We know you'll be saying merci beaucoup.
We know you'll be saying merci beaucoup.
If there’s one destination that knows fine food and booze, it’s France. The European epicentre of elegance and gastronomic greatness, who doesn’t want to eat their way through its plethora of cafes, restaurants, and bougee bistros (despite being about as fluent as a baguette).
Blessing us with croissants flakier than your ex, cheeses to make your taste buds swoon, and wines that are inspiring an influx of wannabe sommeliers, what’s not to love?
But who needs a pricey plane ticket when you can get a tantalising taste of France right here on the Gold Coast? Let’s unpack who’s who in the zoo of French cuisine in our own backyard.
Little Truffle
Mermaid’s beloved Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar is well and truly back…and looking finer than ever. Still serving the same signature cuisine the GC’s fine dining fans have been smitten for some 13 years now, Little Truffle 2.0 has been treated to a grown-up glow-up to match its refined eats. Combining moody Hollywood glam elements with jazz bar vibes, it’s suave, luxe and all the things we want from a fancy French restaurant.
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Tarte Bakery and Tarte Beach House
With locations in bustling Burleigh Heads and cool Currumbin, this is THE place for a shut-up good French breakky, lunch, and freshly baked pastry-fix. Blending the traditions of classic French patisseries with the freshness of Australian flavours, Tarte has cultivated a reputation for its meticulously crafted tarts, decadent pastries, hand-shaped artisanal breads, and c’est magnifique menu.
Where: Tarte Bakery – 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads. Tarte Beach House – 4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Le Petit Chef
Serving up an unforgettable journey into the heart of French cuisine, everything from the nosh to the impeccable service to the French tunes playing in the background will transport you to Europe’s golden child destination (minus the jet lag). Step into the refined yet cosy space, where you’ll be greeted by a charming mix of old-world France and modern sophistication – and chef’s kiss worthy fine French flavours.
Where: 1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
Le Café Gourmand
Southern-based Gold Coaster folk have been flocking to this French firecracker since 2014. Open for breakfast and lunch every day except Monday, on Fridays they do French din-dins like a boss (and Trip Advisor agrees). We’re talking five courses and friends, this is the real deal – stretchy pants strongly advised. Add the wine pairing and oui oiu – it’s the ultimate in French food (and sips) fabulousness.
Where: 2545 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Aux Fines Bouches
Aux Fines Bouches (pronounce oh-fin-bush) opened its doors back in 2007 and was shaped, tempered, and baked into the business it is today, fuelled by sheer passion for an authentic, fine pâtisserie. Relocating to Burleigh in 2019, all of their products are handcrafted, baked, and served with a side of love #awwww. If we must single out something, it’s gotta be the croquembouches and not just because it’s a fun word to say. Trust us and you’re welcome.
Where: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads
Le Bon Choix
Baking happiness since 2004, Le Bon Choix has been satisfying both sweet and savoury tooths at it’s nine locations, including our beloved Pac Fair. Savico Basset-Rouge, founder and owner of Le Bon Choix, trained under the legendary Laurent Boillon, one of the most esteemed pastry chefs in the world and, well, nuff said. Think pastries, donuts, cakes, pies, quiches, sandwiches and of course, Le Bon Choix is the ultimate breadwinner of, well, bread.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
My French Pastries
Dubbed the GC’s gateway to authentic French delights by the masses and ‘bakery people’ by their talented team members, we wholeheartedly concur. Indulge in the true art of French pastry making and treat yo-self to something genuinely exceptional. Share in the delights that have made this French force of nature a landmark for pastry lovers everywhere and if you gain a few kg, #WorthIt.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Le Jardin Café
If you’re on the hunt for a fabulous French café that is charming, mini-me friendly (complete with a small-person endorsed kids menu), set in a beautiful garden space, and boasting a ten-outta-ten menu, Le Jardin is a no-brainer. With coffee and nosh getting the nod from even the most discerning diner, it’s relaxed yet sophisticated – and pretty as a picture. Plus, you can bring your pooch!
Where: 13 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Paris Brest
This chic little keeper in Palmy is basically the Parisian café of your dreams. Brought to life by the man, the myth, the legend, Mr Farouk Yousfi, this is your go-to for the holy grail of French pastries. Finetuning his pastry prowess in the heart of France, Farouk’s take on authentic French baked goods is a whole lotta lurve mixed with French flour and butter. Je t’aime Paris Brest!
Where: 1073-1077 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Franquette
Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name Franquette is bang on the money. Tambo’s resident French bakery serves simple and unpretentious food, made on-site using sustainable flours and Aussie ingredients when possible. The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness. Yes friends, Franquette is a legend in the baking. Just go.
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
Words by Bianca Trathen
Excuse our French but we NEED to talk about the best tart-are in town! Opening in Broadbeach on 21 June, Le Petit Chef may be small by name but don’t be fooled, as the authentic flavours at this fine-dining French foodie haven are tres grande!
As you step into the refined yet cosy space, you’ll be greeted by a charming mix of old-world France and modern sophistication. Already the subject of water cooler chat all over town, it seamlessly blends elegance with an inviting sense of warmth.
Serving up an unforgettable journey into the heart of French cuisine, everything from the nosh to the impeccable service to the French tunes playing in the background will transport you to Europe’s golden child destination – minus the jet lag. Comfortably seating 30 diners or hosting up to 45 for a cocktail canapé-style soiree, it’s versatile and a virtuoso of its craft.
The power couple behind our new date-night / mate-night / any night go-to is Arthur and Aimy-Lee Duvillier. Arthur, who is also the Head Chef, has been cooking up a storm since the tender age of 14. While most of us were just figuring out how to use a jaffle maker, Arthur was mastering the fine art of French cuisine in Noumea, New Caledonia.
With 14 years of experience, his French cooking skills are second-to-none. By his side is the lovely Aimy-Lee, the customer service and event planning champi(gn)on of the business. With her eight years of experience, this hostess with the mostess will make sure that you not only dine like a VIP but feel like one too.
‘Nuff of that, let’s talk about the MVP – the food. For lunch you can order two or three courses and we recommend starting with Tartare De Boeuf Du Chef; Chef’s beef tartare. For mains, you can’t beat Blanquette De Veau Accompagnée De Pommes De Terre Kipfler; French veal stew with creamy white sauce served with kipfler potatoes. And for dessert, no one does a Plateau De Fromage Français (French cheese platter) quite like Le Petit Chef! And because, well, cheese.
If you’re visiting for dinner, choose from either the a la carte menu or the four course menu for an extra spesh night out. Whichever way you go, the signature dish is a must; Boeuf Rossini, Épinards Et Jus À La Truffe. Featuring beef Rossini, pan fried Foie Gras, spinach and truffle jus, it’s the duck’s nuts and well worth the splurge.
The only way this could possibly be better is if you prelude your main with an entrée, like Saint Jacques Et Son Siphon De Corail Au Safran (aka pan fry scallops and coral saffron siphon). And at this point, you may as well go full pig-out mode and opt-in for sweets too. Our pick is the Duo De Mousse Au Chocolat, Consummé De Fraise À L’estragon; a duo of chocolate mousse, strawberry and tarragon consommé. Ooh la la!
Le Petit Chef also offers private dining experiences tailored just for you. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a corporate event, they’ll create a bespoke experience with personalised menus and perfect wine pairings. Plus, they even regularly host cultural events and workshops, from culinary masterclasses to wine-tasting sessions.
So mesdames et messieurs, don’t baguette about it – put Le Petit Chef at the top of your list and experience the very best of authentic French cuisine right here on the GC.
Where: 1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
When: Dinner from 5pm – late Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 11am – 2.30pm Friday & Saturday
Instagram: @petitchefgc
Website: https://lepetitchef.com.au/
STORY SPONSORED BY LE PETIT CHEF
Winter is coming, but fear not. Tarte Beach House has dropped a winter menu update to make waking up on those chilly winter mornings more bearable and a whole lot tastier. Tarte Bakery has long been our old faithful, and when Tarte Beach House stormed onto the scene with its idyllic creek views and all-round aesthetic energy, we couldn’t get enough.
Like everything the team touches, the new Tarte Beach House menu is pure gold, with bold and indulgent flavours, alongside comfort eats that mix feelings of nostalgia with home-cooked goodness.
Heavily inspired by the traditions of Europe, specifically France, the menu is stuffed with winter warmers. So baby it might be getting cold outside but let me tell you things have been heating up on the new winter menu. Because we all know Tarte would never be caught dishing up anything other than best-in-show.
Remember when the most boujee part of a big brekky was door-stopper bread? Snooze. Tarte Beach House has reinvented the wheel with their Big Breakfast in Bread. Yep, IN bread. Get your fix with a sourdough boule filled with house ranchero sauce, Spanish chorizo, melted cheese and a fried egg. Consider the big brekky reinvented.
If you’re after something reel-y tasty the Grilled Barramundi will have you hook, line and sinker featuring locally caught fish, confit heirloom tomatoes, crispy capers, fresh parsley, herbed butter and lemon it’s got everything you want from a classic without compromising on big flavours.
Warm up from the inside out with the Green Curry Soup – think all the big curry flavours you crave along with sauteed prawns in chilli oil, pak choy, sugar snap peas, capsicum, crispy rice noodles and shallots – served with grilled roti, because what’s a soup if you don’t have something bread-y to dip.
Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s just us romanticising a soup moment, but there’s something about French Onion Soup that makes us feel like we’re having a Parisian moment. Mix it with Tarte Beach House’s signature Euro-inspired décor and it’s almost like you’re actually in the city of love.
French is big on the menu with influences in dishes like the French Green Salad if you’re after something light. We cannot go past the French Beef Dip. Stuffed full of house-roasted wagyu with Swiss cheese, caramelised onion, garlic butter, chimichurri and parsley, plus house slow gravy for dipping each and every bite. This one is a winner. BRB running to Tarte Beach House to get our hands on one right now.
Sweet tooth’s look away now. The Choc Chip Cookie Skillet puts Tarte’s signature brown butter chocolate chip cookie front and centre. Just when we thought that cookie couldn’t get any better Tarte starts offering it warm in the skillet, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to sweeten the deal. It’s hot, it’s oozy, it’s everything you want in a dessert. We won’t judge you if you have it for breakfast. Like we did! In the name of research.
Once you’ve chosen your food you’ll want to start getting acquainted with the seasonal cocktails. The Jam Gimlet with gin, house raspberry jam and lemon has our name all over it. Or catch us sipping back on the Dirty Chai Martini for a pick me up, with whisky, Mr Black, house espresso and chai.
If a warm hug in a cup is more your vibe then obviously the Mulled Wine – European style of course and the Hard Apple Cider with housemade apple juice and rum are the ultimate winter warmers.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Instagram: @sacrecoeur_patisserie
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), our minds conjure up images of all kinds of French inspired splendour.
And well done us, because this is precisely what Franquette Bakery on Tamborine Mountain is all about.
Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name is reflective of the food; simple, unpretentious, and made on the premises using sustainable flours and Australian ingredients when possible.
The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness, making Franquette a legend in the baking.
Founder and Head Baker Jérôme Favier has the perfect ‘blend’ of skills, with a resume any baker would be proud of.
Being somewhat of the Doogie Howser of the bakery world, Jérôme graduated from the typically two-year professional Baker Diploma course in just six months, yeah, as you do.
He then returned to Europe to master traditional artisan methods to produce quality, crafted baked goods, with the intention to come back down under to wow us with his skillz.
Baking for several big names, he spent two years in France, one in Switzerland, plus one in Germany, and this reads like our Contiki tour itinerary circa 2001.
Moving on to the Gold Coast, he enjoyed an eight year stint at Burleigh Baker, where he held the prestigious ‘Master Baker’ post and played a key role – both front and back of house – in the GC institution’s success story.
Jérôme chose the beautiful Tambo location as the village size is similar to his French hometown in Bourgogne.
It also has that unmistakable mountain atmosphere, a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, and of course, it’s a mecca for locals and tourists alike.
Engaging Shopfit Co for the design, we’re pleased to confirm that from bread to dough, Franquette rocks a French style bakery and bistrot (small café) look and feel.
Everything about this gem is warm and inviting, starting with the striking green and white logo, reminding us that it’s ‘without any fuss’.
The roof forms an eye-catching peak, featuring dark wooden panelling and matching weatherboard, contrasting white bifold doors, bare bulb pendant lights, and lots of on-brand green accents.
The large windows allow people to see the bakers in action #NoSecretsHere, and although it’s geared primarily to the takeaway market at this stage, patrons are invited to sit and relax under the terrace and on the deck.
Around the back is where you’ll find the cute deck space with an outdoor seating area accommodating 40+ people, plus a green area for kids and doggos to hang.
So what sort of bakery wizardry can we expect to unearth?
Firstly, we’re talking more loaf varieties than you can poke a bread stick at, including white, multi, olive, fruit, sandwich, ciabatta, napoleon, spelt, Josephine, miche, and the French bakery staple, baguettes.
Or, if you’re not interested in DYI-ing your sanga or baguette at home, hook yourself up with one of Franquette’s freshly prepared sandwiches, toasted sandwiches or baguettes.
Overflowing with THE most scrumptious fillings (think European influenced deli meats, cheeses, and other quintessentially Euro ingredients), the photos alone induce a drool reflex.
There’s also an assortment of rolls, scrolls, and pasty-infused deliciousness.
Oh and if you’re partial to a croissant and duh, who isn’t, there are melt-in-your-mouth good almond croissants, savoury croissants, or you can order them a-la-natural.
The signature item here is called The Mountain Top which is both intriguing by name, and totes fitting for obvious reasons.
And the signature beverages are their Blackboard coffee bean-based brews, straight outta Burleigh #LocalsSupportingLocals.
Plus there is a range of Blackboard products stocked in the bakery so you can buy some for ‘ron.
Our advice?
Just dough it!
Jump in your car and head for the hills (mountain hills, potato potahto) to experience the best bakery goods since sliced bread.
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 7am – 3pm Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
