Small French Bar

I remember our first visit here about 5-6 years ago. We had the beef tartare as well as other things. But it was that tartare alone that won us over. We then spent the following 4 years in UK and let me tell you, we could not stop thinking about that tartare and how much we wanted to go back to small French bar!

Fast forward to now and we are so pleased the restaurant and chef Stefan is still around.we’ve been here another 2 times now and have always left with our bellies full and satisfied.

Chef Stefan is an absolute gem of a man who so very clearly displays a love and fondness for his art and hospitality. Please pay him and the team a visit and be sure to book the counter seating! Keep an eye out on their socials for when they have tartare nights (but besides that their usual offerings are just as good!)

Lovely quaint restaurant with good service and authentic French food. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and will definitely come back again.

Lovely atmosphere but unfortunately we had a big 50min wait between finishing entree and main. Entree & dessert was delicious but when my steak came out it tasted boiled and average. Feeling dissatisfied.

Fantastic little place that is honestly so unique and authentic you will keep coming back for more!
Set menu with a delectable variety of French cheeses and well cooked proteins!
Their charcuterie board was top notch and included Comtè and Fourme d'Ambert slices
We were a group of 4 which was perfect: For appetisers we got the salmon tartare which was so fresh and my personal fav was the French pancakes with the blue cheese sauce! For mains, lookout for their daily specials- we had the scotch fillet which was cooked perfectly, beef pastry with goats cheese which was delish, and the bouillabaisse was the star of the show in my opinion because of the garlic infused aioli. The chicken dumpling/leek dish was unfortunately a let down because it was too salty but nevertheless okay. Dessert was fantastic with the chocolate desert being so so rich! And I personally fell in love with the apple/almond tart which was buttery goodness! We booked early and paid in advance FYI

I had a great experience at this amazing place. Highly recommended, the food is delicious, the staff is great and the space is elegant

A rustic cute little french bistro with gorgeous french food and french music in the background. If you're lucky the chef might start singing too. The food was excellent I cannot fault. We had 4 people in our group so was able to try all dishes on the set menu. My favourite is the raw salmon, bouillabaisse and the steak with a big slab of pate. The creme brulee was the best way to finish the night. I would come back just for that. The staff were lovely. Very impressed with this little gem in Footscray. This is definitely on my favourite list now. Thanks small french bar for such a lovely night.

What a lovely and intimate evening. This charming little French Bar in Footscray with a bubbly atmosphere was very reminiscent to the small dining / bar we have visited in France, was such a surprise and pleasant way to spend a Saturday evening. The food was delightful, the wine was good, and the service was amazing while the Chef was exceptional. Totally recommend the Small French Bar to all 

Amazing food. Amazing value. Amazing flavours. The restaurant is very cosy and the chef and his staff are great. Sitting at the counter/bar is best as you can chat with the chef while he prepares the meals.

A small and intimate restaurant with a scrumptious 3 or 4 course menu - a choice of entree, main and dessert and to be honest that was the hardest part. It just means that I will definitely need to go back. Loved this place, the food and the staff who were all terrific. The chef and small crew of staff worked tirelessly and it was a most enjoyable experience.

What a delightful little restaurant.
The food was authentic and delicious.
Great to sit at the bar and watch the chef's expert skills. Could not pick my dish of the day. They were all amazing.

I’m reluctant to write a review of the Small French Bar because it will let everyone else know what an absolute gem it is. The small space is lovely, the welcome warm and professional and the small menu delicious.

When we booked, we choose to be seated along the bar table where we could watch Stefan work his magic pumping out the Charuterie and Cheese, Entrees, Mains and dessert by himself in such a small space. Food was delicious and so satisfying and meals were perfectly timed between each serve. Dat and I shared each meal with each other so we ordered most dishes and can’t wait to go again to try what we couldn’t fit it.

* Entree*
Perfectly cooked scallops.
Escargot with a mushroom sauce and bread to soak up the sauce.
*Mains*
Salmon in a puff pastry filled with rice and egg and a lemony white sauce.
Special of the Day was Steak with Duck fat potatoes, salad and Pate
*Dessert*
Vanilla Creme Brûlée
Poached Pear with a house made chocolate sauce topped with Vanilla ice cream and Almonds for a nutty Crunch

I’ve never had steak and pate together so this blew my mind, I will never make it without it again. We made a booking online and dinner was prepaid at time of booking. Make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Thanks for being a lovely host Stefan, can’t wait to visit you again

Sooooo yummy, highly recommend. The chicken main was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten, every mouth full was incredible. Beautiful white wine to pair. Can’t wait to return

What a little hidden gem. Set menu (options for courses). Stopped in on off chance for dinner. Seated at bar with ability to interact with owner/cook. Everything tasted fantastic with them actually tasting home made!

Given how challenging it is to get to France these days it is a true joy to be able to experience French cooking the way it should be, right in the middle of Footscray. The food is delicious, the wine list is excellent and you really do feel like you have been transported to Paris or Lyon. It is also excellent value for money and if you sit up at the bar next to the tiny kitchen you can watch the chef prepare every meal.

On Saturday night we visited Small French Bar & had the 4 course set menu. At $75 per head this is great value. It includes a tasty charcuterie board to share for 2, a choice of 3 entrees, 4 mains & 3 desserts. All classic French food that was cooked to perfection. Although all the alcohol including the wine was French, we enjoyed a lovely rose together as well as a tasty aperitif & an even better digestive to finish off a wonderful meal. The experience was quite unique with a great ambience. Will definitely dine there again soon.

We have been regular customers and great fans of the Small French Bar since it was first opened, often taking friends to dine with us. Chef Stefan and his friendly team run a lovely intimate bistro that is a local treasure. My personal weakness is the eye fillet, pate, and duck fat potatoes. Ken & Michelle.

This place now does crepes on the street on Sundays. I had the strawberry and ricotta crepe and it was fantastic.

Great little French Restaurant - hidden gem tucked away in the much maligned Footscray eatery area. Attentive staff, good food, good wines - what more could you want but stay away because I might not be able to book when I want!

Popped into Small French Bar for an impromptu dinner and it was brilliant. Great food, great value for money and importantly, a great time. Every other customer looked like they were having a similar experience. Will go again and again, and will be telling all my friends to go