‘MAGNIFIQUE, INCROYABLE!’: French Ambassador Lauds Iloilo Bistro

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French Ambassador Marie Fontanel called Iloilo’s La Maison Du Leganes “the best French restaurant in the Philippines,” spotlighting the provincial city as an emerging culinary destination during a diplomatic visit that blended diplomacy and gastronomy.

The ambassador’s praise followed a private dinner on May 23 hosted by the International and Local Linkages Office of West Visayas State University (WVSU), where Fontanel and Claire Châles, the French Embassy’s higher education and scientific cooperation officer, sampled a specially curated tasting menu at the French bistro and café.

“What an incredible experience to have dinner in France… in Iloilo!” Fontanel wrote in La Maison’s guest book. “Iloilo deserves the title of gastronomic capital of the Philippines, but La Maison deserves the title of best French restaurant. I am impressed!”

The menu, designed to highlight classic French techniques and local ingredients, included poached scallops with champagne beurre blanc, smoked salmon and Granny Smith apple salad, grilled prawns in citrus dressing, oven-roasted grouper in lobster bisque, and the restaurant’s signature mango soufflé with mango sabayon.

The French Embassy highlighted the visit and Fontanel’s remarks in a Facebook post published May 24, describing the evening as a celebration of “culinary diplomacy.” The full post is available at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AZbrGLmGN/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

The ambassador also extended an invitation for La Maison Du Leganes to participate in the 2026 Goût de France, an international festival honoring French gastronomy across continents.

Founded by chef-owner Gilbert Leganes, La Maison has carved out a name for itself with its fusion of French culinary heritage and Filipino hospitality. Its recognition by a high-ranking foreign envoy adds momentum to Iloilo’s cultural and tourism appeal, which in recent years has expanded beyond heritage architecture to include food tourism.

“This is more than just an honor for the restaurant—it’s a milestone for the whole city,” Leganes said in an interview. “We are proud to represent not only French cuisine, but also the warm spirit of Iloilo.”