Fast facts

Restaurant Name: Le Coin Français

Address: 17 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 6.30pm to 11pm

Average price of a main course: Set menu from R945

Parking: Ample parking available.

Food type: Fine dining

Best for… Small groups, dates and special occasions.

Food

The menu at chef Darren Badenhorst’s establishment is influenced by the heritage and cuisine of the French-inspired Franschhoek valley. Diners can expect French techniques throughout the menu, such as with the butter​-poached​ ​BBQ​ ​North​ Coast​ ​langoustine paired with an aerated​ ​Gruberg cheese sauce,​ ​West​ ​Coast​ ​snoek​ velouté and ​garden​ ​pea​ ​and​ pancetta risotto​.

Great thought is given to creating dishes with a story. The concept of the starter, for example, is “What came first, the chicken or the egg?”, encouraging patrons to ponder over the age-old question. The meal comprises a semi-cured hen’s yolk tucked into the centre of a chicken truffle mousse, surrounded by MCC and pine needles, giving the dish the appearance of a freshly hatched egg on a nest.

Vegetarian and vegan options are equally as inspired and well thought out, thanks to the talented chef Marcus Gericke, who strives to accommodate and impress each guest.

Drinks

Expect fine wines from South Africa and France. The cigar list is a bonus for those wishing to pair their fine wine, whiskey or cognac with something special. Teetotallers will be thrilled to select one of the few de-alcoholised wine and MCC options.

 

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Service

From booking to arrival at the restaurant, the service is impeccable. The maître d’ ensures that all guests are greeted warmly and welcomed to their table. Waiters are ever so attentive – even when guests leave their table, upon their return the waiter is present to seat them once more. Those celebrating special occasions like a birthday are generously offered a complimentary celebratory drink, adding a special touch of warmth to the hospitality.

 

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Ambience

The minimalist design at Le coin Français allows for the menu to be the centre of attention. The restaurant is cosy in size and accommodates a limited number of guests per service. On wintry evenings, the fireplace sets the mood for an intimate dinner.

 

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