Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

France-Soir

11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find France-Soir

11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9866 8569
HoursMonday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About France-Soir

A South Yarra institution since 1986, France-Soir runs on pure Parisian bistro energy. Tables sit elbow-to-elbow, the room rattles with conversation, and regulars still ring the restaurant directly—bookings remain strictly phone-only. Diners pack the tables nightly for time-tested staples: garlic-drenched escargot, citrus-lifted tartare, tender steak frites, and rich rabbit casserole. Waiters in crisp black-and-white steer diners through an encyclopedic carte des vins, poured alongside Kir Royales before spoons break through crackling crème brûlée.

  • High-Density Bistro Buzz: Elbow-to-elbow tables and mirrored walls cultivate a loud, electric atmosphere reminiscent of Saint-Germain.
  • Cellar-Scale Wine List: A sprawling cellar list running dozens of pages, curated and navigated by knowledgeable floor staff.
  • Classic French Repertoire: Dependable executions of escargot with garlic butter, tender entrecôte, citrus-lifted tartare, and rich rabbit casserole.
  • Old-School Phone Reservations: Retaining its classic dining charm, reservations are handled strictly over the phone rather than through online apps.
RestaurantFrenchRestaurant

What's On at France-Soir

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose France-Soir

Discover why diners return to South Yarra's enduring French institution—and reserve your table by phone for an unforgettable evening.

  • Transportive Parisian Bistro Atmosphere

    France-Soir captures the kinetic pulse of a genuine Parisian brasserie, turning close quarters and bustling room energy into an authentic Left Bank dining experience.

    It genuinely felt like I was in Paris — incredible how they’ve transformed such a small space into a little slice of France.

    Jodi James

  • Uncompromising Brasserie Vitality

    From the quick, French-speaking service to the hum of tightly arranged tables, the dining room delivers a seamless immersion in classic bistro culture without gimmicks.

    Feels like you’ve stepped into a classic Parisian bistro right in the heart of Melbourne.

    sterling marcus

  • Spirited Milestone Celebrations

    A vibrant acoustic setting and seasoned table service make milestone dinners and celebratory gatherings feel genuinely festive and memorable.

    Our group of three had a fantastic time, and the atmosphere was so vibrant that we’ve already booked our next visit for my wife's birthday.

    Mayur Katariya

  • Warm, Memorable Occasions

    The high-tempo room and attentive table care elevate birthdays and special occasions into lasting memories without stiff fine-dining pretension.

    I celebrated my 27th there the atmosphere was amazing and the food was excellent

    lucile d'angeli

  • Cellar-Scale Wine Depth

    The venue backs its classic kitchen with an extraordinary cellar program spanning dozens of pages, offering deep regional French selections.

    Wine list is very extensive (nearly 70 pages) - for those who are into this.

    W S

  • Faithfully Executed French Staples

    The kitchen executes time-tested French staples with consistency, from garlic-laden escargot to bright steak tartare and tender entrecôte.

    the escargot is tender and packed with garlic, sopping up that butter with the fresh warm bread a delight.

    miss goldie

Classic French staples most recommended by diners

  • Steak

    The steak is the star of the show. You can pick almost any option and know it’s going to be excellent.

    JK Taylor

  • Steak Tartare

    The steak tartare had this beautiful citrusy brightness (if that makes sense!) that lifted the whole dish.

    Jodi James

  • Crème Brûlée

    the chocolate mousse and crème brûlée are honestly the best around.

    Jodi James

  • Escargot

    the escargot is tender and packed with garlic, sopping up that butter with the fresh warm bread a delight.

    miss goldie

Other favorites

Specialty drinks, desserts, and intimate nightcaps that round out the France-Soir experience.

  • Kir Royale

    the Kir Royale cocktails — French champagne with liqueur — were so beautifully balanced.

    Jodi James

  • Apple Pie

    The apple pie for dessert was a delightful surprise, absolutely delicious.

    Davis Liu

  • Profiteroles

    the profiteroles were an obscenely generous serving.

    miss goldie

  • Next-Door Bar

    I recommend popping into their bar next door for a night cap, it is private, stunning interior, great cocktails and great to mingle.

    Melissa Argyriou

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation before visiting?

France-Soir is consistently packed and takes reservations by phone rather than online booking platforms. Reserving well ahead is strongly recommended to avoid waiting or missing out on a table.

What is the seating and dining atmosphere like?

Expect a lively, loud, and bustling Parisian bistro setting where tables are positioned closely together, creating high acoustic energy and a classic intimate squeeze.

What are the standout dishes to order?

Popular signature choices include the steak frites, steak tartare, garlic escargot, roast quail, duck, and classic desserts like the crème brûlée, profiteroles, and chocolate mousse.

What should I know about the wine list?

France-Soir maintains a massive, book-length wine list running dozens of pages, offering deep selections from classic French regions alongside local bottles.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Browse all Melbourne venues