Ooh la la: French Food in Joburg

by Saira Lortan

French food? We know what you’re thinking: snails and frog legs, right? Not quite. While the French may indulge in some strange delicacies, they're also known to plate up some mouthwatering dishes that folks will travel across the globe to sample. If you're in Joburg, though, you're in luck. We've managed to find incredible croissants, baguettes, petits fours, macarons, and a whole lot of other delicious French food, so there's no need to pull out your passport. Let’s explore the restaurants that have made it their mission to bring French cuisine to Joburg!

PAUL French Bakery & Restaurant

This family-owned artisanal restaurant dates back to 1889, so you know they’re legit. Paul offers a French-style menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. They bake their bread and pastries from scratch every day; it doesn’t get fresher than that! You'll find them in Melrose Arch, Bryanston, Morningside, and Waterfall.

One of the classic French offerings on their menu is the croque madame: a French-style toasted sandwich with cheese, ham, and a fried egg. Be one of the cool kids and pop into your nearest Paul to check out the rest of their menu.

Details: Website | [email protected] | Facebook | Instagram

Le Petit Bistro

This Parisian-style bistro is located in the heart of Linden. Their aim (other than to serve delicious French food) is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for their patrons. They pride themselves on cooking gimmick-free, authentic meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

We couldn't get enough of the Duck Cassoulet. What's that, you ask? A white bean and vegetable casserole with pork sausage, lamb, and bacon & duck confit, all finished in the oven with bread crumbs. Head down to Le Petit Bistro to get a little taste of France.

Details: Website | 71 7th Street, Linden, Johannesburg | 087 378 1226 [email protected] | Facebook

Patisserie de Paris

Pastry lovers, this one's just for you. Patisserie de Paris is a French pastry shop and bakery based in Blairgowrie. Let's get one thing clear: this isn’t just a bakery, it’s an experience. Their melt-in-your-mouth Parisian pastries are produced by a French-trained pastry chef and baker. You're in for petits fours, macarons, and all things ultra-delicious.

To top it all off, the staff speaks French! They couldn’t be more authentic if they tried. If you’re in the mood for drool-worthy pastries and a slice of France, you know where to go.

Details: Website | 9 Mackay Avenue, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg | 011 326 0913 | [email protected]

Liberté French Food & Wine

Liberté French Food and Wine in Craighall prides itself on showcasing French and local wines with Bar Liberté, their beautifully-built bar within the restaurant. We know we had you at French wine, but that’s not all. They also offer delicious modern, French-fusion dishes that are a certified delight for the taste buds.

We're big fans of their French onion chicken meatballs, which combine the classic flavours of French onion soup with chicken for a modern twist. Next time you’ve had a long day at work, head over to Liberté to unwind with a glass of wine and a meal that'll have you contemplating your citizenship.

Old Ducky French Café

Old Ducky is one of our favourite restaurants in Fourways, known for both their sumptuous plates and quirky duck-themed decor you won't find anywhere else. Owned by multi-award-winning chef Freda Appelbaum, their menu is stacked with elaborate French cuisine we can't get enough of.

One of their classic French dishes is Ratatouille...does this sound familiar? This tasty vegetarian dish layers onions, baby marrows, tomatoes, brinjals, and bell peppers stewed in tomato gravy. Yes, it really is as good as it looked in the movie, and yes, we did have flashbacks of our respective childhoods.

You could book a flight to Paris...or you could just eat like you’re already there. Dust off that beret you bought during a questionable shopping spree, and treat yourself to a little tour of French food in Joburg. It's impossible to be sad when there's a golden, flaky croissant in your hands. Take it from us.