Review

The definitive, traditional French restaurant in Chiang Mai established in 1972, Le Coq d’Or has an undeniable heritage in the city’s culinary rise. Enjoy the glorious setting on the banks of the Ping River, surrounded by tended green lawns before entering the, ironically, English country house designed and built by the first British Consul to the region. Appetisers include pan-fried foie gras, served with peach sauce and garden salad. Roasted scallops are gently seared and dressed with a tart vinaigrette and rocket leaves to give a pleasant peppery finish. Only fitting of a fine French restaurant, prime beef cuts are all in the lineup. Chateaubriand Béarnaise with a tender double fillet of U.S. Angus beef is a signature dish. Roasted turbot with Champagne sauce and asparagus is stylishly presented with a spoon of black roe to top the piece, with a meaty, wholesome texture complemented by the airy, ethereally light sauce. The desserts are skillfully crafted. Tarte tatin, served with Calvados sauce, comes with true Gallic extravagance. There’s a range of soufflé options, all cooked tableside. The house has a substantial wine list, predominantly old world French, with a significant range of regions and prices. The finely dressed, attentive waiting staff and a house jazz band will transport you to the banks of the Seine.