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The French Connection Bistro
48 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
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Ne
Review №1

Went here several years ago and it was dreadful. Thought wed give it a second chance and were pleasantly surprised. The service was good and the food well made traditional french bistro style, well mostly as it has obviously considered the local market. It was probably better than three stars but not quite four due to overly intrusive table checks. Please only ask me once if my food is good, its not hard to work out a system. If you have two managers on duty, split up the tables into sections, problem solved.

Ma
Review №2

Great experience! Best food in Franschhoek. We were helped even though we had no booking and the restaurant was packed. We had the mussels, the veal and calamari and all three dishes are highly recommended.

La
Review №3

Our tour bus of 12 stopped for lunch between visits to wineries. All the food that was ordered was fresh and delicious. I had the chicken salad with beets and avocados. It was very good although onions and tomatoes would have made it perfect! Our server was happy to give separate checks which was swiftly accomplished! The bathrooms were designated with a hen and rooster and were very clean. There was a fireplace burning wood which added ambiance.

Ne
Review №4

Lovely food, have been there a couple of times and the food does not disappoint!

Fr
Review №5

The food at this restaurant was fantastic. Possibly a bit pricy but so is everything in Francshoek.

No
Review №6

The restaurant offers decent food, but we expected more from it. The duck was quite dry, roasted potatoes that came with it very oily and salty. Tagliatelle were fine, just a bit oily. The restaurant has a very nice internal patio.

Ri
Review №7

Food was good and had interesting combination of flavors, however I was highly disappointed that they had no fresh mussels, when three items on their very small menu required it. Also we noticed that some guests were infact served mussels, not sure what was up with that, probably kept it for the regulars. Only took photos of the starters which was asparagus and calamari/chorizo.

An
Review №8

Cozy atmosphere, brilliant food

Ha
Review №9

French connection are open again from September so you can book for lunches and dinners in the heart of Franschhoek village

jo
Review №10

Another fantastic lunch, excellent food and service.., a great Sunday lunch

An
Review №11

Very nice food and reasonably priced.

Po
Review №12

Amazing quality of the food! We ordered the mussels, and stuffed chicken. The mussels were amazingly soft and tender, and packed with flavour. The chicken has a crispy skin and has a burst of flavour. Even the potato wedges were cooked to perfection. The prices are more on the expensive side but you are getting what you pay for.

Am
Review №13

Amazing food, elegant setting. One needs to book for any night of the week. Quiet pricey.

St
Review №14

Good food, service was reasonable and they were able to suggest good gluten free options. On the pricey side but the food is definitely worthwhile trying.

El
Review №15

A Phenomenal almost magical dining experience. The service was excellent and every course delicious!

Em
Review №16

Best Ostrich fillet steak I have eaten.. The accompaning fig sauce was delicious. Lovely ambience!

Br
Review №17

Our wonderful hotel Franschoek Country house and Villas recommended this spot for a late lunch. We enjoyed the chicken livers and charcuterie board.

fr
Review №18

Quick service and a cute little terrasse with an awesome view as show in my pictures. Everything was perfect couldn’t ask for more ! There was even a little blanket on a chair if you are cold

Ch
Review №19

Great service and top class food.

Do
Review №20

French ruined homemade steak from me, Ill never be able to live up to their fillet with mushroom sauce. I am fully dependant on this as a main source of nutrition now.Buy their food

Ha
Review №21

Truly exquisite cuisine, class service and wonderful ambience. Exactly what one ejects from a Franshoek Bistro. Prefect his ...

Ka
Review №22

We went to French Connection based on reviews on their mussel starter and their steak, and they did not disappoint. The mussels are a must! The fillet and sirloin were done to medium rare perfection. The potatoes in duck fat was a winner. Great service. The only down side was the tasteless /bland side veggies. Overall, great food experience.

Ow
Review №23

The staff were friendly and the good was deliciousWe had a sampling from across the menu and everything was lovelyWe enjoyed the staff so much when it came time to leave we couldnt tear ourselves away from chattingWe didnt notice the time when we arrived but it was near closing, the staff was extremely accommodating and friendly and took great care of usWe would definitely go back

St
Review №24

Few dishes, but a lonnnnng wine list, with all price ranges. We picked a four paws pinotage 2011 at 325 ZAR and it was excellent.Before you eat they serve some good bread which looks like it was made with wood fire with salt butter.We both ate a fillet mignon and it was fantastic, the meat was well cooked and in good proportion. It was served with a three mushrooms sauce and we were amazed with the balanced taste.As for the french fries, they were dry (Trust me this is not common in there) and awesome. the waiters are very friendly and do their job very well.As for the dessert... Well... Too damn good.If you are into exotic fruits then you should definitely go for a Fruit passion cheesecake.If youre more into chocolate, then the Warm belgian chocolate tart is made for you, the chocolate is wonderful and the pie shell was definitely homemade, the only bémol would be the vanilla ice-cream was lacking as it was the common ice-cream that you can find in any supermarket. It shouldnt be too hard to find a real one made with actual vanilla.

Ge
Review №25

What a warm welcoming French establishment . Service is top notch with great menus, supplemented with a impressive wine selection. For starters we had yummy black mussels in white wine sauce, followed by a perfectly aged rump steak, seared with whole mustard seed and black pepper with a generous serving of julienne garden veggies and roast potatoes... highly reccomend this spot.

Ca
Review №26

Lovely! The best Cape Mussels Ive had in YEARS! Service good, sometimes not classy. Unfortunate about the plastic bottled water! 😱Fix your eco stuff and Ill be back with more!

Jo
Review №27

Excellent food and service

Ga
Review №28

Nestled on the main drag in Franschhoek this little bistro is always bustling. Service is great, lovely selection of wines, plenty by the glass and the food is always good. Just opted for cheeseboard this time and some crisp, chilled LaMotte motte Sauvignon Blanc.

St
Review №29

I ate beef fillett and chips... the fillet steak was the best I have ever tasted... superb

Ti
Review №30

Its fine. The cut of beef is not their doing. A chef can tell where grissle is and not.

Ha
Review №31

Beautiful French style restaurant with very good cuisine. They offer their own bottled water which I think it is a plus for the environment.Prices are o the high side.

Ma
Review №32

There are problems in South Africa with load shedding, which means electricity supplies are shut off for a couple of hours at a time.We sit on the stoop at the front, all working well lights on and as there is an Autumn feel in the air at the moment, they have small heaters on which just take the edge off any chill feeling.Again the staff are very attentive here and we soon have a drink and a menu.8:00 arrives the power returns and you hear a cheer all along the main street.The choice here is good and when the food arrives it is beautifully presented and very tasty.There is a lively buzz here - this is not due solely to the restaurant but because you are sitting on the road and the town is alive.

Jo
Review №33

The mussels were delicious and the pud too! 👍🏻

Je
Review №34

What a treat to be able to back here the day it reopened after covid closure. I have been craving thier tempura prawns. I was not disappointed.

Me
Review №35

Excellent service during Covid. Mussels were superb. Ill be back

Ma
Review №36

Whole experience is 3 stars.Food and ambiance is lovely, however, the wine prices and corkage of R75 per bottle is absolutely ridiculous!

Ga
Review №37

This place always seems to be full, but the service is so fast they make room for you quickly. Great food and out door seating near the road. Charming scale, feeling nice and cozy.Great staff.South Africa tapas selection was very interesting.Great wine.Well worth a casual visit for a a glass of wine or a meal.

Wa
Review №38

The food was lovely, service great and good choices of wine.

Ca
Review №39

Nice venue, great food, heavy use of mushrooms in almost every dish.

An
Review №40

I had a very good experience up until I was served by someone who seemed to lack professionalism.. I was pleased they offered me a table even though they were fully booked.. they tried to accommodate me which I appreciate. However the staff member who took my order could have been a little more careful .. when my food arrived I found it tasteless.

Ri
Review №41

Always a good bet. Nice variety on the menu. Food is delicious. Staff are very friendly and the service is quick. Brilliant location to hang around in town.

Ro
Review №42

Excellent food. nice wine. great service. 5*

St
Review №43

Fabulous food and great service.

D.
Review №44

We loved the food and friendly staff. Would recommend.

Ga
Review №45

Always excellent, one of my favourite places to eat. Their first day of trading after lockdown.

St
Review №46

Great food, not pretentious, staff attentive but not overbearing, nice atmosphere for a good night with friends

Ka
Review №47

Wonderful, friendly service. If you can, opt for outdoor seating. Delightful ambiance and delicious tastes. Just sit back and relax and let the moment linger.

Fr
Review №48

Very friendly professional staff that were kind enough to accommodate for us even if we arrived just as the kitchen was closing. The food was excellent, with the mussels probably being the best we have ever eaten. The bouillabaise was also extremely flavorful, almost to the point of being *too* rich.

Se
Review №49

Cosy nice food and atmosphere.

St
Review №50

We enjoyed a cheeseboard and it was very nice!!!

Pe
Review №51

Best tuna ever

Ow
Review №52

A fantastic restaurant in the heart of the town. The food is delicious, atmosphere spot on and service impeccable.This place is a must for anyone in the area!

Da
Review №53

Great service and really homely environment created a beautiful atmosphere for a warm winter hideout. Food was top quality, portions generous, with all the attention you hope for. Definitely recommended.

Ri
Review №54

Great food and service for a good price

Ru
Review №55

Great service. Amazing food.

St
Review №56

Good food.Friendly and attentive serviceNice ambiance.Good value

Da
Review №57

Preferred the little spot at the back of the restaurant to the main section...its a bit more cosy. Steak was very good. Most of the meals are around the R200 mark...not cheap, but good quality.

sa
Review №58

Food was tasty once i got the right order. Service poor...waited an hour & half for food to be delivered to the table. Tip was included on the bill & the waiter didnt mention this when we added a tip which i feel is dishonest on his part.

Gl
Review №59

I wish I could give 10 stars. An awesome family lunch fantastic food brilliantly prepared and presented. If you miss visiting this restaurant you have missed a superb experience

Pe
Review №60

Just a bistro. As always in South Africa, the staff is very friendly, but the food was quite mediocre. Do avoid the duck. It was severely overcooked and dry. We went here by recommendations, so we were somewhat disappointed.

Jo
Review №61

The second time round and just as good. Lovely warm atmosphere for an excellent meal. Great wine and a wonderful experience cheese stuffed chicken breast was delicious. We will be back for the third time. .. soon!

Jo
Review №62

A quiet but busy place to enjoy excellent food and wine.Reasonable prices menu caters well with excellent presentation and serviceA must.

He
Review №63

Had Christmas lunch there after being let down by another establishment. Food was very good. Service was friendly but a little slow. Price was reasonable for a five course menu. A good time was had by all.

jb
Review №64

Unpretentious place with very nice food and service. We had mussels, lamb and steak. Good value for money in Franshoek.

Ly
Review №65

I had the charcuterie platter which was very nice but a bit skimpy on the meat and my husband had the veal schnitzel which was out of this world, the side order of onion rings was also delicious. It was a perfect day in the beautiful winter sun. Waitress was very good.

er
Review №66

Excellent and frienly staff! Always remember us, even if we havent visited in a while. Try the veal schnitzel! Its excellent😀

Br
Review №67

Food very tasty, service was really good

An
Review №68

Informal dining good lunch menu right in the centre of town. Good prices and good service. The staff are helpful and nothing is too much trouble. Good location for the souvenir shops and diamond shop.

Sa
Review №69

Good service, but dont order te falafel. In my opinion they are supposed to be crisp. They were gummy.

Ch
Review №70

Great resturant and great food. Highly recommend

Lo
Review №71

Quality meals at good prices. Well loved by our clients from abroad.

La
Review №72

Great food and atmosphere.

Cl
Review №73

Great food especially the steaks .Great ambience and convenient location in Franschoek

Th
Review №74

Great bistro with a wonderful wine selection and wait staff that knows how to pair with your dish.

Lo
Review №75

Food where very very good and tasteful exellent service

Mo
Review №76

What a fantastic experience in a beautiful place. This is a hidden gem with delicious dishes. The Beef Stroganoff and Veal Schnitzel were both amazing. Do not miss out if you have the opportunity to spend an evening here!

Mi
Review №77

Fast service but you must make reservations!

Lu
Review №78

Food is expensive for what you get. Not enough space. Unfriendly service. A tourist trap.

Mi
Review №79

Just had a salad and desert, but both top shelf. Nice selection of bottled craft beer. Tried the OPA, bitter and twisted, just the way I like.

Ad
Review №80

So glad we stopped in. Great service. Lovley atmosphere. Very good meal.

An
Review №81

Fantastic food and excellent service. Definately worth a visit. Will be back.

Ma
Review №82

Great food and service, friendly people.

Th
Review №83

Enjoyed the small town. Lovely restaurant and friendly staff! I will definetly be back

Je
Review №84

Very good food, ideal if you’re not in a hurry. Relaxed atmosphere. Would go again.

Li
Review №85

We live close to Franschhoek. whenever we have a chance to dine and wine we always go to French Connection Bistro, and my oh my, without exception, its always the most beautiful experience. ambience, service, food, all top notch. we can definitely recommend this beautiful restaurant

Co
Review №86

Quite pricey for what it is but standard of food ok staff attentive well situated for viewing passers by

Bj
Review №87

Delicious food and drinks, friendly stuff in an nice atmosphere.

Au
Review №88

The flavor are different and very good! Wonderful experience!

Ha
Review №89

Very tasty, French bistro with great steaks in a hommy atmosphere

ke
Review №90

The food was more than just the typical bistro fare that you would expect from a typical Franschhoek establishment.

Ja
Review №91

Really good food and friendly service

La
Review №92

Would have got five stars but we were put by a drafty door. Food is exceptional, probably the best steak in South Africa so far.

Ro
Review №93

Great food and service. A must visit!

Al
Review №94

Food nice, Service has room for improvement

We
Review №95

Amazing prawns. Rump steak was disappointing

Sa
Review №96

Excellent restaurant with delicious food. We sat outside on a glorious March evening and everything was just perfect.

Ad
Review №97

Spot on. Always consistent quality and service.

Tr
Review №98

Delicious food with the best service from Jason and Norman.

Jo
Review №99

Amazing food and good service! Can highly recommend!

Nt
Review №100

We were two couple visitng Franschoek for 4 days and nights. We tried different restaurants for both lunch & dinner and after eating at The French connection, we all agreed that it was the best out of all and we had our last dinner there. This is going to the same restaurant twice in one week and it doesnt often happen.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:48 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
  • Site:http://www.frenchconnection.co.za/
  • Phone:+27 21 876 4056
Categories
  • Bistro
  • Restaurant
Working hours
  • Monday:12–3PM
  • Tuesday:12–3PM
  • Wednesday:12–3PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:12–3PM
Service options
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Highlights
  • Great cocktails:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Beer:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cosy:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
Planning
  • Accepts reservations:Yes
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