Melbourne is saying ‘Oui’ to expanding its French dining scene with the launch of Almost French Epicure, a new café-restaurant from pâtissier and chocolatier Alex Charasse. The venue marks the next stage in Charasse’s career, building on the success of his Richmond patisserie, Almost French, best known for its classic French pastries and refined craftsmanship.
Vibe: A warm neighbourhood café laced with Parisian sophistication
Menu Highlights: Freshly baked baguettes, lemon tart, and charcuterie
Cost: $15 – $50pp for a full meal + a drink
Dietary Considerations: Gluten Free and Vegetarian options available
Located inside the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel on Little Collins Street, Almost French Epicure blends café familiarity with restaurant polish. The licensed venue serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon bites, aiming to bring a sense of Parisian dining to the city centre.
“Almost French Epicure is more than a café, it is a place to savour life’s simple pleasures,” Charasse said. “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.”
The menu
The menu focuses on French technique and seasonal produce, showcasing both sweet and savoury pastries, freshly baked baguettes, charcuterie and cheeses.
All baked goods are prepared each morning at the Richmond bakery before arriving at the new site. Offerings include croissants, lemon tarts, millefeuille, quiches and baguette sandwiches, as well as high tea available through the Sheraton.
The space has been designed to suit different parts of the day, from coffee and croissants in the morning to long lunches and afternoon wine, cheese and charcuterie. Its interior design reflects a minimalist French aesthetic, with polished displays and a quiet atmosphere intended to contrast the bustle of the CBD.
Instagram creator @lilxeats was quick to check in. “The cafe perfectly blends fine French patisserie skills with Melbourne’s love for inventive bites,” she said in reference to the pastries, bread and macaron options.
Charasse: The origin story
Charasse brings more than two decades of experience to the new venture. Trained in France, he holds the titles of Maître Pâtissier and Maître Chocolatier, and has worked in kitchens such as Le Clos d’Or and the three-Michelin-starred Le TroisGros.
Since moving to Melbourne in 2009, he has held pastry positions at Vue de Monde, Grossi Florentino, The Windsor, the NGV Tea Room and the Australian Open, before opening Almost French in 2019.
“Almost French Epicure is the natural extension of our journey,” he said. “It allows us to share the full breadth of French culinary culture, from pastries to charcuterie to wine, in a space that feels both intimate and elevated.”
Open daily from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Almost French Epicure adds a new layer to Melbourne’s connection with French food culture, offering an experience that moves between patisserie tradition and all-day dining.
Almost French Epicure can be found at The Sheraton Hotel, 27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.
Source: Invigorate PR
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