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Le coin Francais

French
Location Pointer 17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
4.5
(728 reviews)
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 (728)

4.5 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.2
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.5
  • Alistair Schuller Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Richard S. Dined: 5 days 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: 1 week 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: 3 weeks 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: 1 week 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!

  • Gerhard Coetzee Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 07 Apr 26
    An excellent restaurant and a true Franschhoek gem. We took the opportunity offered by Restaurant Week and enjoyed the quality of food, service and ambiance thoroughly. A pity that it is only fine dining. A lunch time a la carte option would get us there frequently.

  • Guenter N. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 04 Apr 26
    we had a really great time at your restaurant. thank you for this! we posted our review also on google

  • Simone Raubenheimer Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 04 Apr 26
    Each bite was carefully designed to pack a punch in flavour and texture. Brilliant from beginning to end.

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