France Soir

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 29

As the name declares, this is a French icon which is a habit in Melbourne (perhaps not daily like its namesake but still quite regular for many). Traditonal in its cuisine, and its "arrogant but efficient French service," the thing which is 'exceptionelle', is the wine list. A most comprehensive selection of Australian and French wines. For some bizarre reason, critics chose to attack last year. But France-Soir is not a place where a fuss is made, it's business-like, it has always been the same. People value it for that, to know what to expect, not fine food, it is a brasserie in menu and style (minus the beer emphasis of the true brasserie). The long, rather narrow room is enlivened on one side by the bar and on the other by mirrors where the daily specials are chalked. Noisy, good offhand service, smoking allowed, serves late and is not for wimps.

11 Toorak Road
South Yarra
French Cuisine
Melways reference 2L:F5
Phone: 9866 8569
Opening hours: 7 days Lunch: 12 noon-3pm. Dinner: 6pm- 12 midnight
Licensed & BYO
Corkage: $7.50 per bottle
Accept credit cards
Seats Inside: 74,
Closed: Boxing day and New Year's Day
Features: Kids encouraged
Favourites: Saumon frais mariné à l'aneth $15.50, Filet de boeuf béarnaise 250g $23.00, Crème brulée $8.50

*An updated review of France Soir