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Le coin Francais

Fine Dining French
17 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
(662 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 (662)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.6
Value 4.3
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.6
  • Heidi V. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 27 Apr 25
    Awesome!

  • Lauren Fok Dined: 1 week ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Shaun Pather Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 21 Apr 25
    Le Coin Franscais had been on my list for a while. With their listing on restaurant week, it was a beckoning. The menu comprises an exceptional 7 course affair, with a extensively curated wine list. Service was attentive, and the courses were well paced over a duration of two hours. While each course was carefully designed, the top of the list for me was the langoustine. Highly recommended.

  • Matthew Prehn Dined: 1 week ago
    2.5
    Food 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 20 Apr 25
    Oh hiw the mighty have fallen. What a pity but this was not a memorable experience. 3 of 8 courses were good. Not standout or amazing. Did the 10 course tasting a few years back and that was amazing. Not sure what has gone wrong but unfortunately will not be back. Bit if a wasted 2k ro be brutally honest :(

  • ulli s. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Butch R. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    3.5
    Food 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Apr 25
    This restaurant is getting tired. The service staff are excellent, but the food was heavy, and disappointing. The gloopy egg starter just doesn't work. And the lamb is pedestrian, at best. And why on earth put sea bass on a Hibachi grill, spoiling a lovely delicately flavoured fish? Ugh. The wine pairing ranges on the bizarre, as many of the wines don't match at all with the food. We were here a couple of years ago, and were blown away. After this experience, we won't be back.

  • GLYNNIS O. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    A spectacular experience. The food is amazing, the service is fantastice

  • Llewellyn Walters Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Apr 25
    An absolute Gem taking fine dining back to the OG, no over complicated dishes, traditional French fine dining with some modern twists and perfect portion sizes. Even incorporating one of their first original famous dishes of Langoustine which they have been serving for years and people will definitely go back for this! I will definitely be revisiting this restaurant ❤️

  • Bronnie Thomas Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • ANJA K. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 11 Apr 25
    One of the BEST of many restaurants we do. Average of two restaurants a week. Just amazing food.

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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