The French food here is exotic!
The chicken in red wine sauce dish is a MUST TRY. It comes with a portion of rice, and has veggies and baby potatos in wine sauce on the side. The sauce taste slightly sweet that is unique in flavor. Chicken pieces had a leg piece and some pulled chicken
The coq chicken main course dish is in white sauce that has mushroom and mashed potato. Tastes mild and light.
Barbecue mahi mahi main course dish is good too.
The ambience is homely and service is courteous
Price range: 500 per head
The food is here fantastic. No matter what you order, it's always good. We went from Indian coastal, french, North Indian, and even curd rice and they nailed everything. The staff are very courteous especially Stalin. The Chef (James) visited us to ask how we liked things. They accommodated our every request. We went around popular places in white town (La Villa, which was especially bad) and they had nothing on this.
The best food for most reasonable price. Very nice menu for continental food. Never had such delicious mashed potatoes! And the chicken salad was the very best. Also for Buffett breakfast they make their own jam, which is just out of the world! The service is wonderful thanks to Stalin, their manager, and he is always present to make sure all is perfect. Everything you might need is served even before you ask! Pondicherry is famous for great food and this place is among the very best there.
Very nice restaurant.. food is very nice. All the stuffs are very nice and friendly behavior. I like this place very much
The crusted fish with coconut rice is splendid as is the ambience.. Must try the creole cuisine in order to understand the mixed Franco-tamil flavours
A wonderful place to try when in pondicherry. Historical ambience, with the hotel that dates back to 18th century, a heritage feel and on top of that excellent food and service. Great service by Stalin including the apt recommendations and an excellent preparation by chef James. Order polouet champagna and tiger prawns. The chicken was exquisite with sumptuous sides. The tiger prawns were brilliantly cooked and finally the chocolate mousse was authentic and tasty. Don't go by the overall review as it has been revamped and is an absolute hidden gem if one wants to eat authentic French food with a heritage French architecture. An absolute top recommendation.
Just an amazing place and its an amazing experience to have with the family or on dates.. Food taste is satisfying and really delicious.. Worth it and the service is fast and good.
The service of Stalin and Vetrivel was great, and Chef James knows how to make amazing French meals. The restaurant is set in a 19th century building which is magical. Good value for your money, definitely a recommendation.
I strongly recommend the restaurant Chez Francis in Hôtel de l'Orient. Their ingredients are fresh and of great quality, cooked with care and precision by the chef, James, and his team. We especially enjoyed the chettinad vegetables made with the cook's delicious secret spice mix. The service is professional, gentle and multilingual, in the incredible atmosphere provided by the historical building.
We always visit this restaurant property when ever we r in pondi ,few times got to stay here too, the le orient has a lovely colonial French feel with homely atmosphere n the restaurant was known for the homely yet very interesting food.this was our first time we went here for dinner after dunes hv taken over n the staffs were very warm n hospitable. Spl Stalin was very thoughtful n hv through knowledge of the menu n suggested things usually we would have not ordered ....like aubergine fritters but it’s was quite a treat even my kids loved it. The prawn was excellent n other sea food were good too .dessert we chose crepe n ice cream way to end the hot day in pondi.a must visit always.!
Very elite and authentic french cuisine garden restaurant. The food is great. It is not very crowded which is the best part. Generally, you will be able to find a table on your visit.
Superb vibe, delicious food and friendly service.
This was at a walkable distance from my hotel. Really loved the ambience. Service was quick.
In the bylanes of the French colony of Puducherry, lies this cute restaurant.
It was the highlight of our two day visit as a family to Puducherry.
The decor is naturally beautiful with a lot of ambivalent light and plants. We chose to sit indoors in the air-conditioned room as it was hot in the afternoons. The server was smiling & we loved his recommendations.
The cream of crab soup was light & yum.
The Seafood platter was an absolutely delicious recommendation. It was a French preparation with the Tiger & Jumbo prawns & veggies tossed in herbs. The Calamari was crunchy fried, the white cheesy sauce was full of flavour.
Poulet du Champignons with Ratatouille was also amazing!
The Cocktails were ok. They had no breezers!
My teenage kids, who are more into fast food, also enjoyed the food!
Our average bill for four came up to Rs.4k. Bit expensive but the experience was really wonderful.
Quaint and scenic French restaurant in Pondicherry with surprisingly good food considering how few people were present. Menu is not extensive but what is offered is done well. We ordered a variety of items, including crab bisque, tiger prawns, french chicken, pasta. All were good, but the highlight may have been the homemade pista ice cream, much better than the standard pista flavor from most shops.
Nice Food and Vintage ambience.
Food is great and staff is friendly.
A beautiful place tucked away amidst serene environment with great service hospitality. The place is really worth visiting with its picturesque settings and their special dishes recommended by them are worth giving a try. We tried having nattu kozhi roast with fresh orange juice. They have wide variety of good options to choose from.
Lovely ambience. The carrot and coriander soup was just corn flour with a few bits of fresh coriander. The chocolate mousse, highly recommended by the waiter, was utterly disappointing. However, the chicken varuval, red rice with coconut, kathrika poondu masala were delectable.
Our first time in this charming city and no better way to start exploring this heritage place. Monday night Done it Right!
Our first meal in Pondicherry and it was amazing. We had the carrot coriander soup, fish with coconut rice - french cuisine signature, Poulet Saute Champignons - french Cuisine and to finish off pista ice-cream (best ice-cream you will get in Pondicherry). There is a bit of wait time but it’s all worth it. Ask Stalin and he will make sure you have the best from the menu.
Shout out to Stalin who is a gem of a person and asset to this beautiful place! He will surely make sure you had a pleasant experience not only at Chez Francis but in Pondicherry itself. We kept visiting this place every other day just for Stalin.
Highly recommend and your trip is not complete without visiting this place and Stalin.
Our first night at Puducherry and as a lifestyle travel enthusiast and food lover - my first time at this beautiful city - no better way to start exploring this heritage place. Dinner and hospitality by Stalin made us feel at home!
Food you need to try - their coconut rice and the tiger prawns - french gourmet speciality.
Carrot and coriander soup was Excellent.
Just ask Stalin and he will take care of everything else.
( Don't miss their chocolate mousse and vegan Pista icecream )
So much culture and old school design had me so satisfied. They have lovely rooms which are 200+ years classically designed.
The warmth of the staff is something you shouldn't miss experiencing!
Monday night done right - at this restaurant. Chez Francis.
Don't miss out on the history of this place - it's all there to absorb and take in.
The l'orient hotel will always have my heart.
Until next time.
Thank you so much for everything
While we were glad for air conditioning, the inside seating area was quite old fashioned and tired. Service was good, and the food was tasty.
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