No Need to Travel to France to Dine in a Country Inn by the Side of the Road
If you are looking for a close, romantic get-away or perhaps a special dinner with friends, Le Chene may be the place for you. This charming little piece of France sits alongside Sierra Highway, nestled in the rolling hills of Agua Dulce, just outside of Santa Clarita Surrounded by big centennial oak trees, this unique restaurant is quite modest from the roadside…But beyond the neon sign and river-rocked exterior, awaits a real treat!
As my husband and made our way through the front entrance, I found a warm, cozy atmosphere filled with delicious scents of fresh baked bread and European coffee. Arriving half an hour early for our dinner reservation, we made our way straight to the bar. Stored in open view, were a wide variety of spirits to choose from.
With our drinks in hand, we headed outside to the patio area, overlooking a beautiful, romantic garden. As we made our way down the stairs of the rear deck, small ponds of water ran along a wooden walkway; laced above were lattice archways covered in ivy. Strolling along the path, we came upon a large, antique water wheel. This picturesque garden spot is ideal for weddings and outdoor entertainment – a photographers paradise.
Decorated in French Country, the dining room was comfortable, yet elegant. Soft lights white linens, pretty floral china, and a forest green carpet created an intimate setting. Knotty pine beam ceilings and an oversized stone fireplace added warmth to the cozy atmosphere. A rustic view of oak trees could be seen throughout the room filled with large French windows.
Owner and chef, Juan Alonso welcomed us to his restaurant. We were intrigued to hear him tell his story of the history behind LeChene. Originally built by and English couple in the early 1900s, this place was once a bikers bar and pool hall named The Oaks. In 1980, Juan moved from France and bought The Oaks turning it into a little restaurant with the name Le Chene. (French for The Oaks). Over the years, he has remodeled, expanded, and gradually turned his restaurant into a popular Country Inn – well known for its weddings, parties and gourmet French Cuisine.
We were given an impressive wine list that would appeal to any wine connoisseur and has been voted Best of Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator. The restaurant offers over 900 different wines to choose from, mainly known for its Californian and French selections. There is a wine to satisfy anyones taste with prices ranging from $9 to $200 per bottle. Exotic dinner menus were delivered to each table side, neatly handwritten on small antique chalkboards. Our waitress explained the dishes of our interest, giving details of how they were prepared. Items such as: Ostrich Medallions, Buffalo rib eye, Calamari Abalone, Duck Amaretto, and Venison Poivrade were offered, along with more simple, but just as impressive choices of various steak and seafood entrees.
Being less adventurous and more finicky, I opted for the simpler choice, Swordfish prepared in a delicious lemon butter sauce, served with fresh salad, pureed carrots, and garlic flavored zucchini. My husband chose the lightly saute scallops and mushrooms in garlic butter served with creamy vegetable soup, carrots and zucchini. Our meals were absolutely mouth watering! After sharing our dinners, we followed up the main course with a favorite specialty dessert, Creme Brulee – by far the best I’ve had.
The guests were friendly and appeared to enjoy themselves. Our waitress shared her thoughts of Le Chene: A great place to work and a lot of fun – the place is always buzzing with people, parties, and good times. Best of all, we get an excellent gourmet meal cooked nightly! Its no wonder most of the employees have been there for over fifteen years.
By the end of the evening, we were pleasantly stuffed. The combination of rich food, excellent service, and lovely atmosphere made for a wonderful evening. We were very happy we left the kids at home; the menu, prices and atmosphere were definitely geared towards adults.Le Chene has been voted Most Romantic by Daily News and LA Magazine. I will certainly add it to the top of my list: A delicious taste of France, not too far from home!
Facebook Reviews
Mark Dora Greenen
15:56 05 May 21
Delicious! Awesome service! love the red wine Juan's Red. Still one of my favorite restaurants.
Bryant Kotchea
03:52 30 Apr 21
Had a lovely evening here and the elk here was amazing. Wine was perfect! Bryan was my server and he was so kind to me. I will be back here again, hungry for more.
sincerely Bryant.
5/5
sincerely Bryant.
5/5
Debi Frishman
22:46 23 Apr 21
The most romantic restaurant in Santa Clarita. We have been dining here for many years. Decided to get married in their garden. Every single guest said it was the best food they had ever had. Keep in mind that most are “foodies” internationally.
Love Juan and his beautiful wife.
Love Juan and his beautiful wife.
Grant Moore
16:20 18 Apr 21
Juan and his staff were amazing! The waiters and bus boys were always there when we needed them. And the food was outstanding!
Roseann Dalton
04:19 11 Apr 21
Really great service and food
Rick Dalton
03:14 11 Apr 21
High end restaurant with fantastic chef and world class food
Jeff Gardner
04:38 06 Apr 21
Love the place... Great food...
Mark Hartwell
02:28 18 Mar 21
We were married there 29 years ago it was absolutely the best then and probably better now 🍷
Carol Cleary
07:38 05 Jan 21
I so love this place. Everything about LeChene is magical and special. Wish I could celebrate my 67th birthday with you. Maybe next year. Thank you for the memories and the best cuisine ever.
Carol A Cleary
My birthdate is Jan 25, 1954
Miss you.
Carol A Cleary
My birthdate is Jan 25, 1954
Miss you.
Lani Currado
19:52 25 Jul 20
Our favorite for special occasions and just because! Everyone is always so attentive—especially the owners are dedicated to making our evening one to remember!
Andrea Lewis Polak
15:16 29 Jun 20
Last night for our anniversary, we went to a wonderful restaurant near us that we haven’t been to in a few years. Why did we go? Firstly it’s a wonderful French restaurant that we wanted to go back to for a special dinner, and the reason why I felt safe enough to go during this pandemic and I’m in a very high risk category, is because they assured me that they not only are following all CDC guidelines but they are also taking it up a notch which included disposable menus and waiting until the guests arrive before they set the tables up. Between adhering to the details, impeccable personal service, and as usual the wonderful food both in quality and taste…LeChene did not  disappoint! We also enjoyed the accompaniment of the frogs croaking throughout our dinner which actually convinced Brad not to order frogs legs! 
For an anniversary dessert, they brought us a slice of tiramisu and we had already put in our order at the time that we ordered dinner for our special dessert: A Grand Marnier soufflé.
For an anniversary dessert, they brought us a slice of tiramisu and we had already put in our order at the time that we ordered dinner for our special dessert: A Grand Marnier soufflé.
Kenny Wilcox
23:39 21 Jun 20
Always excellent food and service. Best French food ever!
Salarry De La Rini
19:14 21 Jun 20
Amazing atmosphere and food.
Rina Campero-Henry
13:51 20 Jun 20
I haven’t been in a while, but it’s still just as lovely.
Kathy Nusslein Cebulak
15:00 06 Jun 20
Amazing as always enjoyed anniversary dinner last night. So glad they are back open.
Birte Gade Koors
19:04 16 Mar 20
amazing restaurant, you should go
Lidia Jung
04:40 15 Mar 20
Fabulous food a dining experience. Superb service...
Jacob A. Jack Jung
04:27 15 Mar 20
The food was excellent, the wine was outstanding and the atmosphere was romantic....
The staff was very accommodating, and we wouldn’t hesitate to come back again....
Thank you
The staff was very accommodating, and we wouldn’t hesitate to come back again....
Thank you
Marilu Famania Canobbio Fresquez
06:36 28 Feb 20
Great service and delicious food. Staff very accommodating. Highly recommend. Excellent.
David Vasquez
02:34 16 Feb 20
Very good French restaurant. If you go early to can sit in the bar and eat of the dinner menu. The staff is very friendly and will help root you with everything you need.
Linda Tandy
14:25 15 Feb 20
Valentines Day Murder Mystery Dinner! I won the best actor award and had a great time. The food was fabulous🥰
Jonathan M Armstrong
08:53 14 Feb 20
very delicious the wine is better
Colette Hyder-Dean
07:03 16 Jan 20
Fabulous food, staff and ambience. My absolute favorite French restaurant!!
Chris DeCamp
05:19 01 Jan 20
Great French Cuisine and Nice Family Service!
Kelly Marie Nelson
22:37 06 Dec 19
Delish salmon and chocolate mouse to die for!!!!
Emanuel Germán Gomez
02:10 30 Nov 19
the best french cuisine in California!!
Brandon Ceballos
04:29 13 Nov 19
great service and food was delicious and amazing!
Brandon Ariel
21:58 12 Nov 19
Food and service was amazing 😉
Diana Pena
03:11 05 Nov 19
Scenery us beautiful and food is exquisite. Definitely go back.
Joann Green-Smith
04:49 28 Oct 19
The Brunch was excellent and so was the service.
Jilayne Stevens Binning
15:17 23 Oct 19
Aways a beautiful place to dine and celebrate 😊🎂
Marielle de Vries
02:03 21 Oct 19
Nice atmosphere, attentive staff, delicious food!! Our first time trying escargot, it was yummy!
Juliana Smith
13:05 20 Oct 19
Was the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten. The waiter was a really nice guy and the restaurant was very clean and charming. Expensive but well worth it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 5 stars.
Tzipi Barnoy
06:58 16 Oct 19
Excellent food.Mothing like it. So yami
Glen Andrews
20:26 18 Aug 19
LeChene is a great restaurant for great French food in a great atmosphere
Odie Wachtel
02:29 26 Jul 19
Great service and the food was excellent.
Ramon Araiza
14:06 29 Jun 19
tha food was delicious and the service excellent. the waiter give us great recommendations and explained the menu to us as well of answering the questions we had.
Gary Thieman
07:11 10 Jun 19
This award-winning chef is above and beyond any cuisine expectations you can have re: five star restaurants! Exquisite romantic setting and the finest wine selection and food out of this world expect Juan Alonso to give you a positive culinary experience you will always remember.
Ann Marie Gould
05:28 11 May 19
Food and cocktails always first class/top notch. Thanks to Julia for making great drinks! 🍸🍷
Michael Leahy
23:46 21 Apr 19
the food the people the staff
Mrchingon Dezama
01:09 24 Mar 19
Very beautiful venue. for weddings and special events !! Bbdesigns661.webs.com 661 733 2443
Suzanne Swisher Hoperich
19:18 17 Mar 19
Always a lovely time, great food, waitstaff is wonderful, go there! You won't be disappointed💚
Nick Parada
22:36 09 Mar 19
Le Chene is one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had. Amazing food, great service and a beautiful place. I’ve been going for years and recommend it to all my family and friends. Can’t wait to go back!
Beatrice McParland
04:13 10 Feb 19
The venison 🙌🏼 also the buffalo
Peggy L Miller
01:04 05 Feb 19
It’s fun and romantic and the food has no rivals!!
Michael Chisholm
05:01 20 Jan 19
Amazing food and atmosphere the best filet you’ll ever eat
Jo-Ann Giacone Seitzinger
22:17 06 Jan 19
This has been our go to place to dine for special occasions for many years!
Kimberly Bailey
15:55 01 Jan 19
Always an amazing experience!!
Cheryl Svec
04:58 01 Jan 19
Great food and awesome service. I highly recommend this place. Support your local small businesses. Happy 2019!!!
Sarah Ballesteros Guerrero
06:30 16 Dec 18
I’ve been going to your restaurant for years. Always the best service and the food. I think I have almost had everything . The Filet Minion In Roquefort sauce. My personal fav.
Jay C. Escobar
00:32 29 Nov 18
Duck instead of Turkey!
Tami Papworth
04:35 25 Nov 18
Le Chene’s never fails to deliver.
Diane Kathleen Zear
23:57 22 Nov 18
My husband and I had our Thanksgiving meal here. It was delicious.
RoseMarie Calix
04:20 20 Nov 18
Amazing like always. Been going there for 30 years. It’s where my husband and I had our first date ❤️
Sheila Price
06:36 09 Nov 18
Been eating at Le Chène since 1993. Great food, staff, ambiance, location, garden, escargot, potatoes as gratin, holiday meals, etc., etc., etc!
Dave Aguilar
22:03 04 Nov 18
its such a hidden gem... Its worth the trip to check this place out.
Karen Miles Wells
16:56 29 Oct 18
Outside area is very pretty!
Juan is more than wonderful!
Juan is more than wonderful!
Yolanda Roque
02:56 27 Oct 18
I highly recommend this restaurant, by far the best steak and lobster I’ve ever had, great people and servers, we will totally be back, I’ll never have another lobster anywhere but here, totally worth the money❤️
Leonel Navarrete
02:37 17 Sep 18
Nice place to eat and have good time
Patricia Escobar
06:43 11 Sep 18
First time here and food was amazing highly recommend
Ken Joyce Koskie
01:32 04 Sep 18
An absolutely incredible meal with three of my favorite people.
Vicki Moccardini Stalnaker
14:51 12 Aug 18
Food was beyond excellent!! Service was great as was the atmosphere!! What a wonderful dining experience!!
Vincent Levalois
17:00 11 Jul 18
First time at Le Chêne despite knowing about it for many years. For our 25th Anniversary, we treated ourselves to a delicious meal. An extensive, authentically French menu was presented on a chalk board instead of typical paper faire.
Had the Filet Mignon Au Poivre wish came with Potatoes Au Gratin and Zucchini. It was very good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was savory. Wife had an appetizer for dinner, Lobster Ravioli, which was a generous portion, and she enjoyed very much. Ordered the Chocolate Souffle early and it was beautiful and excellent, served with chocolate sauce on the side. The house further spoiled us with a White Chocolate Mousse Wedge. What a treat! Never had that before.
Naturally, a place like this it's not a budget conscious restaurant. But I can say it was worth every penny. The food was excellent.
Now for the service. We were somewhat disappointed that they had a very young waiter that wasn't familiar with the wine list and able to provide any guidance. Not that we couldn't decide on a bottle ourselves, however it's always a plus to have either a knowledgeable server or somm to get the best pairings. Other than that and maybe a little more attention to empty water glasses, he was great. Perhaps it was because we went on a not so busy Tuesday.
The ambiance is average. I'm not sure that I'd call it romantic, especially if it was uber busy.
Recommended, but for the food, mostly.
Had the Filet Mignon Au Poivre wish came with Potatoes Au Gratin and Zucchini. It was very good, perfectly cooked and the sauce was savory. Wife had an appetizer for dinner, Lobster Ravioli, which was a generous portion, and she enjoyed very much. Ordered the Chocolate Souffle early and it was beautiful and excellent, served with chocolate sauce on the side. The house further spoiled us with a White Chocolate Mousse Wedge. What a treat! Never had that before.
Naturally, a place like this it's not a budget conscious restaurant. But I can say it was worth every penny. The food was excellent.
Now for the service. We were somewhat disappointed that they had a very young waiter that wasn't familiar with the wine list and able to provide any guidance. Not that we couldn't decide on a bottle ourselves, however it's always a plus to have either a knowledgeable server or somm to get the best pairings. Other than that and maybe a little more attention to empty water glasses, he was great. Perhaps it was because we went on a not so busy Tuesday.
The ambiance is average. I'm not sure that I'd call it romantic, especially if it was uber busy.
Recommended, but for the food, mostly.
Melissa H. Brown
01:43 01 Jul 18
The filet mignon was perfectly medium rare, one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Chocolate soufflé for dessert was heaven-the best! However, lose the soft shelled crab appetizer. Wine selection was wonderful! And a adore our server, so cute.
Jenna Rose Smith
23:05 14 May 18
Delicious! And the waiter didn't even seem annoyed at my dietary restrictions which I know are REALLY annoying. He recommended something that was delicious, and provided great service on a very busy Mother's Day. Thank you!
Amelia Privett
22:35 14 May 18
Wonderful Mother’s Day brunch. We arrived before our reservations and were still seated. Food came out quickly and out drinks were always topped off. Food is always unique and delicious. I can’t complain, just wish I could eat here every week.
Sheila Brannon
23:48 07 Apr 18
Childhood memory, My Dad took me here for my Birthday I believe the year was 1984. I never forgot that dinner. I had Lobster Fricassee in a cream sauce on a bed of carrot noodles. Good memory amazing food.
Claudia Ponce
00:40 03 Apr 18
I highly recommend this excellent restaurant! It truly is a hidden gem. Wonderful staff, delicious cuisine, generous portions, reasonable prices, and it’s very romantic. You can dine in, or out, walk the grounds with your drink and they have a full bar. Thumbs up, absolutely love it!
Cecy Baiza-Rodriguez
03:38 19 Feb 18
Was our first time there, very good service!!
Loved the salmon and my husband loved the steak!! We'll go back soon... �
Loved the salmon and my husband loved the steak!! We'll go back soon... �
Codi Mergliano
08:42 18 Feb 18
Kathy Hoffman
04:19 17 Jan 18
I love the ambience there. That place has been there since dirt! Worth the drive. The owner greets everyone at their tables. Exceptional service...exceptional food! I totally recommend it!
Sasa Ashwood Davison
08:45 24 Dec 17
Bruce Burch
23:08 28 Nov 17
Hello from Coruce Vineyards and Winery. Juan and Claudia, We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed eating Thanksgiving there. The food was great, the Christini cocktail was refreshing, and the Beaujolais Nouveau was fun to drink. Our server, Rachelle ,was perfect and the bussing staff were impeccable. We also appreciate the fact that we were seated IMMEDIATELY even though we were a half hour late for our reservation. (I had the times confused!) Just generally a pleasant experience.
Sheri Schifter Banyar
19:59 07 Nov 17
Generally the food and service are excellent, but a bit overpriced and the chairs are very uncomfortable. I also had to send back the lobster with mushroom sauce on my last visit, it was not up to par.
Joel Wysong
22:25 31 Oct 17
Started going to LeChene in 1989. Got married there in 2000. Always enjoyed the Escargot, SOUP, and Filet w/Roquefort. I am older now and just can't eat like that anymore. Would LOVE to be 25 again. Always recommend LeChene to folks who have not been there. Thanks Juan and Michelle!!
Debbie Davis
05:30 28 Oct 17
The food, the ambiance, and the service were exceptional! Our meal started with escargot (to die for), next came cream of tomato soup (to die for), then melt-in-your-mouth Lamb Al’ail for me and seafood pasta for my husband (to die for), and finally a Grand Marnier soufflé (ooh la la)! For those of you that are in So Cal, this is a wonderful destination spot to go for a special dinner or Sunday brunch. We first came here about 28 years ago — loved it then and love it now. Top notch food and top notch service!
Anthony Maric
13:24 19 Oct 17
Sue Moses
19:20 07 Oct 17
Ambiance with great food and great service. Would recommend to any one who loves French cuisine.
Janice Kiseskey-Anderson
22:04 02 Oct 17
I was a neighbor and frequent patron of Le Chene until I moved out of the area. Le Chene was my go to spot for everything from intimate dining, gatherings with family & friends to meetings and parties, including my anniversary shindig. It has been 25 years, and I am happy to say that Le Chene is as good as I remember it.
One of my favorites is still the French Onion Soup! And anything with Bearnaise Sauce...lol! Always a plethora of choices for any palette. Le Chene is worth the drive. Try it, you will like it!
One of my favorites is still the French Onion Soup! And anything with Bearnaise Sauce...lol! Always a plethora of choices for any palette. Le Chene is worth the drive. Try it, you will like it!
Lorena Spilsbury
04:32 20 Aug 17
Stephanie Romero-Ripoll
06:06 02 Aug 17
Great service, excellent food! I highly recommend this restaurant. We will definitely return. 😃
Desi Kovacs
18:54 31 Jul 17
Gina Chavez-Martinez
23:19 23 Jul 17
Allen Hohnroth
21:43 09 Jul 17
Corie Vetter Doran
05:19 29 Jun 17
George-Patricia Jackson
23:16 25 Jun 17
My husband and I have been to LeChene a few times and we always have great food there. On holidays and special occasions such as Valentine's Day they do work from a set menu so the food comes a little slower, but the overall experience has always been very good for us.
Rima Kassis
05:44 31 May 17
Corrina Sinzun-Sarenana Pelayo
23:18 18 May 17
Amazing!!! Food, service.!!! Everything .!!! � it!!
Amy Reynolds Bailey
21:06 18 May 17
Ron S Nicolosi
04:01 18 May 17
I was taken there for my birthday. Everything was excellent. The wine, appetizers, the osso bucco was incredible and the grand manier soufflé was to die for. Service was great too.
Julie Alderson
00:37 15 May 17
Jan Blessing-Ellis
00:33 14 May 17
Gloria Aguirre
06:05 01 May 17
Shirley was AMAZING! Loved her! Made us feel so Welcomed considering it was our first time there!
Earl A. Von Buck
01:52 30 Apr 17
Fine dining at its best , great service , excellent food , atmosphere very nice and the best host ever Michele👍