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Le coin Francais

Fine Dining French
17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
(599 reviews)
RRR

Attributes

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

The newest edition to the Franschhoek scene is a restaurant really and truly for Franschhoek. Both in concept and in name, the aptly named “Le coin Francais” , which literally means Franschhoek, will embody the essence of the valley in heritage, cuisine, art and wine. It will feature cutting edge methods meeting time tested French elegance in cuisine, a carefully selected locally themed wine list to showcase the best local wines, a French sommeliers selection, and an ever evolving collaboration of art in the theme of photography.

Gourmet Guide Description

Here is a fine-dining establishment that has become an institution on Franschhoek’s main road. It’s where locals celebrate and visitors are introduced to the heritage of the French Huguenots. The intimate space, with fewer than 30 seats, offers a cosy and romantic atmosphere with a roaring fire in winter and verandah seating in summer. French music playing in the background gives it an almost Parisian café feel, but the comparison ends there. Sophisticated, first-class fine dining is the order of the day.

Chef Darren Badenhorst’s first restaurant remains his ‘baby’, but head chef Miguel de Caries holding the fort has the space to express himself. Food seems simple but is complex, well-executed, and artfully plated. Wines are flawlessly paired with dishes and confidence. A playful touch includes palate cleansers where diners identify wine in black glasses and inventive twists on classic cocktails. Friendly and genuine hospitality is offered by Ephraim Gomani, the front-of-house manager who has been with the restaurant for over seven years.

One popular starter is the veal tartare, presented in two ways. It combines finely chopped venison with layers of venison carpaccio and is impeccably paired with two different Pinot Noirs – one from Hemel-en-Aarde and the other from Elgin. Another notable dish is the duck, an underrated ingredient that shines with thoughtful texture and flavour. It gets glowing reviews, deservedly so.

Reviews (599)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.5
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Pierre-Arnold T. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Jan 25
    It was absolutely fantastic! Took a spot in our top 3 fine dining restaurants.

  • Michael C. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    The choice between 2 set menus was limited to either or.. That said, the food was excellent in quality but almost too much in quantity. The decor was lovely.

  • Michael V. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    True fine dining with a fantastic wine list

  • Harry H. Dined: 4 days ago
    4
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    Fantastic atmosphere, but room for improvement in the kitchen We really enjoyed the ambiance; the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. The staff deserves a big compliment, as the service was excellent and very attentive. The bottle of wine that was recommended to us was delicious and a real highlight. What we found disappointing, however, was that the fish was overcooked and therefore very dry, which unfortunately detracted from the dish. Additionally, it would be nice if more focus were placed on the quality of the food rather than the show around it. While the experience was enjoyable, we felt that the price-to-quality ratio didn’t quite match. All in all, it was a pleasant evening, but with some adjustments in the kitchen and a better balance in presentation, this restaurant could leave an even greater impression.

  • Stefan G. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Frank D. Dined: 5 days ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Richard G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 19h00 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 19h00 - 20h30
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h00, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h00, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 14h00, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Sunday 12h00 - 14h00, 19h00 - 20h30