France-Soir
Editorial Review
For some 20 years France-Soir has held the unofficial title of Melbourne's most traditional and best French brasserie. A narrow restaurant that makes full use of its space, this South Yarra eatery has had the locals hooked from their very first visit. Newcomers are often a little unnerved by the efficient and sometimes brisk service the French staff provide but it's all part of the European charm. Wall-mounted mirrors display daily changing specials, or plats du jour, that due to popularity often don't make it to the dinner trade.
Chef Geraud Fabre has designed a menu of classical favourites; if it isn't popular then it's replaced. Start with the saumon frais marini a l'aneth: fresh Tasmanian salmon marinated in dill. Follow with the filet de boeuf biarnaise (thick eye fillet with biarnaise) served with a side of pomme frites; or the house favourite of magret de canard pommes sarladaise: whole duck breast with sauteed potatoes. Finish with the plateau de fromage, a selection of Australian and French cheeses or the creme brulee.
Owner Jean-Paul Prunetti imports French wines direct from the grower, many of which are available from the hefty wine list or by the glass, along with a more local selection.
Veda Wickens, November 2005
User Feedback
Lloyd OHarte
September 13, 2006
What a disappointment. Rang weeks ahead (advised it was 15th wedding anniversary)and off to a flying start, right next to the toilet. And it didn't get any better. Service was perfunctory, bordering on indifference. Oysters fine but far too salty; main (rabbit)was ok but overwhelmed by the sauce while my wife's roast chicken & chips was exactly that and we may as well have gone to Porta's. Ordered a fine french wine to try and salvage the night and the advice given was plain wrong. Not happy.
Jane Evans
March 31, 2008
Also disappointed, although the food was good, the waiting staff were pretentious and I'm sure they could stuff more tables in the place, but I don't know how - ridiculously cramped - overall atmosphere 2/10.
Claire
July 16, 2008
Agree with the comments below. Went on Sunday for an early dinner (6.00pm, the place was half empty yet they decided to sit us next to a table of children). The service is way too pretentious. Had the garlic snails which had way too much garlic and butter. The steak did not fare any better, in fact I couldn't eat the greasy thing. Onion soup was great, but there are a lot of places in Melbourne that make it just as well without the attitude that comes with it. Will not be going back there.
November 17, 2009
I like this place a lot. I've been a couple of times (including a Christmas Day) and had a great time on both occasions, though it was a few years ago now. To the comments about the service: French waiters are supposed to be pretentious and snooty. It's part of the fun - I'd be disappointed if they weren't!
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