It’s a Connecticut cafe at which the owners strive to create an atmosphere that feels intimate, romantic, and timeless.
So, there is no need to travel to France to enjoy the warm, convivial atmosphere of a Parisian bakery. Le Jardin Café brings it to Wallingford.
“True to its name, Le Jardin or, the ‘garden,’ is inspired by the charm and ease of traditional French cafes. Our cozy and inviting feel comes from our focus in creating a space that feels like a garden cafe you might stumble upon in France – soft, layered, and welcoming. It’s a place meant for lingering – where coffee is savored, meals are unhurried and conversation comes naturally,” said Fabiola Giguere, the owner, along with her husband Brad and their sons, Francisco and Jean Pierre.
“Rooted in simplicity and elegance, our café offers a quiet escape from the everyday,” she said.
Opened in 2023, the family-owned and operated café is located at 86 North Main St.
It shares a space with its sister boutique, Achiq Designs.
“The café and boutique complement one another naturally – guests can enjoy a coffee or meal while browsing carefully curated jewelry pieces and fashion items making the experience feel leisurely and inspiring,” said Giguere.
The café’s name, Le Jardin, is intended to reflect both the café’s open and airy atmosphere and business philosophy.
“A garden is a place where things are nurtured, allowed to grow and meant to be enjoyed slowly. We chose the name to represent a space where community, conversation, and simple pleasures can flourish,” Giguere said. “Just like a garden, Le Jardin is meant to feel peaceful, beautiful and alive. A place where you want to gather to savor life’s simple moments.”
That atmosphere is highlighted by lush greenery, cascading florals, and climbing vines that wrap around the interior, bringing in the outdoors, while warm wood floors and a mix of intimate café-style seating and communal tables creates a blend of vibrant energy and calmness.
The family worked to create a refuge, rooted in a love of good food and community, for customers to slow down and enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals.
“Inspired by French cafes, fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors and family traditions, Le Jardin reflects the values of our family – care, connection, and hospitality. Every dish and cup we serve is made with intention and every guest is treated like family,” said Giguere who explained they saw a need for a special café like this in downtown Wallingford.
“The area has a wonderful mix of local businesses, historic charm, and a real sense of neighborhood, which makes it the perfect place to bring people together over food, coffee, and shopping.”
The Gigueres have over 30 years of experience in the business industry and Brad has about 20 years of experience as a trained chef.
The café’s breakfast and lunch menu features a fusion of American and French-style dishes, all made on-site daily. Two of their popular breakfast dishes include the Bonjour Burrito featuring two flour tortillas stuffed with crispy chicken, scrambled eggs, cheddar, bacon, chile aioli, and breakfast potatoes; and the North Main sandwich featuring two eggs, chile aioli, arugula, cheddar, on a brioche or baguette.
Sweet and savory crepes are also on the menu. Sweet crepes include Friase Chocolat filled with Nutella, strawberries, bananas, chocolate, and dusted with powdered sugar, and Dubai Chocolate Crepe is filled with chocolate, pistachio cream, kataifi, strawberries and powdered sugar.
Savory crepes include The Mediterranean featuring spinach, tomatoes, grilled chicken, fresh herbs caramelized onions and feta cheese and Saumon à la Crème filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill lemon juice, and cucumbers. French classics are also available, including Chicken Cordon Bleu or Croque Monsieur.
Camila Gabriel, of Wallingford, visits the cafe at least two to three times per month.
“Le Jardin is absolutely one of the gems in Wallingford. The food is amazing. My favorite item is the North Main sandwich,” said Gabriel. “Many things keep me coming back – the owners, the food, and the atmosphere.”
The café also offers a carefully crafted selection of omelettes and fresh-baked croissants.
“We are also excited to expand our weekend experience with more brunch inspired offerings, including shareable brunch boards and mimosa flights,” said Giguere.
The café sources local ingredients when possible.
“It’s important to us because it creates a deeper connection between what’s on the plate and the community around us.”
Hot and iced coffee is also on the menu, including a variety of blends and single origin coffees, coffee house classics, and instagrammable creations, along with seasonal and flavored options.
The family’s culinary philosophy is rooted in simplicity, quality, and intention.
“They’re principles drawn from classic French cafe culture. We believe that great food starts with fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and respect for flavor, letting the ingredients speak for themselves, creating dishes that feel comforting with an upscale twist,” said Giguere.
The café also offers take out catering and hosts events such as mini tea parties and baby showers.
“The events are carefully curated, from the menu to the presentation, so it feels warm, beautiful, and memorable. We see these gatherings as an extension of what Le Jardin is all about: celebrating life’s moments with family and friends,” she said.
“The café aims to be remembered as a place that brightened their day, encouraged them to slow down, and gave them a reason to return. The experience is meant to linger beyond the last sip – marked by thoughtful service, a comfortable atmosphere, and a sense of genuine care.”