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Delicious.100: Victoria’s best French restaurants

There’s no shortage of authentic Gallic bistros in Melbourne, but you’ll have to travel if you want a taste of Victoria’s best duck a l’orange. These are the state’s most delicious French restaurants.

MIDNIGHT STARLING

Victoria’s best duck a l’orange. Picture: David Smith
Victoria’s best duck a l’orange. Picture: David Smith

Those in the know have long known that just an hour out of Melbourne the state’s best duck a l’orange is found.

At Kyneton’s Midnight Starling, you’ll find Steve Rogers putting his experience gained in top Parisian kitchens to terrific use across a menu that comes in both a la carte and degustation form, both in the wood-panelled dining room and in the moody wine cellar below.

FULL MIDNIGHT STARLING REVIEW

FRENCH SALOON

French Saloon’s steak tartare.
French Saloon’s steak tartare.

Paris as seen through the eye of Melbourne, French Saloon offers a terrific execution of Gallic classics rendered with modern-day class.

Such hits as the steak tartare – thick, hand-cut meat with sticky yolk and punchy Tabasco heat – and a knockout steak frites with a rich, more-ish Roquefort crust and malt vinegar-splashed chips are teamed with lighter, brighter fare that shows an eye on the future while respecting the past.

FULL FRENCH SALOON REVIEW

PHILIPPE

Philippe’s rotisserie chicken is one of the simplest, yet best things in life.
Philippe’s rotisserie chicken is one of the simplest, yet best things in life.

Sometimes the simple things really are the best. And when a grey day needs brightening, Philippe Mouchel’s famous rotisserie chook remains a failsafe hug of comfort that has made countless Melburnians smile for every good reason.

Golden of skin, juicy of flesh and rich with buttery goodness, with garlicky beans and a pot of coq au vin to the side (too much chicken is never enough here) and you have a plate of textbook happiness that everyone should treat themselves to at least once a year.

FULL PHILIPPE REVIEW

BISTRO GUILLAUME

King Island lamb shoulder as Bistro Guillame.
King Island lamb shoulder as Bistro Guillame.

The French life we love carries on, as always, at Bistro Guillaume.

Chef Guillaume Brahimi serves “French food from the heart” and he delivers on that promise with well-executed, unpretentious Gallic fare.

Specials, chalked on a board in the green-trimmed dining room, might run to Red Emperor tartare or (very good) braised rabbit with radishes.

FULL BISTRO GUILLAME REVIEW

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/delicious-100/delicious100-victorias-best-french-restaurants/news-story/098720929b1e584ddc4ede86a31cd290