Choose a location

Or use your current location

Select
Voucher Partner

Le coin Francais

Fine Dining French
17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
(571 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 (571)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.5
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Mike W. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Dec 24
    Always return here every year we come.High standard never drops.Staff really nice especially good sommelier.Ephraim thank you for being responsive and always fitting us in

  • Ewan M. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Dec 24
    Lovely meal, great service, would come again.

  • Malcolm F. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Dec 24
    Nice tasting menus including a vegetarian version. Good service. Pity they. Are using Italian sparkling water.

  • Barbara C. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 10 Dec 24
    Fabulous experience.

  • Malan S. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 02 Dec 24
    Your waiter introduced me to “The Lady from Lenberg Tulbach”, what a nice wine! Good work!

  • Lucy P. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 02 Dec 24
    Wow! Highest quality ingredients, exquisite dishes and fantastic staff

  • Thorsten T. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Wessel K. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 02 Dec 24
    The food never disappoints.

  • Jens A. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 0.0
  • Karine K. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 30 Nov 24
    For the third time in less than 13 months this fantastic experience. Thank you for the marvellous food, the kindness of the staff, an unforgettable evening.

Show More

Book a table

Favourite

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