How many French restaurants have you dined in? If you’re the average Filipino, I’m assuming it’s very few—probably one, or even fewer. There are indeed very few here, and as far as I’m concerned, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’ll never find one.
That’s why I’m so pleased that a French restaurant recently opened in a very popular area of BGC, at the One Bonifacio High Street Mall, guaranteeing that even an adventurous Filipino can now just walk in—or stay in the breezy outdoor areas—and enjoy Bistrot Le Coucou.
It brings the charm of a Parisian bistro experience to the heart of BGC, offering a seamless blend of culinary artistry and a surprising selection of fine wines from around the world. Bistrot Le Coucou offers a refined selection of classic French fare, featuring elegant appetizers, hearty mains, and decadent desserts. Expect timeless favorites like entrecôte and frites, duck confit, and signature pastas, paired with a curated selection of fine wines. Simple, authentically Parisian.
There are a multitude of reasons why this will be your new favorite. Here are my top five:
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The Very French Hors d’Oeuvres
I started with an Aperol spritz—what else could I select from the voluminous bar list? The colorful European cocktail set me off in a relaxed, very chill manner. The restaurant offers a grand wine bar and prepares dishes for specific pairings if you’re so inclined. I had an order of the pommes frites—bars of potatoes, deep-fried but served without excess oil, the whole dish topped with herring pearls, caviar, herb mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan cheese. It was magical.
This was followed by foie terrine, an unassuming yet divine terrine of duck foie gras, so pure and exquisite. My meal was off to an epic start.
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The To-Die-For Starters
I could not miss one item on the menu: the beef tartare. This has been my go-to order in any restaurant that serves it, French or otherwise, and I’m glad to say Bistrot Le Coucou’s did not disappoint. The chopped, fresh tenderloin, embraced by the restaurant’s special sauce and tempura herbs, was pitch perfect. I devoured most of it while my companion enjoyed the fresh clams with white wine, garlic, shallots, parsley, lots of butter, lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil. I shared in the sauce afterward, dipping the restaurant’s freshly toasted bread into the calorie-laden dip.
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The Luscious Escargots
This is French cuisine for me. The snails—or “suso,” as we call them locally—were served beautifully and individually in a pan, dripping with butter, sizzling hot from the oven. Stuffed with garlic, parsley, and, once more, plenty of butter, I was entranced and thoroughly satisfied. If you’re wondering why the French use so much butter, this is the answer. I can still taste the escargot, the slippery textures coated in clear butter. I’m glad I can have this anytime in BGC.
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The Divine Duck Confit
My good friend, a Filipino chef, made the essential duck confit in his restaurant near Taft Avenue back in the day—and I hope he continues to do so in Tagaytay. Bistrot Le Coucou’s version allows me to skip the drive; it’s spectacular. A thirty-hour sous-vide duck leg, with roasted red onions and candied orange, makes the perfect second-to-last dish. This will always be my must-order.
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The Parisian Vibe and the Spectacular Dessert
The mousse au chocolat, served in an extra-large vessel, was the quintessential ending to my dinner at Bistrot Le Coucou. I was pleasantly surprised when our charming server, Anna, brought it out. For a moment I panicked, but I soon realized she was serving a very reasonable portion. After tasting the mousse, I had to order a second serving to take home. This has become the bistro’s signature dessert. Many people make the restaurant their last stop, visiting specifically for this impeccable French sweet and the bistro’s Parisian vibe, which will surely captivate you. Coucou means a warm hello—and yes, enjoy all the butter!
Bistrot Le Coucou
28th Street, 2nd Floor View Deck
One Bonifacio High Street Mall
Instagram: @lecoucou.mnl
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