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Le coin Francais

French Fine Dining
Location Pointer 17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
4.4
(704 reviews)
RRR
Favourite

Attributes

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

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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 (704)

4.4 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.4
Value 4.2
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.5
  • Gunnar G. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Dara Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Jonathan K. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 31 Oct 25
    Definitely recommend food and service was awesome

  • Lusela Pillay Dined: 1 week ago
    2.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 30 Oct 25
    Very disappointing

  • Susanne Lupinski D. Dined: 1 week ago
    1.3
    Food 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 1.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 30 Oct 25
    Unfriendly Sommelier , wine paring and Food to expensive. Wine came after food. Food was cold ( Main dish) . Not to be recommended. We have been to much better and cheaper places in Franschhoek

  • Barbara M. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 28 Oct 25
    The food was a culinary delight of the highest quality; the service was extremely friendly and wonderfully explained everything we were eating; it was simply indescribably perfect.

  • Alexander G. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Oct 25
    Dining at Le Coin Français was nothing short of extraordinary. Every dish was a work of art — beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and full of depth and creativity. The flavors reflected both precision and passion, with each course offering a delightful surprise. The service was impeccable: warm, attentive, and genuinely professional without being intrusive. The team’s enthusiasm for the food and wine elevated the entire evening, creating a truly welcoming and refined atmosphere. The wine pairing was especially memorable — each selection not only complemented the dish but also told its own story. The sommelier’s explanations added a fascinating dimension, turning the dinner into a complete sensory journey. In short, Le Coin Français stands among the finest dining experiences in Franschhoek — a perfect blend of innovation, flavor, and hospitality. Highly recommended for anyone who values culinary excellence and thoughtful service.

  • Patrick R. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    1.8
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 21 Oct 25
    All around not great food. Service was ok...until we complained very little attention from staff..it was not busy and very $$$$...go anywhere else

  • Jayden W. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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