Bistro Français

Bistro Francais owners Nazzareno Falaschetti and Fabien Streit are out to prove that French cuisine doesn’t always have to be rich, elaborate and only suited to special-occasion dining. And they’re doing that with a menu that assembles classic bistro dishes Streit refined while working across Europe and Australia – and it's the kind of fare you could easily get around on a Wednesday night after work.

Even if you’re not into soup as a starter, the French onion soup is worthy of your attention; a ceramic dish of the stuff topped with a toasted cheesy crouton. You might follow with snails in their shells with garlic and parsley, twice-baked cheese soufflé, and mains such as flat iron steak sent bistro-style on narrow enamel plates, with handcut chips and garlic butter. The ASMR-worthy creme brulee cracks beneath the backs of your spoon, giving way to smooth custard.

Backing it all up is Falaschetti’s concise wine list that traverses France and holds space for a couple of local favourites. But before you hit the grape juice, we recommend the passionfruit gin Martini – or a classic French 75 – to get the palate humming.

The narrow and cosy venue feels intimate, but ticks over at just the right pace so it doesn’t feel like staff are hovering. There’s salvaged brass lighting, beer taps pouring Kronenbourg of course, and a back bar crowded with booze.