Bar Francine — Restaurant in Brisbane City

Bar Francine has made my belly so happy! I am constantly so excited about how much talent we have in the Brisbane food industry; the high level of service, knowledge and love of wines and incredible mouth watering food always seems to keep surprising and impress me.

Bar Francine has to be right at the top of my list for all of these things.

Located where 'All the green things' once was, this 100 year old house has been through an impressive makeover. It has now become a trendy Euro inspired bar, but with that homely West End vibe!

We we're able to get an early table at the bar on Saturday night, which we were so happy about because one of the lovely owners, Adrienne was working behind the bar and she was just incredible! We could feel her love and knowledge for food and wine which was so great!

They stock a large range of wines by the bottle and good range of wines by the glass- all of which are small batch producers and have minimal intervention. You will find new drops of wine you have never tasted and be suprised by the recommendations.

Now let's talk about the food. YUM and YES to EVERYTHING! My husband has a few intolerances, so she was able to guide us with some great recommendations for him.

We started with some delicious pintxos to start, called Gilda: They were little taste bombs of anchovies, olives, lemon, marinated guindilla peppers and capsicum. Praise the lord! That was yumsies!

Followed by these incredible bite sized Tuna Bruschetta with piperade Wow! I'll have 10 of those thanks!

Next came out the Pizza fritta which was a bread lovers heaven. Highly recommend ordering this so you can also mop up the delicious oils in your dishes later.

The Onion fritti with creme fraiche and mint jelly was not only beautiful to look at but was so scrumptious. I loved how they turned a humble onion into something so gorgeous!

To finish we had the  Francine Tartare with Bois Boudran sauce- A clever take on the traditional tartare, but this time using beetroot! Absolutely brilliant with some of the best chippies you will have!

A must order is the Swimmer Crab with a creamed corn, tarragon and chilli butter. I did a little food dance when I took my first bite- woow! I think this will be a crowd favourite!

By this stage our stomachs were bursting out of our pants, and buttons popping out  but we also ate one of most incredible dishes- Celeriac Schnitzel with diane sauce.  This was very clever because it tasted like chicken to me! So yummy.

Bar Francine is plant and seafood based and really focuses on good produce, and makes us look at food in a different way as they are quite unique with their menu and approach to food.

I highly recommend this place, and recommend to book in advance as I see this as being another Brisbane...

My full review was space limited, but here is the part regarding the food.

Part 2 The tasting menu started with a scallop. Mine was over-cooked (mildly chewy) at the sauce and had more of a curry flavor than tarragon. The presentation was serviceable. The second dish was the zucchini flower, and it was one of the stars of the evening. Fun fact: I've dined all over the world and managed to have zucchini flower twice (both times in Brissy)! Even if you don't get the tasting menu, be sure to order this dish. The execution was perfect. There was a huge time gap here, to the extent that my Wife wanted to remind the staff that we had a tight timetable. We we assured that the kitchen was aware and that everything was under control. After another 10 minutes, she came back to explain how the days complications and the volume of orders had impacted our service. Shortly thereafter, the next dishes arrived.

The third dish was as impressive as the second... it was the stracciatella cheese and heirloom tomato. Think of it as an even creamier buratta. It was at this moment that I realized the menu is more Mediterranean than French. Think Nice to get your flavor bearings. The bread course with smoked butter was good, but given how long it took to arrive, I had expected it to have been freshly baked. Sadly, it was not. But it was helpful in getting every last morsel of the tomato dish into our gullets!

The next 4 dishes all arrived at the same time. It was a bit overwhelming. The fifth course - prawns was... well, prawns. The produce was good and they were cooked well. They were plump and delicate. The seasoning profile was too light, other than the faint black pepper/chili notes. They were too spicy for my Wife, so I had to eat them both. Again, they were cooked well. I did not have any of the salad. The mushrooms had too much sauce. The same could be said for the potatoes. The extra pasta dish was underwhelming due to the lack of creativity in the sauce and the large black pepper/chili notes. They octopus was equally unimpressive and a bit chewy. I felt I had to eat it since it was a $31 addition to the tasting menu. I've had many simpler and tastier interpretations of octopus in the past. I would not recommend this iteration.

If you are feeling that our experience was a bit of a mixed bag, we would have to concur. We could easily see a couple who embibes in wine thoroughly enjoying this place as alcohol can dull the sense of time and lighten your mood. If you are a more food forward person, you may be more sensitive to the service, presentation, atmosphere, and aesthetic of the establishment. We fall more in the...

I have had the pleasure of visiting Bar Francine in West End on multiple occasions (normally once a week), and each time has left me absolutely thrilled. This establishment truly exceeds all expectations, making it an absolute gem in the heart of the city.

From the moment I stepped foot into Bar Francine, I am greeted by an exceptional staff who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine passion for their craft create an atmosphere that is both warm and inviting.

One of the standout features of Bar Francine is their impressive wine list. It is evident that great care and expertise have gone into curating a selection that caters to a wide range of preferences. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or a curious wine enthusiast, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. The staff's recommendations are always spot-on and have introduced me to some truly extraordinary bottles.

Now, let's talk about the food. The culinary creations at Bar Francine are nothing short of extraordinary. With each visit, I am continuously blown away by the exceptional quality and exquisite flavours presented on each plate. The attention to detail in every dish is palpable, showcasing the skill and artistry of the talented chefs in the kitchen. From the first bite to the last, every morsel is a harmonious symphony of taste and texture that delights the senses.

Bar Francine has quickly become my go-to destination for an unparalleled dining experience. It is not just a restaurant; it is a sanctuary for food and wine enthusiasts like myself. The combination of exceptional staff, an outstanding wine selection, and the culinary wizardry in the kitchen make Bar Francine an absolute must-visit.

If you are seeking an extraordinary dining adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Bar Francine. Prepare to be amazed, indulge in the finest flavours, and create lasting memories that will leave you yearning to return time...