Punit Fernandes
French Saloon is an inviting French-inspired bistro tucked above Hardware Lane with a warm, loft-style atmosphere and excellent natural light. The menu blends classic French flavours with modern twists, and most diners praise the food quality, creative dishes and impressive wine list — perfect for date night or a special lunch/dinner. Service is generally attentive and friendly. The space can get lively and a bit noisy when busy, and some dishes or portions can be inconsistent for the price, but overall it delivers a memorable and elevated French dining experience in the heart of Melbourne’s laneway scene.
… moreTwo Sheds
We enjoyed it here but with a few caveats. The food was lovely. The onion soup was probably the best I’ve ever tasted. Very rich with superb flavour. The cassoulet was good but frankly a bit large for me and almost too rich and a bit overdone for something I’ve always seen as a rustic dish. The talk around the table from my companions was largely the same. Lovely food but with the serves a little too hefty. The wine list was good and we chose a few nice wines. The service was lovely throughout. I’d happily come here again but might choose a different main
… moreJan Kwak
Charming French bistro with high end a la carte menu. The entrance is simple wooden door with a small blue sign and stairs that leads up to a first floor loft. A nice atmospheric dining room with windows over a bustling hardware lane. The service was very friendly and personable, anything seemed possible. A nice variety of tasty dishes to suit many diets. We had the duck pate, snapper and Parisian gnocchi, all delicious, accompanied by a delicious CDP French wine. Great wine list, rather more Pinot’s than I have ever seen on a wine list! Excellent food all round. Can’t go wrong.
… moreLinh Nguyen
What an experience! The food was absolutely wonderful. I loved everything we ordered: the smoked eels, the artichoke, and the chicken liver pâté. For my main course, I had the whole market fish with Brussels sprouts, and it was fantastic. The gnocchi was also really soft and tasty. Cocktails were good too. Would love to come back for more.
… moreTraco (Traco)
French Saloon is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a little slice of Paris in the heart of Melbourne. We went for lunch, and the light-filled space added a whole new dimension to its charm. Natural sunlight streamed in, giving the room a soft, airy glow that made everything feel warm and inviting. The tables were spaced just enough to create a sense of intimacy without ever feeling crowded, striking a balance that’s hard to find in many bustling dining spots.
The service? Flawless. Warm, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful, the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. They were knowledgeable and quick to offer wine suggestions that perfectly complemented the dishes we ordered, adding an extra touch of care that elevated the experience.
And the food? A masterclass in understated elegance. The lamb was delightful—cooked to perfection with a depth of flavor that lingered long after the last bite. The fish was the star of the show: delicate, perfectly seasoned, and accompanied by a sauce so good it felt almost criminal. The roe pearls were a highlight—little bursts of briny sweetness that tasted like the sea itself. The steak, while delicious, leaned slightly on the tougher side, but it still delivered on flavor. The duck parfait was everything you’d hope for—rich, silky, and deeply satisfying—while the terrine was fantastic, a harmonious blend of texture and taste that showcased real culinary skill.
French Saloon isn’t about over-the-top theatrics or trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s about creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and letting the food and service speak for themselves. Whether you’re there for a long, leisurely lunch or a more intimate dinner, it’s the kind of place that feels like an escape—a moment of French-inspired calm in the middle of Melbourne’s busy streets. For anyone who values refined, thoughtful dining, this is a spot that absolutely delivers.
… moreGlenn Hindleg
Great food and service. Generous serves, loved the terrine and the steak frites was cooked to perfection. The jus and butter was delicious. Adi was excellent, so friendly and easy to chat to. Will be back.
… moreKit Williams
My boss took me and a coworker to French Saloon for a Christmas breakup lunch and our meal was rich and tasty from start to finish. I had the gnocchi while my boss had the rack of lamb. On the side we had some pomme fritts, which were actually more like cottage fries (but no complaints here, they were delicious), and broccolini in a thick, rich roasted garlic sauce that was almost like a mushroom gravy. Although the presentation and balance of flavours was generally excellent, I felt that a couple of things were overcooked. For example example, the pastry shells of the comte gougeres we had as an entree were well past light golden brown and were just brown, and rather dry. For me, the standouts were the desserts. The baba au Rhun, the tarte du jour and the creme brulee were all delicious. The venue is very nice, and does feel like a little glimpse of Paris, although it can be a bit noisy during the rush hour.
… moreJessica Kavanagh
I recently dined at French Saloon for a work dinner and opted for the set dinner menu. Unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired. Despite notifying them of a seafood allergy, they did not provide a suitable substitute for the seafood dish, which was quite disappointing considering the premium prices. This lack of flexibility in catering to dietary restrictions is surprising for a restaurant of this caliber.
The service was another letdown, as it lacked the attentiveness expected for the cost and setting. While the ambiance was pleasant and the restaurant had a nice, cozy atmosphere, its hidden location via stairs made it somewhat difficult to find.
Overall, while the setting is charming, the lack of accommodation and subpar service did not justify the price point. It’s a shame, as French Saloon has the potential to deliver a much better dining experience with some adjustments.
… moreRachael Angley
Beautiful restaurant with a lovely chilled, romantic atmosphere, friendly staff, great wine, delicious food. Feel like our friends introduced us to a hidden gem! Really loved the parfait entree, smoked eel starter, steak main – lots of favourites!
… moreMelinda Bourke
My daughter & new son in law just had their wedding reception here. We were incredibly impressed with the venue ( beautiful), the lovely 10/10 service and the drinks/food were superb. Thank you to all involved for a perfect happy memory❤️
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