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Le coin Francais

French Fine Dining
4.5 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 (692)

4.5 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.2
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.5
  • Gerbert Jan Ter Braake Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 11 Oct 25
    We had an amazing food experience! Service excellent. Really good vibe. Would absolutely go again. Thanks

  • Anita Sampson Dined: 6 days ago
    3.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 10 Oct 25
    Menu was ok. Some dishes were hard to enjoy for example blue cheese ice cream/sorbet. Food lacked spices. No interesting tastes dancing in your mouth. Overall a very mediocre meal.

  • Dominik K. Dined: 1 week ago
    2.3
    Food 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Thomas B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 29 Sep 25
    Superb! Beautiful, delicious food. Each course was a gem. Wine pairings were perfect.

  • Flemming Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Judi C. Dined: 1 month ago
    2.3
    Food 1.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    Style over substance abound. Lacking variety of textures. Most dishes overpowered by a very rich sauce. Cauliflower dish was devoid of flavour and stodgy. The amount of langoustine was a joke the little amount on offer was good but the sauce was overpowering and unnecessary . Tofu was over powered by a strongly flavoured glaze. Sea bass was as tough as old boots. Key lime pie Lacked the zest of lime to counter the sweet white chocolate . Not an experience to be repeated. Could not recommend.

  • William F. Dined: 1 month ago
    3.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Elodie Barbay Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Lionel L. Dined: 1 month ago
    3.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 30 Aug 25
    Good restaurant, food, service friendly.. Just the ratio price/quality a little bit too high

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