Franquette Creperie Review: Bowral’s French Gluten Free Gem
Discover amazing French gluten free cuisine in the heart of the Highlands for breakfast, lunch or dinner
Hey Gluten Free Fam,
Ben and I had the great pleasure of having lunch together at Franquette Creperie. Situated in the heart of Bowral in the hustle and bustle of Bong Bong St on a busy Sunday, the line just to get in and wait for a table told a story. This is without doubt the busiest establishment in town, and with a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as a bar for drinks complemented with plenty of gluten free menu items, it’s clear to see why Franquette Creperie enjoys such a stellar reputation among locals and travellers alike.
Franquette Crêperie Great for All Occasions
You’ll find the L’Alsacienne on the galette menu
The atmosphere inside the venue is warm and inviting, complete with tasteful decor that strikes a great balance between comfort and style. Once seated for our serving of French cuisine for the day, Ben ordered a long black coffee and I enjoyed an almond cappuccino.
Now here it’s important to offer a clear point to remember for all coeliac and gluten intolerant customers: Franquette Creperie offers delicious gluten free options for diners with their galette menu. This is made with a separate buckwheat flour base to guarantee it is gluten free.
What’s the difference between a crepe and galette? While they both appear like sumptuous pancakes, a crepe is a sweet meal made with white wheat flour. A galette, on the other hand, is a savoury alternative traditionally made with gluten free buckwheat flour.
Thankfully if there is any confusion, the menu is clearly marked with GF labelled against every gluten free choice, and staff will be on hand to clarify. If you’re a vegan consumer, other selections are marked too, so you won’t be left shortchanged for great meal options.
Stop by Bowral for Amazing French Galette Menu Items
Ben ordered the L’Alsacienne, a galette comprised of braised pork belly, kransky, sauerkraut, dijon cream sauce, caramelised onion, juniper jus and mixed leaf salad. I ordered the Mediterraneenne, a galette packed with smoked chicken, chorizo, cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onions, rosemary and pine nuts. However, being lactose intolerant, the staff were able to substitute out the cheese for spinach.
The galettes were well worth the wait for a table. The ingredients are fresh and the contrast in texture between the crunch of the galette and the delicious proteins and vegetables found inside offered the ideal lunch experience. It’s rare to find a meal that isn’t too heavy to weigh you down for the rest of the day, but not too light either to leave you still hungry leading into dinner.
Dessert is served with the J’ai dit Franquette
We included a side order of gluten free French fries with black garlic aioli as a dip. This was a magnificent addition to lunch, giving a bit of extra crispiness, perfectly complementing a cup of coffee and the rest of the meal. The fryers are all gluten free which is a huge win for coeliacs and gluten free customers.
To finish off proceedings, we indulged further, sharing a dessert. Whilst the crepe menu is not gluten free, you can ask for a gluten free buckwheat base. We shared a single J’ai dit Franquette, off the Crepe Gourmandes menu that contained an appetising combination of macaron, strawberries, macadamia ice cream, berry coulis and pistachios for good measure. If you have a sweet tooth like me, beware, because this dessert will have you returning for more.
Expert Staff at Franquette Creperie Always Helpful
If you’re someone like Ben or myself who feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable with super expensive fine dining, but you’re looking for more than cheap and greasy takeaway, this restaurant is a great solution. There is plenty of choice for sweet or savoury French cuisine, and with extensive opening hours across the week beginning from 7.30am, there’s always a good time to book in.
A special word must be reserved for the wonderful, friendly and helpful staff at Franquette Creperie. Not only are many of the waitstaff French nationals, but they go above and beyond to ensure coeliac and gluten free needs are met. Each one is attentive to questions and requests, and deliver service with a smile.
If you’re a local of the Southern Highlands and are yet to discover this gem of French cuisine, or happen to be travelling through from Sydney or Canberra, do yourself a favour and find a table at Franquette Creperie. You won’t be disappointed.
