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Inside Tartine in Richmond.

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13 bustling French bistros and bars for Bastille Day and beyond

The next best thing to actually dining in Paris this summer? Soaking up the atmosphere – and the steak frites and Chablis – at these charming Melbourne venues, instead.

13 stories
Ignatio is eating her way around Melbourne’s French restaurants including France-Soir.
14/20

‘The city’s best-loved bistro’: France-Soir

  • Besha Rodell
White tablecloths and bistro curtains add a timeless quality to the Victorian-era shopfront.
14.5/20

‘Timelessly elegant Euro-Melbourne vintage shopfront’: Malin

  • Besha Rodell
Tartine French restaurant in Richmond, Melbourne.
14/20

‘A French restaurant that feels special, but also casual’ : Tartine

  • Besha Rodell
The main salon at Gigi is kitted out with antique crystal chandeliers, hand-painted walls and lace-frilled velvet club chairs.

‘Like a mini Versailles’: Gigi bar

  • Tomas Telegramma
Big, and brash, and fun: The ground floor of Maison Batard.
14.5/20

‘Big and brash and fun’: Maison Batard

  • Besha Rodell
Vinesmith is a new venue in Melbourne CBD spanning wine bar, bistro, cellar door and bottleshop.

‘A genuine taste of what’s hot in France right now’: Vinesmith

  • Emma Breheny
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Philippe's precision pâté en croûte.

‘A relaxed but polished bistro’: Philippe

  • Dani Valent
A wrought iron-trimmed mezzanine has been added to the Collingwood space now houses Smith Street Bistrot.
Good Food hat15.5/20

‘Nostalgic, indulgent, backstreet Parisian bistro’: Smith Street Bistrot

  • Michael Harden
Big windows, a red vaulted ceiling and white floorboards give French Saloon a timeless quality.
Good Food hat15.5/20

‘Like an artist’s loft turned pared-back brasserie’: French Saloon

  • Besha Rodell
Red velvet seats and timber panelling has helped transform a onetime bike shop into a rococo bordello.

‘Glammed-up bordello appeal’: Le Splendide

  • Besha Rodell
One of Melbourne’s most loved French bistros, Bistro Thierry in Armadale.

‘Something quite magical’: Mon Ami and Bistro Thierry

  • Besha Rodell
Steak frites is served with either bordelaise or bearnaise sauce and salad at Normandy Wine and Grill.

‘Friendly, cosy, warm and not too stiff’: Normandy Wine & Grill

  • Dani Valent
Caviar trolley.

‘Paris-via-Prahran fantasyland’: Entrecote