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Le coin Francais

French
4.5 RRR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

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Menu
Favourite

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.

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

Reviews (732)

4.5 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.2
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.6
  • Wim v. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Petra K. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 03 May 26
    Fantastic Restaurant!!!!

  • Susan S. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 01 May 26
    Love this cozy restaurant with its exceptional tasting menu and high quality service. Should not be missed if you’re visiting the area.

  • Daryl R. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Alistair Schuller Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Richard S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Apr 26
    Wonderful meal with lots of unexpected chef’s touches. Wine pairing was good but not as memorable as the food. The staff were friendly and courteous.

  • Gary D. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 15 Apr 26
    Beautiful dishes and excellent execution. Very sophisticated and well worth a visit.

  • David T. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Apr 26
    Superb dinner, a highlight of our stay in Franschhoek, very well presented food.

  • Stephen L. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Apr 26
    Exceptional meal in our second visit!

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