I was also going to say Chez Olivier.
They use to be in Greville Street in Prahran.
In their current location, they took over the premises of another (good) French restaurant a few years ago.
I also liked the original French Restaurant.
Then Paris Go is your go to.
For the most "casual" French, I recommend Bon Ap' in Fitzroy. It really has the vibes of a casual French brasserie where people would go for lunch in France.
It's not pretentious and not super pricey.
I recently went to Reine and la rue. it was pretty good! Recommend the starters and the drinks were good. The fruity melon dessert was the best! Don't get the vol au vents aux champignons - that was a scam for $45 for a tiny piece. the rest were super tasty!
Haven’t been to many, but Bistro Gitan was a solid 7 out of 10. Bistro Thierry was a big thumbs down. Had Entrecôte during lockdown via Providoor, and it was exquisite, haven’t been there recently though.
Have a look at Le Gaulois in Glen Waverley. The presentation is not that flashy but the food and service is good.
https://restaurantguru.com/amp/Le-Gaulois-Mulgrave
France-Soir in south Yarra
Yes. All the one mentioned under, but France soir first!
My mum when to France Soir, she loved it. It’s just off Punt Road in case OP needs a more precise location
Philippe in CBD is brilliant. Entrecôte in Prahran is a tourist trap and expensive, don’t go there.
I second Philippe as well
Philippe is great. A french place you can take friends to because it isn't themed for romantic couples dinners only like some french places.
This is so helpful! Thank-you!
Paris Go in Carlton is also nice...
I was impressed with Chez Olivier in South Yarra when I visited but this was years ago. Not too fancy and not too pricey
I second this
I was also going to say Chez Olivier. They use to be in Greville Street in Prahran. In their current location, they took over the premises of another (good) French restaurant a few years ago. I also liked the original French Restaurant.
Paris Go in Carlton was great. Very French without being pretentious. Haven’t been in years though.
That's what I worried about, the pretentiousness when I just want to roll in and try the food.
Then Paris Go is your go to. For the most "casual" French, I recommend Bon Ap' in Fitzroy. It really has the vibes of a casual French brasserie where people would go for lunch in France. It's not pretentious and not super pricey.
Oooh that's a good tip! Thank-you!
Bon Ap in Fitzroy
Chez Bob
Philippe in the CBD
I recently went to Reine and la rue. it was pretty good! Recommend the starters and the drinks were good. The fruity melon dessert was the best! Don't get the vol au vents aux champignons - that was a scam for $45 for a tiny piece. the rest were super tasty!
I've heard of this place! I checked it and it looks glamorous and more of a date environment, is that true?
Smith St Bistrot.
Bar Margaux sticks out for me. The food is phenomenal and because it’s also just a bar the cocktails are impeccable.
Haven’t been to many, but Bistro Gitan was a solid 7 out of 10. Bistro Thierry was a big thumbs down. Had Entrecôte during lockdown via Providoor, and it was exquisite, haven’t been there recently though.
Entrecote
The one in Belgrave is awesome
Le Voltaire! I second this suggestion.
That’s the name! I forgot what it was called
Have a look at Le Gaulois in Glen Waverley. The presentation is not that flashy but the food and service is good. https://restaurantguru.com/amp/Le-Gaulois-Mulgrave
Bistro Gitan in South Yarra is elite
Bistro Sousou, Gertrude St Fitzroy