Le Bouchon French Cuisine
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Le Bouchon French Cuisine
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
French, Wine Bar
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Street Parking
Does this restaurant offer table service?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Wednesday
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.6
338 reviews
Excellent
247
Good
65
Average
17
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Simon J
Melbourne12 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Surprisingly good and my humble opinion Excellent. We have heard all about Le Bouchon from friends over the years and thought it may be a bit too much with this "cult like following". Wrong- it was Excellent and I think may be better than some of the highly touted French Establishments in Melbourne (apart from my favorite Koots Salle a Manager in Kooyong). The offering is great, excellent produce and presentation. Very reasonably priced for the quality and serving size. Hard to really fault any of the food. Oysters were super fresh and chilled perfectly. Yellowfin Tuna was slightly overcooked. Steak Tartare and Ocean Trout Tartare along with the Scallops was also excellent. Atmosphere is great and pretty upmarket for Balnarring. Two things that annoy me are the Wine List, seemed quite expensive for what was on offer (have been told otherwise and will look at it in more detail next time) and the wait staff - my pet hate toadying around for a tip!. Will go back and looking forward to doing so in the next month and making it a regular destination. Early booking was also great. Great night out and highly recommend for Dinner or Lunch.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt L
10 contributions
July 2023 • family
Always a favourite, Stephane and his staff serve up delightful French classics paired with a great winelist. What is not to like? We have been there several times before and we will be there many times in the future. Great atmosphere, great food, great service.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
Yarra Valley52 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
The highlight of a short visit to the Mornington Peninsula. Certainly the best French food we have had in Melbourne. All dishes were classics - oysters, cassoulet, scallops, complemented by a seasoned dish of pumpkin and chestnuts. Delicious. A cheese platter with the right amount for 2 and at the perfect stage of ripeness and a green salad with the balanced dressing the French achieve so well. Service was attentive but not intrusive and the wine recommendations were very good. This is a restaurant for a celebration, a special occasion or simply for a taste of France in Australia. We will be back soon.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HaydnP280
Melbourne390 contributions
Apr 2023 • none
We were looking forward to dining at La Bouchon. The restaurant has a great reputation and this was a special occasion for us.
Service was very good - attentive and friendly, without being the slightest bit pretentious. We were attended to by four different waitstaff, three of whom were very good, with one just a little looking down his nose.
For entree, our party had escargot (2) and pate (2). Both excellent. The pate, in particular, was beautifully smooth with a lovely flavour.
For mains, we had cassoulet (2) and porterhouse steak (2). The cassoulet was very good and the duck leg just fell apart! So nice. The two porterhouse, however, were not up to standard. While cooked perfectly, the cuts of meat were substandard. They were too thick for porterhouse and free of any marbling... in the end, just too much chewing and not enough flavour. For a restaurant like this, that's not acceptable.
Careful selection of ingredients is as important as the chef's skill. It would have been better for the porterhouse to be marked as "not available" instead of serving up a disappointing $45 steak.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArrowTurbo
Melbourne22 contributions
May 2021 • couples
The Tasmanian natural oysters were excellent for the first course with good value. Then came the onion soups which were quite disappointing. The soup in dark colour doesn't taste natural and too sweet. Tasted like leftover soup that was re boil day after day until it became thick and intense with enhancement added. Quite different from the usual french onion soups we had over the years. For mains we had barramundi special and scallop plate in entree portion. Both were not impressive and not worth their asking price as fine food. For dessert we had apple slice which were nice except for the stingy portion. It doesn't cost more for an apple to add 30% more volume for the price charged. Interesting point to make, we were served with steak knifes to eat all the above dishes. Thinking they knew what they're doing.
Nice ambience at the restaurant that tried hard to feel and be like a good French restaurant but it is more a passionless commercially motivated enterprise than the name on the plate would suggest. The name on the plate, ambience, French greetings and gesture are already spot-on for this restaurant but what's left is to focus to make a sincere, passionate and true French dishes that deserved the asking price. If that happened we will definitely return again and again.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory J
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • couples
Since moving to the Peninsula several years ago we have been starved of quality dining. What a revelation Le Bouchon is, with a menu that is small but reminiscent of THAT restaurant in South Yarra and quality to match!
With food of exemplary quality and a welcoming staff, it is a dining experience not to be missed. We dine there as often as we can and with BYO on Tuesdays and Wednesdays it's also an eminently affordable experience. If you're hungry, try the Boeuf Bouguignon.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania d
680 contributions
Dec 2023 • friends
Another visit and this time really enjoyed the food - great oysters and sashimi. The snapper was excellent as was the Beef stew. Theduck dish was bit chewy. Service was good. The let down was the bread which should e homemade delicious and the gluten-free bread option was a few crackers. That would be so easy to improve.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James L
London70 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Down from Melbourne to the lush undulating landscape of Mornington. Our hotel restaurant was closed and we located this gem nearby. There is a reason why those French Bistros all over France regularly produce menus like this - they are good and if done well are excellent. This was in the latter category. Roquefort salad with walnuts and pear - delicious. Scollops with cauliflower - likewise. Poisson du Jour a triumph and the pork chop even better. Washed down with Pigface Chardonnay and Paringa PN (can't get this one from the estate I am told). All delivered with huge charm and experience.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia P
Ashford44 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
Wonderful food and ambience...staff also very nice to talk to..I had the fish if the day which was Hapuku in a sauce with vegetables and we shared the ftites which I must say could have been better! Our desserts were also delightful I had a wonderful Creme Brule. Would go again anytime for any occasion and also our waiter was French which helps the illusion of a European atmosphere! Well one Team Le Buchon!
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
Melbourne1159 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
There is nothing very innovative in the food here but comfortable and reliable favourites. You need to book Thursday, Friday, Saturday, it gets very busy, then after getting to your table decide upon your mood, onion soup or scallops, the excellent local charcuterie board, oysters and then onto good steaks, or my choice this time fabulous pink duck breast with blue cheese sauce, fresh delicious and satisfying. My wife joyously enthused about her fish, a good shared salad and we even found room to share a creme brûlée and all this with a Cahors from their excellent wine list. It is a really satisfying restaurant visit!
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva D
New York City297 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
Six Melbournians desperately seeking good food while staying at Cape Shank! Booked five weeks in advance ,the bistro was buzzing with locals and a half a dozen celebrities. The service was professional,the entrees of gravlax and giant baked prawns were fresh and luscious The mains of confit of duck were incredible and unusual with a generous addition of crisp lardons and truffles. Side orders were not necessary but greedily finished. Deserts of crepe suzzettes were the perfect end to a great evening of dining.
Written 10 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
galavanterAust
Australia790 contributions
Oct 2022 • friends
A cosy French restaurant in costal Balnaring was a great find. A varied menu plus numerous great sounding daily specials, made choosing a meal extremely difficult. The friendly staff assisted us with choices, and their advice was spot on . I opted with a starter of pate de foie, a main meal of poisson of the day and crepe Suzette’s for desert. An absolute feast. Great flavours, fantastic produce and perfectly executed. Recommended.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva D
New York City297 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
Last time we ate here was perfection. Pre covid.
Buzzing with locals on a Tuesday evening. Efficient French speaking waiters.
A confit of duck was tender and unctuous in a complex sauce. The lardons were not crisp enough and the potatoes just undercooked. A cassoulet was dry overcooked and over salted. Crepe Suzette was thin and perfectly sauced.
Not easy to train keep kitchen staff. The lack of attention to detail shows in all restaurants.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony T
Melbourne82 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Without a booking , i was able to sit at the bar and order from restaurant menu.
Bustling place ,. The french onion soup followed by the scallops up to normal quality .
Beaujolais with meal excellent . Sitting at bat stool , i observed the efficiency of a well
trained staff all of whom pleasant and attentive to customers ,
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith J
Greater Melbourne14 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
We were made very welcome when we arrived in spite of being early for our booking. A very comprehensive wine list. There were some specials on the night to complement the menu. All the food we had was fabulous. The
Restaurant was very busy on a Tuesday night but the service was seamless
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 336
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing