Some might think of Brisbane as lacking in the kind of food culture that more southern states like Victoria and New South Wales have mastered. I’d argue those people have likely never been to Brisbane – or at least, they haven’t been with me. As someone who traversed its hilly, riverside suburbs for almost ten years, and whose eyes are often bigger than her stomach, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about where to dine across the city.
While there are plenty of foreign influences on the cuisine in South East Queensland – you’ll find plenty of fantastic South East Asian restaurants and Italian bistros – French food can feel a little harder to come by. But luckily, you have a tour guide through this journey (one who has dined her way through many of the city’s finest). Whether your M.O. is as simple as a medium-rare steak frites or a dish as complex as duck à l’orange, I’ve got you covered with a non-exhaustive but certainly definitive guide to the best French restaurants in Brisbane (right now).
Open: Every day
One of the newest and sparkliest jewels in Anyday’s crown is The French Exit, a Parisian-style bistro located on the ground floor of a heritage building on the corner of Mary Street in the city. Even if you’re not a fan of the food (and trust us, you will be), the Parisian-style bistro interiors alone are worth it. Designer Tamsin Johnson was called in for the job, and no detail – from stained-glass dividers to the antique mirroring – was overlooked. The dishes themselves are just as masterful – from duck à l’orange to house-made brioche stacked with slow-roasted confit peppers. We’d set aside some time to linger here – you’ll feel worlds away from Queensland.
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Montrachet is probably Brisbane’s most iconic French restaurant (and named for the legendary, dry white wine from Burgundy). Think: white tablecloths, brass details and cosy red banquettes. It’s recently started a new chapter under the expert guidance of chef Clément Chauvin, where we’ve seen a few updates to their Hatted menu. Icons like the signature double-baked soufflé with crab meat, Comté and creamy bisque thankfully remain untouched and perfect, but there are a few fun new updates – take the croque-monsieur, which now swaps ham for a seafood mousse.
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Perhaps Brisbane’s most recognisable French hot spot is located along Stanley Street in Woolloongabba, around the corner from The Princess Theatre (which makes it perfect for a pre-gig cocktail or dinner). Here, you’ll find a multi-level French restaurant, bar and rooftop, which hosts everything from fortnightly jazz sessions with bottomless frites to DJ sets on the Ooh La La Rooftop overlooking the city. The food at C’est Bon is impeccable – with a great value Chef’s Shared Menu to boot. Or for something more private, book their private Cellar dining room, La Terrasse.
Open: Every day
Tucked into the bottom of the Valley’s X hotel, Bisou Bisou is one of those spots that always seems to be buzzing. It’s open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and hosts great lunch specials, Bastille Day High Tea, and a great selection of daily mains – from Roast Pork to Slow-Roasted Beef, Ratatouille, and Roast Chicken. They also do great takeaway options – including a boxed-up roast chicken and chips.
Open: Every day
If you find yourself at the new Queen’s Wharf Precinct with nowhere to be and a desire for some champagne, we’d tell you to beeline for Pompette on The Terrace (Level 4). The French-inspired champagne bar and restaurant is open every day from lunch ’til late, and even hosts live Piano Nights and Raclette Nights. Just duck in for a glass of one of more than 150 wines from their list, or settle in for a full meal – don’t skip the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Provençale. If your’e heading to their Gin & Jazz nights, happening every Thursday, don’t miss the profiteroles either. (P.S. you’ll also get free parking at The Star if you dine here – just get your waiter to validate your parking ticket for you.)
Open: Wednesday–Saturday
The French-inspired dining room at Hervé’s on Collingwood Street is one of the inner north-east’s best. Its softly lit, glassed-in dining room seats 80 and focuses on French-inspired fare that highlights Queensland’s coastal produce. Lately, they’ve been doing a really fun ‘Tour de France culinary journey’, celebrating the culture and gastronomy of different regions through special set menus and wine pairings. Of course, the Crab Soufflé is a must.
Open: Monday–Saturday
Likely some of the city’s most authentic French fare is hidden behind a door at the rear of the old St Pauls Tavern. (Look for the neon signs in the back laneway, and you will find the entrance halfway down on the left.) The interiors feel like you’ve stepped inside a wine cellar, and you can opt for an à la carte menu, a degustation, or a set menu for tables of at least eight. You can also buy bottles from their cellar to be delivered to your door.
Open: Every day
Located in Skyring Terrace’s Haven precinct, DUCKFAT is all about a bold, modern take on French cuisine. The interiors feature trailing cherry blossom trees, graffitied classic art and an industrial-chic atmosphere. You’ll find all the classics here – classic escargot, steak frites, and oysters – but they sit next to more unique dishes like a pineapple carpaccio dessert and a ‘Basilisk’ cocktail topped with strawberry foam.
9. Petite (Fortitude Valley)
Having officially opened its doors in mid-June 2024, Petite has already gained some serious traction. For locals, this will mean something – it’s by the team behind Snack Man and Happy Boy. They dish up small plates and around 20 French wines, all in an incredibly photogenic, glass-encased, industrial venue. There’s an an upstairs mezzanine for private dining, but likely you’ll be sat in one of their downstairs leather booths or parked up at the bar. Standout dishes include the baked Onion Tarte Tartin, the Potato Pave with Crème Fraîche and Chives, and the Pork Terrine (handmade by the chefs).
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Dining and Cooking