The story
French Connection brings refined French cooking to Franschhoek, anchoring Huguenot Road since 2002. Chef Patron Matthew Gordon brought decades of training from Johannesburg, London, and Tokyo to establish a kitchen rooted in classical technique and modern execution. Head Chef Shirene Patrick joined the team twenty years ago as a dishwasher and now directs the daily menu with an emphasis on imaginative seasonal specials. Their combined experience shapes a culinary approach that prioritizes precise preparation and respect for local ingredients.
The lunch and dinner menus highlight locally sourced proteins alongside classic French bistro preparations. Visitors often order the slow roasted crispy duck served with caramelised berries and raspberry vinegar jus, or the marinated Karoo lamb rump steak finished with a choice of bastings. The kitchen also prepares Franschhoek trout fishcakes with chive yoghurt dressing and serves A grade beef fillet hung for one week before wet aging. Daily specials shift according to the valley harvest while the cheese board showcases regional varieties paired with preserves.
Guests settle into a casual bistro setting where outdoor seating and a dedicated wine bar frame the experience. Sommeliers curate selections from nearby estates alongside international bottles designed to complement the savory mains and sweet finishes like espresso panna cotta or warm Belgian chocolate tart. This steady commitment to quality earned the establishment three radishes in the 2026 We're Smart Green Guide. The enduring appeal lies in straightforward service and a menu that honors both French tradition and South African terroir.
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