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Le coin Francais

Fine Dining French
17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
(627 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 (627)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.4
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.6
  • Heather K. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 21 Feb 25
    Food, service and atmosphere perfect. This was our third visit and we will be back. Thank you to the whole of team.

  • Markus R. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 20 Feb 25
    Top dining experience in the Winelands...Best quality food created with local products and ingredients. The service team works efficiently far above standard. The sommelier is outstanding, too. Great French/African atmosphere...we always come back when in Franschhoek.

  • Carsten L. Dined: 4 days ago
    3.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 19 Feb 25
    Not fully up to expectations

  • Pascal D. Dined: 6 days ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 17 Feb 25
    Everything was perfect except the food.

  • Tanya S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 16 Feb 25
    We did the chefs tasting menu with premium beverages. A bit too much food for us but we have smaller appetites. Each course was amazing & the wait staff were great at explaining it all and also very knowledgable with my extra queries. The wine pairing was great and Eddie, the sommelier, actually made a recommendation for bubbles that resulted in us doing a tasting at that vineyard the day after + buying some bottles to bring home with us. An all round great experience!

  • Danielle V. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    3.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 16 Feb 25
    Dinner was nice, but very expensive. Had dinner a few years ago and it was way better than. That the waiter said “beautifull people” evertime he came to the table was quite annoying.

  • Graeme N. Dined: 1 week ago
    1.8
    Food 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 2.0
  • Rocky L. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 15 Feb 25
    Excellent

  • Mark N. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 14 Feb 25
    A really enjoyable meal, everything running smoothly and to perfection. The wine pairings were exceptional, the presentation of the food amazing. Thoroughly recommended, Michelin quality.

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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