Just weeks after being recognised as home to Australia’s best baker, Melbourne’s Almost French Patisserie has added another major accolade to its growing list of achievements, winning the People’s Choice Restaurant Award – Public Voting Category at the 2026 Victorian Business Excellence Awards.
The prestigious award was announced during the Victorian Business Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday 8 August 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, recognising Almost French Patisserie as one of Victoria’s most loved dining destinations following a public vote.
Presented by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW), the Victorian Business Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation, leadership and community impact across Victoria’s multicultural business landscape.
For founder and French Maître Pâtissier and Maître Chocolatier Alex Charasse, the latest honour is another remarkable milestone following his recent national success, where Almost French Patisserie was crowned Australia’s Champion Baker at the 2026 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards.
“To receive two major awards within such a short period is incredibly humbling,” Charasse said.
“The Champion Baker Award recognised our craftsmanship and commitment to authentic French baking, while this award is particularly special because it has been decided by the people who walk through our doors every day.
“When customers vote for you, it’s the greatest compliment you can receive.”
A French café and restaurant experience unlike any other
Charasse said Almost French Epicure and Almost French Patisserie have always been about far more than serving exceptional food.
“Our vision has always been to transport people to France without them ever leaving Melbourne,” he said.
“We want every guest to experience authentic French hospitality, traditional recipes, artisan craftsmanship and the feeling of sitting in a neighbourhood café in Paris.
“Food creates memories, and that’s what we’re passionate about delivering every single day.”
With locations in Richmond and Melbourne’s CBD, Almost French has become synonymous with handcrafted pastries, artisan breads, premium desserts, café dining and immersive French hospitality.
From buttery croissants and delicate mille-feuille to traditional baguettes, gourmet breakfasts and elegant lunches, every product reflects Charasse’s decades of experience training in some of France’s most respected kitchens.
Recognition built on excellence
The Victorian Business Excellence Awards recognise businesses that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, resilience, customer service and meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.
According to the organisers, the awards celebrate businesses whose vision and commitment are helping shape the future of Victoria while strengthening its economic, cultural and social fabric.
Charasse believes the recognition belongs to the entire Almost French team.
“This award reflects the passion, dedication and attention to detail our team brings every single day,” he said.
“French baking is an art, but creating a memorable hospitality experience takes an entire team. Every croissant we fold, every coffee we serve and every meal we prepare is done with pride.”
Melbourne’s appetite for authentic French food continues to grow
Charasse said Australians are increasingly seeking authentic food experiences rather than simply somewhere to eat.
“People are becoming much more adventurous. They’re looking for authenticity, craftsmanship and genuine hospitality,” Charasse said.
“They want to slow down, share beautiful food with family and friends and experience something that feels special and that’s exactly what we’ve set out to create.”
The success of Almost French Epicure, including the launch of Melbourne’s first French Club, reflects growing demand for immersive dining experiences that combine exceptional food with French culture and connection.
The journey is only just beginning
Despite collecting two of the industry’s most prestigious awards in recent weeks, Charasse said the business remained focused on continuous improvement.
“We never chase awards; we chase excellence. If you focus on creating extraordinary food and unforgettable experiences, recognition becomes a by-product of doing the right things consistently,” Charasse said.
“Our ambition is to continue bringing the very best of France to Melbourne while raising the standard of French hospitality in Australia.”
Charasse said the latest recognition would inspire the team to keep innovating while remaining true to the traditional techniques and values that have defined Almost French from the beginning.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, but we genuinely believe the best is still ahead of us,” Charasse said.
About Alex Charasse
Alex Charasse is a highly qualified French Maître Pâtissier and Maître Chocolatier with more than two decades of international experience. Trained in France and having worked in some of Europe’s finest kitchens before relocating to Australia, he is the founder of Almost French Patisserie and Almost French Epicure. His businesses are recognised for authentic French craftsmanship, premium ingredients, exceptional hospitality and an unwavering commitment to quality, bringing the true taste and culture of France to Melbourne.
About Almost French
Almost French comprises Almost French Patisserie in Richmond and Almost French Epicure in Melbourne’s CBD. Together, the venues deliver authentic French pastries, artisan breads, desserts, café dining, gourmet pantry products and curated French culinary experiences inspired by traditional techniques and modern French hospitality. The brand continues to grow as one of Australia’s leading destinations for premium French food and culture.
www.almostfrenchepicure.com.au
www.almostfrenchpatisserie.com.au
