Almost French Epicure

Almost French Epicure brings the work of Richmond bakery Almost French Patisserie into Melbourne’s CBD, offering an all-day French café and bakery experience at 27 Little Collins Street. The day can begin with coffee and a croissant, move into a baguette and Orangina for lunch, then continue with cake, classic pâtisserie and French drinks as the evening unfolds. The kitchen’s pastries, baguettes and cakes are handmade in Richmond before being delivered to the city, keeping the connection to the original neighbourhood bakery clear.

The food menu extends beyond pastry, with cheese and charcuterie alongside hearty pies and quiches, while the drinks list focuses on French-style hospitality: champagne, selected wines, classic cocktails and spirits. Wine is now being poured, and the venue’s regular events give the bar side more room to develop. Wednesday to Friday’s French hour runs from 5pm to 7pm, with a board and house wine offered at $35–$40 per person. On Saturday evenings after 7pm, the venue hosts a French tasting dinner built around cheese, charcuterie and dessert. There is also a $24 grab-and-go lunch pack with a sandwich and a choice of juice, drink or coffee.

For a more structured group occasion, Une Soirée Française is a chef-hosted monthly session for 35 guests, pairing 10 or more French wines with cheese, charcuterie and seasonal pâtisserie. Alex Charasse explains each pour and plate, drawing on a career that began with pastry training at La Maison Troisgros and included work alongside Paul Bocuse, as well as roles at Vue de Monde, the Windsor Hotel and Florentino. He founded Almost French Patisserie in 2021 before expanding into Almost French Epicure in 2025.

The venue is suited to a quick coffee, a solo pastry stop, a casual lunch or an evening spent sharing food and wine. Pre-ordering is available for pastries, baguettes and cakes, and selected items can be ordered online for pick-up or delivery. A small selection of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options is available, with seasonal changes to the menu, while outdoor seating welcomes pets. Although Epicure is in the CBD, its Richmond bakery remains central to the way the venue makes and presents its food.