Melbourne’s French Café & Bakery
An all day french affair.
Necessary morning coffee & croissants
Quick lunch baguettes and Orangina
Sweet moments of cake & classic pâtisserie
Wine now pouring
A taste of French savoir-faire, from morning coffee to the promise of wine, cheese and charcuterie to come.
Born from our Richmond bakery, Almost French Epicure brings the essence of Almost French Patisserie to the city.
Each croissant, baguette, and cake is handmade in Richmond before making its way to Little Collins Street, still warm with the care and craft that define our pâtisserie.
A place to pause, savour, and enjoy the simple pleasure of something beautifully made.
Seasonal Rituals
Daily Ritual
The morning ritual
Pre-order pastry + coffee for warm collection before 9:30am via Bite.
Happy Hour
Le French hour
Wed–Fri 5–7pm. Per person board + house wine at $35–$40pp.
Tasting
Le samedi tasting
Saturday after 7pm — a French tasting dinner of cheese, charcuterie and dessert.
New Launch
Prêt à manger launch
Daily Ritual
The morning ritual
Pre-order pastry + coffee for warm collection before 9:30am via Bite.
Happy Hour
Le French hour
Wed–Fri 5–7pm. Per person board + house wine at $35–$40pp.
Tasting
Le samedi tasting
Saturday after 7pm — a French tasting dinner of cheese, charcuterie and dessert.
New Launch
Prêt à manger launch
Monthly Event
Une Soirée Française
Chef-hosted sessions for 35 guests. A curated tasting of 10+ French wines paired with cheese, charcuterie and seasonal pâtisserie — every plate and every pour explained by Alex Charasse himself.
An intimate evening built around the things the French do best: good wine, slow conversation, and a table that doesn’t want to end.
Meet the Chef
Alex Charasse
Maître Pâtissier · Maître Chocolatier · Founder
Bonjour — I’m Alex, owner and founder of Almost French Patisserie and Almost French Epicure.
My journey in pastry began in 1997, trained at La Maison Troisgros , one of France’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants, holding three Michelin stars for over half a century. From there, I worked alongside Paul Bocuse and the great names of French cuisine, always in high-end hotel restaurants and the finest kitchens.
I then joined Silversea Cruises, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury lines, where I travelled the globe twice. Later, as a private pastry chef, I had the honour of creating cakes for presidents, princes, and kings.
In 2009, Australia became home. I worked at Vue de Monde with Shannon Bennett, the Windsor Hotel where we built beloved high tea experiences, and with Guy Grossi at Florentino.
After decades at the highest level, I was ready to build something of my own. In 2021, Almost French Patisserie opened, rooted in a simple philosophy: a neighbourhood bakery, exceptional ingredients, and craft without compromise. In 2025, that vision grew into Almost French Epicure at 27 Little Collins Street, bringing the finest French wine, cheese, charcuterie, and pastry to Melbourne’s CBD.
I hope to see you in one of our stores very soon.
— Merci
“It’s a place to savour life’s simple pleasures. It reflects everything I love about French gastronomy: beauty, generosity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for ingredients. I want guests to feel transported — even just for a moment.”
— Alex Charasse
Café
The Food Menu
All day pastries, baguettes, cheese and charcuterie, plus hearty pies and quiches — fresh from the Richmond bakery every morning
Epicure
The Drinks Menu
French gastronomy in a glass — champagne, curated wines, classic cocktails and spirits, poured and explained.
About Us
What started as a passion for traditional French baking has become a daily ritual for locals looking for quality, comfort, and a little indulgence.
Our team of bakers rise early every morning to craft fresh pastries, sourdough, desserts, and custom cakes, all made by hand, with care, and always with real ingredients.
We are here seven days a week, serving up the classics, experimenting with new creations, and sharing our love of the French lifestyle with Melbourne.
Led by our founders, Maître Pâtissier and Maître Chocolatier Alex Charasse, we bring together years of experience, creativity, and a true love of good food.
Trained in France and shaped by his time in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and some of Melbourne’s finest establishments, Alex brings precision, patience, and passion to Almost French.
His vision is very simple: to share and indulge in true French passion with exquisitely crafted pastry, cheese, charcuterie, and carefully chosen wines.
We bring people together over coffee, croissants, and the art of French baking.
Where To Find Us
27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Opening Hours:
Sun – Thu: 7:30am – 9:00pm
Fri – Sat: 7:30am – 10:00pm
Phone:
(03) 9429 2080
What’s On At Almost French Epicure
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have gluten free or vegetarian options?
Yes, we offer a small selection of gluten free and vegetarian-friendly items. Our menu changes seasonally, so options may vary. Please speak to our team when you order and we’ll be happy to help you find something that suits.
Can I order online?
Yes, you can order select items for pick up or delivery through our website. We also recommend pre-ordering if you have something specific in mind, our pastries tend to sell out early.
Where is the best parking nearby?
We’re located at 27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. The closest parking is Wilson Parking on Bourke Street or Secure Parking on Little Collins. Limited street parking is also available nearby so we would recommend you to take public transport if possible, less stress!
Do you do wholesale?
Yes. Our Richmond bakery supplies select cafés, restaurants, and retailers. For wholesale enquiries, please get in touch via email: sales@almostfrenchepicure.com.au
Do you take pre-orders for pick up?
Absolutely. You can pre-order your favourite pastries, baguettes, or cakes for collection. Simply contact us via email (sales@almostfrenchepicure.com.au) or give us a call.
Do you cater for events?
Yes, our team can create custom pastry or grazing selections for private events, offices, or celebrations.
Are pets welcome?
Yes, our outdoor seating is pet-friendly.
