An era of classic French dining in Vancouver is coming to an end. Chef Hervé Martin, the celebrated owner of The French Table on Main Street, has announced he will retire and close the restaurant, with his final day of service set for January 18.
A Culinary Journey from France to Vancouver
At 72 years old, Chef Martin is ready to step away from the stove after a remarkable 57-year career. His culinary journey began at the age of 15 in Burgundy, France. He honed his craft in some of Europe's most prestigious kitchens, including a three-Michelin star restaurant run by the Troisgros brothers and time working for the legendary chef Paul Bocuse. Martin's expertise even led him to serve as chef for the Belgian royal family in Brussels.
Martin arrived in Vancouver just before Expo 86, taking the helm at the renowned Five Sails restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel. His first independent venture was The Hermitage on Robson Street, which served fine French cuisine for 24 years before closing. In its place, he opened The French Table at 3916 Main Street, offering a more approachable, bistro-style take on French classics.
The End of a Cherished Chapter on Main Street
For 40 years, The French Table has been a staple for Vancouverites seeking authentic French fare. The menu featured beloved dishes like duck confit, escargots, moules frites, and fondue. Martin's philosophy was to "share a little piece of France in every bite." In a 2012 review, a Vancouver Sun critic praised the spot as a "straight-ahead French bistro serving good, affordable, accessible food in a warm and welcoming room."
In a Facebook post announcing the closure, Martin expressed that he is "ready to close this cherished chapter." He confirmed that, unlike a failed sale attempt in 2024, the current sale is complete and has the landlord's full approval. This paves the way for his definitive retirement.
Retirement Plans and a Simple Future
After nearly six decades in what he calls a "beautiful, demanding, and deeply rewarding industry," Chef Martin looks forward to a quieter life. He shared his post-retirement plans, which include:
- Tending a vegetable garden.
- Playing his accordion under the stars.
- Finally finishing a book he started years ago.
"After 57 years in this beautiful, demanding, and deeply rewarding industry and 40 years of welcoming you through our doors in Vancouver, the time has truly come for me to say 'au revoir'," the chef wrote. The community now has just over two weeks to bid farewell and enjoy one last taste of this iconic piece of Vancouver's culinary history.
