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About
Matthew Gordon’s popular bistro in the heart of the Franschhoek village offers a relaxed culinary experience with top-quality French classics like slow-roasted crispy duck with raspberry vinegar jus; superb steaks (try the fillet mignon with three-mushroom sauce), plus the freshest fish and local produce. Friendly, informative staff ensure that French Connection remains one of the most popular stops in the ‘Gourmet Capital of the Cape’. American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award 2006–2012; Diners Club International Wine List Award 2011–2013; Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2012 & 2013.
PRICE RANGE
US$15 - US$18
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
CUISINES
French, European
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (2 060)
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1 741 results
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
808
649
183
59
42
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Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

French connection where do I start. As a local I find your food consistently amazing. Today I had the open trout sandwich with cous cous. Absolutely delightful. And I recommend the duck for dinner best restaurant in Franschoek. Book for Christmas day lunch you won't...be disappointedMore

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 1 week ago

Very busy very large restaurant which seems open all day into evening. We had dinner which was good but this is not fine dining. Great wines at reasonable prices too.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

This place was booked by our host as we hadn’t booked anything prior to arrival that day. The restaurant is old style decor and whilst it’s a big, loud and busy restaurant, the service was efficient. After a couple of weeks in SA, I’d have...to say the food quality was ‘OK’More

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Another great meal in Franschhoek, one can see what this is viewed as one of the great foodie places on the Cape. We arrived without a reservation but the wonderful front of house managed to find us a table, the restaurant was truly full almost...from the moment we sat down, and every time we walked by it was busy night and day, so a popular spot. We had a starter of cheese which in hindsight was the weakest part, but that was a choice down to us. We then had the fillet of beef with pepper sauce, it was amazing, perfectly cooked and incredibly tender. My partner had a pear tartin for dessert but the steak had finished me off. The food, ambiance and service was all very good and with a good bottle of wine the bill was 1700 Rand, so very good value.More

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

We were visiting Franschoek for the evening and looking for a place to enjoy a casual meal when we came across The French Connection. Lovely sidewalk setting on a beautiful summer evening. The staff were friendly and attentive. Our drinks order arrived promptly and our...meal not long after. Food and presentation was excellent. Will definitely be back when next in the areaMore

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago

This restaurant apparently known to have a great reputation. The waitresses were great and friendly. However the food and the management were just poor. I will not recommend it to any of my friend or family. This is what I will call pub food.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Gordon, Owner at French Connection Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 4 weeks ago

Dear Venture68517991226 I'm very sorry you didn't enjoy your meal with us. We are an informal French Style Bistro. Perhaps you were expecting something more up market and fine dinning. There are many fine examples in our town. We are, however not a pub, nor...More

Reviewed 5 weeks ago via mobile

A wonderful meal to finish our South African journey. We shared a bottle of pinotage and a starter of mussels in a delicious cream sauce. This was followed by a fillet and steak special, done perfectly. Our dessert was a shared pear tarte tatin with...homemade vanilla ice cream. The ambience and service was perfect. The waitstaff were all wearing Springbok shirts to support their South African team in the Rugby World Cup and this added a festive air to the evening. A celebration of our adventure and a World Cup win for South Africa......a win for all!More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 24 October 2023 via mobile

We had a lovely dinner here and were taken care of in a most professional way. Tuna and tempura prawns were delicious. Do book in advance

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 21 October 2023

Nice restaurant in Franschhoek. Relatively casual. Good food but took a long time to receive it. Nothing super extraordinary but overall solid.

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 21 October 2023

centrally located cosy restaurant on the main street in Franschhoek. Typical French cuisine . Food is excellent and so is the wine list.

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 19 October 2023 via mobile

We went for a light and quick breakfast on Sunday. Restaurant was probably 30% full - if that. Service was mediocre and food took literally 45 minutes to arrive (a toasted sandwich and a scone so not exactly tricky…..). Food was cold and not very...good. Completely overpriced too - especially for what you get. AvoidMore

Date of visit: October 2023
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Matthew Gordon, Owner at French Connection Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 20 October 2023

Dear michaelp46 Thanks for your review, it's obviously very disappointing to get your feedback. We have only very recently got active in the breakfast market and so far we have received very positive feedback. You should certainly not be expected to wait that kind of...More

Reviewed 17 October 2023 via mobile

Unbelievable food and atmosphere. The sesame tuna steak special was just melt in the mouth delicious and my dad's beef stroganoff was sublime. Felecia our waitress was so attentive and lovely. The whole staff are lovely and welcoming and it's a gem!!!

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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Reviewed 12 October 2023

I have, at my grand age eaten many steaks around the world and have had the good, the bad and the very bad. The filet mignon I had tonight at the French Connection was, I believe the best I have ever tasted. Superbly prepared and...grilled and just melted. Outstanding value, great service and a marvelous experience. Bravo.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 October 2023 via mobile

Our farewell to South Africa dinner, and very happy with our choice. Just lovely food, excellent wine list with reasonable prices, super staff. Location excellent too.

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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Reviewed 19 September 2023

I figured with being in Franschhoek, with its centuries of French heritage one has to dine in a French restaurant. We’ll I’m glad I did. The food and ambiance was great. I enjoyed the french bread basket, charcuterie board, filet mignon au poivre, and creme...brulee.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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KCL60
17 February 2020|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from richardbP4788DM | Reviewed this property |
I have to agree with the answer you have received. I suspect Children (of course well behaved) will not be a problem but the size of the party might be. However ask.
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French Connection Bistro, Franschhoek - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about French Connection Bistro

Yes, French Connection Bistro is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

French Connection Bistro is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4