Le Splendide is the kind of place you stumble into and immediately feel like you’re in on a secret. Tucked right next to Melbourne’s legendary France-Soir, it’s a moody little bar hidden behind heavy burgundy drapes, with red carpets underfoot, buttery lighting, and a long, elegant zinc bar where the drinks do all the talking.
It took Jean-Paul Prunetti 38 years to open this next-door gem, and he’s made sure it’s got all the charm and attitude that made France-Soir a Melbourne institution. Don’t expect a full-blown restaurant—there’s no kitchen here—but what they do serve is top-tier: foie gras, silky salmon gravlax with crème fraîche, Marcel Petite Comté, and Russian Oscietra caviar, all prepped behind the bar and designed to pair perfectly with a glass (or bottle) of something excellent. The menu leans into simplicity, offering refined grignotages that let the quality of the ingredients shine. Whether it’s delicate slices of bresaola, the briny perfection of oysters with a hint of raspberry vinaigrette, or the deeply savoury tuna tataki with piperade, you’re in for a treat.
True to Prunetti’s style, Le Splendide isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the atmosphere. No phones allowed (or rather, no photos—you’ll have to slap a heart-shaped sticker over your camera).
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And when it comes to wine? This place means business. The list leans towards natural production and features some serious heavy-hitters, from Taittinger Comtes de Champagne to Burgundy chardonnay and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. More wines by the glass than next door mean you can explore a little—or a lot—without committing to a full bottle (though you’ll probably want to). The selection is a mix of renowned producers and rising stars, striking a balance between the familiar and the adventurous. You’ll find crisp Chablis, bold Côte de Beaune, and even some exceptional German rieslings thrown into the mix. There’s Kronenbourg on tap and classic cocktails mixed with old-school precision, but really, you’re here for the grape.
True to Prunetti’s style, Le Splendide isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the atmosphere. No phones allowed (or rather, no photos—you’ll have to slap a heart-shaped sticker over your camera). It’s all about staying in the moment, soaking in the warm, clubby feel, and letting the conversation flow as freely as the wine. The space itself feels like a love letter to old-world glamour, with tasselled club chairs lining the walls, timber paneling adding depth and warmth, and an understated Métro sign framing the back bar mirror. An eclectic glass case of African masks at one end and the occasional potted palm further add to the transportive effect—this isn’t just another Melbourne bar, it’s an experience.
And if you’re worried about finding a seat? Well, good luck. They’re keeping things intentionally low-key for now, relying on word-of-mouth rather than loud promotions. But once you’re in, you’ll understand why. The setting is intimate, the service is sharp, and the drinks? Let’s just say you won’t want to leave. It’s the kind of place where you start with a quick drink and somehow end up lingering for hours, caught up in the timeless allure of dim lighting, impeccable wine, and effortless charm.
So if you’re looking for a spot that’s effortlessly cool, dripping in French charm, and just the right amount of exclusive, Le Splendide is waiting behind those burgundy curtains. Just push through, settle in, and raise a glass to Melbourne’s newest classic.
