9 French brasseries, bars and patisseries to put on your radar
Looking for a little joie de vivre with your dinner? Adelaide City’s French food scene has all the buttery, béchamel-coated goodness your heart desires. Whether you’re after steak frites in a moody brasserie or flaky pastries to start your morning, we've uncovered spots with je ne sais quoi in spades. Bon appétit, indeed.
Le Pas Sage
Wander into this warm, romantic spot tucked in the corner of Hindmarsh Square. The name means 'The Naughty Ones', and it's reflected in their offering: a gentle rebellion against culinary norms, where tradition meets the vibrant flavours of South Australia.
Expect playful desserts, imaginative cocktails and plenty of classics, including melty, oozy raclette.
La Buvette
La Buvette's French owners have created a European-inspired haven at this hidden neighbourhood bar, which opens out to relaxed street-style dining. Choose from bistro-style menu of house classics and crowd favourites (like steak frites, an impossibly cheesy French onion soup and moules marinieres), grab one of their French wines, apertifs or cocktails and settle in.
Hey Jupiter Brasserie
Bonjour or bonsoir? Whether you're after a morning croissant, afternoon cocktails with charcuterie and freshly shucked oysters or a decadent dinner, you'll find gastronomic delights at any time of day at the East End’s little slice of France.
La Louisiane
Originally designed as a pop-up, this ode to French food, jazz and nightlife has now cemented itself in Adelaide's culinary scene with permanent digs in the heart of the city. Descend from the street and you'll find a moody, candlelit basement serving up classic French brasserie dishes (with a focus on local produce), plus interactive experiences including their roaming caviar cart.
Garçon Bleu
Perched on Level 9 of Sofitel Adelaide, Garçon Bleu blends French sophistication with the finest South Australian produce. Expect dishes like steak frites with Café de Paris butter, market fish bouillabaisse and roasted duck breast with fig. Paired with fine wines and skyline views, it’s a modern French dining experience to savour.
Rue de Siam
Vibrant Thai flavours meet modern French flair at this 1950s-themed hidden gem. Think tom yum ratatouille and pan-seared quail in bourbon, plus cameos from native ingredients like kangaroo and crocodile.
Les Deux Coqs
This Central Market favourite originally began in a former vicarage in a village called Saint-Amour-Bellevue in Burgundy. Lucky for us, they now use their artisan expertise to share French fare including traditional baguettes and croissants, terrines, rillettes, saucissons and sweets with customers.
Maison Clement
Recently crowned the Best Brekky in SA at the Restaurant & Catering Awards, this inner-city 'bistro bouillon' is dedicated to serving up affordable, delicious French food. Expect pastries and baguettes made fresh daily, alongside hearty options including boeuf bourguignon, duck a l'orange and the house special faisselle, fresh house made cheese with macerated Riesling strawberries.
The Corner Bistrot
A little taste of Paris on Leigh Street, this intimate restaurant has been serving up authentic French cuisine since 1998. A tight menu and daily specials guarantee fresh produce, with mouthwatering dishes including herb crepes, porterhouse steak with a creamy green peppercorn sauce or a classic crème caramel.
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