mural, the 20^th French century architecture, and drinking space that was established in the 21^st century. If you’ve ever been curious about trying a cigar, this is the place to do it in style (or not, and simply enjoy the classy ambience), all while sipping on whisky sours and negronis.

2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne

Bar Margaux

Head to Bar Margaux for a blast into the French past. This bar gives an old-school vibe, and we won’t be surprised if you feel as though you’ve been transported in time to a Parisian brasserie in the 1960s. Serving fine wine and French fare, this dark and moody establishment is the place to be if you’re feeling like a late-night drink, and maybe some escargot or frites.

111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Entrecôte

It wouldn’t be an article about Paris-inspired restaurants if we didn’t include Entrecôte. When you think of French restaurants in Melbourne, we’d be surprised if Entrecôte wasn’t the first that came to mind. Located on beautiful Greville street, dine alfresco or in their main dining room as you indulge in French delights. You need to order their iconic steak frites – it’s a must. However, you also need to try the cheeseburger royale with truffled brie, it’s like biting into a juicy heaven.

146 Greville Street, Prahran

Reine & La Rue

Got an occasion to celebrate? Or perhaps just feeling extra bougie? Reine & La Rue is the perfect place to go. Situated behind the iconic ANZ banking chamber on the corner of Queen and Collins, The Cathedral Room wherein you’ll be dining is something to behold. The architecture is show-stopping, and the food is also just as beautiful. There’s an extensive menu of starters, entrees, mains, and food from the grill. If you find you’re struggling to pick (we don’t blame you), you can ask their helpful staff.

380 Collins Street, Melbourne

French Saloon

The name says it all. French Saloon is a charming restaurant housed in a beautifully restored historic building. It offers a fusion of French-inspired cuisine with contemporary Australian influences and is known for its seasonal dishes crafted from quality ingredients, the restaurant provides a memorable dining experience in a cozy and elegant atmosphere. With a focus on both traditional and innovative flavours, French Saloon invites guests to enjoy a culinary journey of refined tastes and expertly curated wine selections.

46 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

South Melbourne Market

It may not be French, but you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into the heart of Paris once you step inside the South Melbourne Market. The hustle and bustle of people navigating through each block as they go about their morning, grabbing their groceries for the week and enjoying market meals is reminiscent of the morning markets you’d find in France. While you’re there, pick up a croissant from Agathé Pâtisserie to really create the full effect.

322-326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

Henne

Swedish for ‘her,’ Henne is an Australian brand that focusses on sleek, minimalist clothes that will help you build the capsule wardrobe of your dreams. Much like French style, Henne doesn’t care for the bells and whistles of elaborate fashion, and instead creates garments to last both through the tumultuous trend cycle and years of wear. It’s the perfect store to emulate understated and effortlessly beautiful Parisian fashion.

122 Greville Street, Prahran

Collins Street Paris End

If you have expensive taste and want to flaunt your style in the true Parisian designer way, the Paris end of Collins Street is your best friend. Dress up to peruse in the endless amount of designer stores and pick out your favourite pieces you’ll return for at the end of your shopping spree. You’d do it on holiday, so if you’re wanting to recreate that European summer vacation feeling, why not do it in the Paris-inspired section of Melbourne?

Collins Street

Now you've forgotten about booking flights from Melbourne to Paris, and have your French adventures all planned out for you locally, check out the best hot pot in Melbourne, or sip on the best matcha in Melbourne.