Food Review: A High-Value French Culinary Experience (5 stars)
On May 5, 2025, at 1 PM, I and my girlfriend dined at Le Rendez-Vous in Vietnam, a restaurant renowned for its exquisite French cuisine. We opted for the “Menu French Experience” and “Main Discovery.” Overall, the dining experience was impressive, with the sauces being the soul of every dish. Below is a review of selected dishes (scored out of 10):
First Appetizer: Beef Tartare Score: 9.5/10
This beef tartare was the highest-scoring dish of the meal. Unlike versions I’ve had in Hong Kong, the raw beef was finely chopped and paired with a rich romesco sauce, offering a sweet-tangy flavor with a hint of spice that perfectly balanced the beef’s tenderness. The sauce and beef were impeccably matched, showcasing the finesse of French cuisine. However, I felt the seasoning could be slightly lighter to let the beef’s natural flavor shine more.
Second Appetizer: Pan-Seared Foie Gras Score: 7/10
The foie gras was seared to a crisp exterior with a melt-in-the-mouth interior, similar to what I’ve had in Hong Kong. It was paired with pineapple and mango condiment, which added a refreshing fruity note, enhancing the flavor and cutting through the richness of the foie gras. The accompanying brioche, lightly toasted, offered a soft yet crisp contrast to the foie gras. The sauce was exceptionally well-balanced, with acidity and richness in perfect harmony.
Onion Soup Score: 8.5/10
The classic French onion soup, simmered for over 15 hours, was masterfully executed at Le Rendez-Vous. The onions, slow-cooked to perfection, created a rich yet non-heavy broth.
Main Course: Beef Tenderloin Steak Score: 8/10
The beef tenderloin steak was made with high-quality beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare as requested, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a subtle beefy aroma. The accompanying pomme Anna (French layered potato slices) was baked to a golden crisp, soaking up the sauce’s essence, while the grilled asparagus added a refreshing crunch. The sauce once again demonstrated the chef’s high level of skill in flavor balance.
Dessert: Crème Brûlée Score: 7/10
The crème brûlée’s caramelized top cracked with a satisfying sound, releasing a toasty aroma. The custard beneath was smooth and rich, with well-balanced sweetness. Paired with seasonal fruits for a touch of freshness and oat crumble for a crisp texture, the dessert was multi-layered. The “sauce” (if the caramel layer counts as one) was expertly handled, sweet but not cloying.
Overall Evaluation
Overall Score: 8/10 From appetizers to mains to dessert, Le Rendez-Vous showcased the essence of French cuisine. The sauces—whether romesco, Phu Quoc pepper, or caramel—elevated each dish, reflecting the chef’s precise mastery of flavor balance. Service was excellent, with friendly staff providing brief introductions to each dish, maintaining a high standard of hospitality.
“Getting an 8 or above from me is no easy feat.”
If you’re a fan of French cuisine, this restaurant is absolutely...
Read moreA Must-Visit for French Cuisine in Da Nang
If you’re searching for an authentic taste of France in Da Nang, Le Rendez-Vous is an essential stop. Each time we dine here, the experience feels both refined and memorable, thanks to exquisite dishes, attentive service, and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Our most recent visit was no exception.
Highlights of Our Meal:
Starters:
Scallops – Perfectly seared, with a natural sweetness balanced by an earthy purée. A masterclass in simplicity and execution.
Shrimp Salad – Fresh, vibrant, and visually striking. The crisp textures and bright flavors make it a refreshing beginning.
Main Courses:
Lamb Rump – Exceptionally tender, full of depth, and paired with a luscious sauce that elevates every bite.
White Fish with Mussels – Delicate and flaky, resting in a divine buttery sauce, complemented beautifully by savory lentils.
Pasta with Mushrooms – A true surprise of the evening. The sauce was perfectly composed, creating a rich, full-mouth taste unlike anything we’ve had before. Comforting yet sophisticated, it showcased the chef’s talent for balance and flavor layering.
Dessert:
Profiterole – A timeless finish. Light pastry filled with cold, creamy ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce—a simple pleasure, perfectly executed.
Overall Impression:
Le Rendez-Vous delivers a genuine high-end French dining experience in the heart of Da Nang. From starters to dessert, every dish reflects both precision and passion. It’s not just dinner—it’s a culinary rendezvous you’ll remember. Absolutely worth it, and a place we’ll return to...
Read moreReally enjoyed this place, had a lovely dinner! We found a couple of French restaurants in Da Nang and weren’t sure which one to pick, but so glad we tried this one in the end. This is a great choice if you want French fine dining at reasonable prices.
Each dish was delicious and meticulously prepared. My top three highlights:
Vermouth sabayon - this was by far THE BEST part of the meal!! And so glad it was the last part of the meal as I always save the best for the last. I’m surprised others have not commented much about this dessert, it was truly incredible. It looks simple and unassuming, but has such a rich and diverse mix of flavors / textures that I haven’t had anywhere else. We were told it’s inspired by Vietnamese egg coffee. I would totally come back just to try this again!
Duck breast - this was another highlight, the cut was nice and flavorful, worked really well with the sauce. But the standout of the dish was the duck croquette on the side, it reminded me of Japanese croquettes (which I love) but more nuanced and elevated. Loved it!
Onion soup - this was served with a very cheesy puff pastry, enough said!
It was a slow day when we went, with only one other party in the restaurant, so the owner-chef Chris was able to come up and personally introduce each dish to us and share more about the restaurant. We could feel his passion for the dishes and the restaurant / food in general, really appreciated talking to him. Ly was also very attentive and pleasant.
Overall this was a great experience and I would definitely come back if I visit Da Nang again....
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