Philippe is one of the best French dining experiences you can have in Melbourne CBD. This elegant restaurant beautifully blends classic and contemporary French cuisine with refined technique and high quality ingredients. we came in as a group of 3, with no reservation and sat by the bar. We had a truly memorable meal with a range of standout dishes. The fresh oysters made for a delightful start, perfectly chilled and full of briny flavour. The hand diced beef tartare was a highlight, expertly seasoned and rich in texture, showcasing the quality of the meat and careful preparation. The saucisson sandwich was wonderful comfort food with bold French style flavours and generous portions. For dessert, the canelés were treats you won’t forget, with their caramelized crust and soft custard centre, simple but perfect, and the basque cheesecake is recommended. The atmosphere at Philippe feels both timeless and relaxed, with attentive service that adds to the experience without being intrusive. The location tucked off Collins Street gives it a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe that works for a special night out or a celebratory meal. If you are after a refined French meal with excellent seafood, classic bistro dishes and memorable desserts, Philippe delivers on flavour, presentation and overall experience.

Had a great dining experience at Philippe. The dishes were classic French and very well executed. • Sydney Rock Oysters were super fresh and a perfect start to the meal. • Beef Tartare was nicely seasoned and had great texture. • Willow Zen Free-Range Oeuf Mimosa was light, creamy and surprisingly delicious. • Burgundy Snails Persillade was one of my favourites — the sauce was rich, garlicky and full of flavour. • Foie de Volaille was another standout — I loved it. The French always make chicken liver parfait so well, and the combination with the red currant jelly was a perfect match. • Loddon Estate Dry-Aged Duck Breast from the rôtisserie was outstanding. Cooked perfectly, tender and very flavourful. I’ll definitely be back — especially to try the Canard à la Presse next time, since it has to be pre-ordered. Overall, high-quality ingredients, tasty dishes and a solid French dining experience. Highly recommended!

If you haven’t been here yet then what are you doing?! Philippe is everything you could want from a restaurant and more! We had a reservation at 8:30 and it was a lovely romantic French vibe, perfect for our date night. We had pre ordered the duck press and it exceeded any expectations we had. The duck was so tender and rich, we ordered a side of gratin dauphinois which was more than enough, especially since the duck came with a side of lovely roasted vegetables. The portion is more than enough for two people and I don’t say that lightly, my partner is a chef and even he was surprised how good value everything was. We also tried the snails and chicken liver parfait which was top notch. I thought it was great how they had a little green box next to all the wines that they thought would go with the duck press, it made it really easy to pick what to have. For dessert we had a canelle and a crème brûlée to share, both were excellent. We probably didn’t need a dessert at the end but we couldn’t resist. The service was also excellent, you could tell everyone was really proud to work there and they had created something really special. Thank you so much Chef Philippe and the team for an amazing night!

We came to Philippe Restaurant to celebrate our birthdays and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The food was outstanding — beautifully presented, full of flavour, and crafted with such care. The service was amazing, attentive without being intrusive. One thing that really stood out was seeing Chef Philippe personally finish and check every single plate before it left the kitchen. The attention to detail here is truly next level. I felt so special and so well looked after throughout the whole evening. Highly recommend for anyone looking for exceptional food, impeccable service, and a memorable dining experience. We will definitely be back! 🍽️✨

Philippe remains one of the true French institutions of Melbourne. When it comes to entrees and appetisers, I think Philippe sets the benchmark — high-quality ingredients, well-executed plating, and refined flavours throughout. My favourites were the tartare ($32) — easily one of the best in town — and the country pâté, which I enjoyed more than others I’ve had across Melbourne. I wouldn’t call myself a French connoisseur, but the food here just tastes right. The chicken liver parfait ($16) came with a strong jelly glaze — a touch sweet for me, but my friends really enjoyed it. The Burgundy snails (garlic and parsley butter, 6 for $28) were a highlight — the best I’ve had in Melbourne, edging out Francesoir and Bistro Thierry. The homemade pork rillette with pickled crudités ($18) had a unique texture that grew on me — definitely worth trying. For mains, we had “The Bachelor” Entrecôte Scotch Fillet ($70) and the Rotisserie Duck / Hand-Pressed Duck (around $145). The steak was cooked perfectly and showcased the quality of the meat, while the duck was tender with a slightly sweet garnish — not the best I’ve had, but great value for the portion size and execution. The pommes frites with parmesan, garlic & rosemary ($12) were a perfect side, though by then I was already full. Beyond the food, watching Philippe himself in action was a treat. He personally checks dishes before they hit the floor, keeps an eye on pacing, and runs an open kitchen with precision. The team’s energy and hospitality set the tone — professional but not pretentious, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. All in all, a benchmark French dining experience that balances quality, value, and genuine hospitality.