Exemplary fine-dining, delightful casual eateries and an array of globe-trotting flavours.
For a small Winelands village – albeit crammed to its Cape Dutch gables with centuries-old Huguenot heritage, historical architecture and wondrous wine estates – Franschhoek has an almost overwhelming array of superb restaurants.
Living up to its reputation as a Winelands gourmet hotspot (it was one of Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2022), Franschhoek is littered with more than enough fine-dining jewels to feast on a different gastronomic highlight every night of the week. And a delightful clutch of casual bistros and elegant eateries for a change of dining pace, so you can alternate chefs’ tasting menus with easy à la carte lunches and informal feasts.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend away or basing yourself on a lavish wine estate for a whole week of view-drenched luxury, take the guesswork out of planning your culinary adventures with our picks of the best places to eat in Franschhoek.
Jan Franschhoek
JAN Franschhoek is a coveted highlight of summer in the Cape. To experience the multi-course menu and wine pairing at this sublime pop-up is to surrender to a culinary magician. SA-born chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (of Michelin-starred Jan in Nice, France) invites you to dine in an 1800s cottage amid the lavender fields of La Motte wine estate. A candlelit 18-seater table sets the scene for the much-anticipated kaas en konfyt (cheese and preserves) cornucopia that looks like a Van Dyck still life. But there is so much to savour before the chef invites diners into the kitchen for the famous cheese course. Jan describes it as an “unfolding journey that transports you out of the here and now,” with a menu that reinterprets nostalgic family meals and regional cuisine. The current season runs until 30 April 2025.
Good to know The experience kicks off at La Motte’s Manor House 30 minutes before moving on to the Veepos cottage for your lunch or dinner.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm
Sunday, 12pm for 12.30pm
Cost R3 200
Contact 021 876 9115, jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za
Where to find it La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek
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La Petite Colombe
A veritable jewel in Franschhoek’s culinary crown, La Petite Colombe (the sibling of Constantia’s superlative La Colombe) is a relaxed, refined and flawlessly five-star eatery set in the exclusive surroundings of Leeu Estates wine farm. Floor to ceiling windows look out over sculpture gardens and vines to a glorious mountain backdrop in a cocoon of understated luxury. Chef Peter Duncan presides over a theatrical, multi-course menu of superb dishes which flow seamlessly from his kitchen – from oysters and crayfish to the exquisite sweets trolley. It’s fine dining with a capital F, with dazzling presentation, professional service and a fine winelist (there are two wine-pairing options), creating a sense of occasion that makes dining here very special.
Good to know The two menus (the Chef’s Full Experience and the Chefs Lunch Experience) both offer vegetarian options.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 202 3395, reservations@lapetitecolombe.com
Where to find it Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
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Epice
Named after the French word for spice, you’ll find this atmospheric 45-seater (part of the La Colombe family) in the Le Quartier Français complex on Franschhoek’s main street, opening onto a serene courtyard garden at the back. Named Africa’s Best Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024, it’s a mesmerising voyage of culinary exploration into the world of spices. The “spice” is less about chilli-heat and more about a fragrant and layered culinary journey – think vanilla, saffron, turmeric, cardamom. Chef Charné Sampson weaves her magic, taking you on a multi-course taste adventure through a set menu inspired by local Cape Malay and Indian cuisine, but also Spain, Japan, Mexico and other exotic locales, and starring local ingredients such as Karoo lamb, Saldanha mussels and Cape Point tuna.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 1:30pm, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 492 4044, reservations@epice.co.za
Where to find it Le QuartierFrançais, corner Huguenot and Berg Streets, Franschhoek
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Chefs Warehouse at Maison
Claire Gunn
The countryside iteration of Liam Tomlin’s wildly successful Chefs Warehouse group looks out to mountains and vineyards on Maison Wine Estate, with a cabaret of chickens pecking past on the shaded lawns, and an indigenous succulent and fynbos garden at the entrance. Chef David Schneider has established a firm focus on sustainability here, using the whole animal (or fish or plant), making in-house charcuterie, preserves and pickles. Heading up the kitchen (now that David divides his time between Maison and three other Chef’s Warehouse restaurants, Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, Merchant and The Red Room), chef Xavier Francis says that the frequently changing menu is an equitable collaboration between himself, Liam and Dave. On our visit the tapas-for-two (four shared courses of two dishes each) lived up to CW expectations with a whirlwind global tour of punchy flavours: fresh yellowtail sashimi with tamarind and samphire; a simply stunning beef fillet with cauliflower three ways tangy with goats milk butter; and a stand-out pork belly with a crunchy boudin noir and walnut crumble, and apricot mebos. Excellent wine pairings from the Maison boutique wine range and a tempting choice of desserts complete the picture (lemon curd shortbread or cherries in brandy with real clotted cream… a dilemma indeed.)
Good to know Wood-fired pizzas, a kids menu (that also includes linefish and a risotto), charming farm animals and rustic picnic tables on the lawn make this the one Chefs Warehouse that you can comfortably visit with kids. There are pescatarian, vegan and vegetarian menus too.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 876 2116, maison@chefswarehouse.co.za
Where to find it Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek
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Ōku
Following a visit to Indonesia in 2015, chef Ryan Shell opened this homage to Southeast-Asian cuisine in Franschhoek, bringing something different to his hometown’s dining scene. Inspired by serene, minimalist Asian design, the pared-back interior features delicate artworks and bonsai trees. Come for the immaculate 14-course Japanese-style kaiseki experience, showcasing seafood mostly, but also lamb and wagyu. There is a shorter four-course version, too, and a lunchtime à la carte menu of dumplings, broths, grills and more made with locally sourced ingredients. The cocktails are suitably Asian-flecked: there’s saké, Asian beers, and an excellently curated local winelist.
Good to know Across the courtyard and run by the same team as Ōku is Yama Asian Eatery, serving a selection of deliciously fresh sushi and Asian tapas.
Contact 021 023 4695, reservations@eat-oku.co.za
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9pm (last seating)
Where to find it Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
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Le coin Français
Art on a plate and a superb all-around fine-dining experience is the hallmark of Le coin Français on Franschhoek’s main drag. Owner Darren Badenhorst and head chef Miguel de Caries “take diners on a nostalgic food journey of flavours, textures and interactive creations” with a wealth of technique and a touch of theatre.
Inspiration comes from the wild ingredients of the riverside and mountain slopes (early-morning foraging excursions are part of their routine) as well as sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers. The menu changes with the seasons but there’s one not-to-be -missed fixture: a divine butter-poached BBQ langoustine with aerated Gruberg and snoek brandade velouté, served with pea-and-pancetta risotto.
Good to know The tasting menus come with the option of nonalcoholic beverage pairings, and two superb wine-pairing options (classic and premium).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 8pm; Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Contact 074 126 0022, reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za
Where to find it 17 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
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Orangerie Restaurant at Le Lude
Orangerie’s French-inspired interiors create a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere, with high arched doors spilling onto a charming garden terrace (make time to wander and explore the rose gardens while you’re there). Using fresh ingredients sourced from surrounding forests, meadows and mountains, chef-proprietor Nicolene Barrow draws on her classical French training (from Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London), to create a varied seasonal menu with a contemporary spin: think West Coast mussels steamed in Le Lude Brut, ginger-glazed pork belly, and beef tagliata with wild mushrooms.
Good to know Afternoon (or morning) tea with Le Lude’s cap classique is a real spoil. Book 24 hours in advance as the kitchen prepares the confectionaries on the morning of the tea.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 8.30pm
Morning Tea: 10am, 10.30am + 11am
Afternoon Tea: 3pm
Contact 021 876 2961, restaurant@lelude.co.za
Where to find it Bowling Green Avenue (Lambrechts Road), Franschhoek
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Protégé
From renowned chef-proprietor Scot Kirton (La Colombe, La Petite Colombe, Pier et al), Protégé, as its name implies, provides talented young chefs with the opportunity of honing their skills in a comfortable but casual fine-dining environment. Located next door to sister-restaurant Epice at Le Quartier Français (with alfresco tables at the front and back), the open kitchen is currently helmed by chefs Zane Soutar and Andrew Willemse, who deftly pair bold flavours with imagination. The chefs favourites menu consists of a succession of snacks and small plates, such as their legendary Korean fried chicken, wagyu short rib roti, and octopus with pork and muhammara, accompanied by superb local wines, and friendly service that will make you feel right at home.
Good to know There is also a reduced tasting menu with choices and vegetarian versions of both menus.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 224 0801, reservations@protegerestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 18 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
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Eleven
Global flavours in casual fine-dining form are the focus at Eleven in Franschhoek, sister restaurant to Ōku and Yama Asian Eatery. Here restaurateur Ryan Shell is inspired by hyper-seasonal and locally-sourced (often foraged) ingredients and, together with chef Pieter du Preez, puts together frequently changing menus of beautifully presented small plates, sparkling with pops of colour and bursts of flavour. Think Lourensford trout with samphire; pork agnolotti with home-cured pancetta; or aged beef tartare with capers and peanut satay. Contemporary global flavours prevail, and there’s a menu format to suit any occasion, whether you’re after a casual à la carte lunch, a relaxed four-course dinner (with choices), or a full on tasting menu affair.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9pm (last seating)
Contact 021 023 3755, reservations@eleveneats.co.za
Where to find it 11 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
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L’Ami Family Brasserie at La Motte
The completely re-imagined heart of La Motte Wine Estate recently re-opened after years of renovations… Immensely chic but with an informal farm vibe, the brand-new brasserie is family-friendly with a long wrap-around stoep opening onto the grassy central lawns, and an accessible menu inspired by seasonal farm ingredients and open-fire cooking.
There’s a Mediterranean-meets-South-Africa flair to the flavours: fresh tuna grilled in vine leaves, beef tartare on the superb sourdough from the estate bakery, beetroot and fig salad, and steaks, lamb and venison cooked on the Spanish open-coal grill. A touch of nostalgia and all about feasting with friends, as the name L’Ami (French for friend) suggests.
Good to know There’s also a small plates menu available in the afternoons until 4.30pm after the lunch service. And there’s a children’s menu.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm
Contact 021 876 8000, lami.restaurant@la-motte.co.za
Where to find it La Motte Wine Estate, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley
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Arkeste
Hidden away in a forest hollow below the Chamonix Wine Farm tasting room, Arkeste spills out onto a deck rippling with dappled sunlight and edged by a labyrinth of herb and vegetable gardens. Restored by renowned landscaper Leon Kluge after the 2023 floods, these are both functional and picturesque, supplying the kitchen and attracting a flotilla of butterflies. The creative and sometimes downright wacky flavour combinations that Arkeste’s previous chef Richard Carstens is known for continue with chef Ashwin Johannes, who has taken over the helm. Having worked with chefs Reuben Riffel and Richard, he’s internalised the experimental mindset responsible for dishes such as the mind-bending (but delicious) trout Baked Alaska with smoked salmon ice cream (you won’t see it on the main menu but make sure to ask) and the Asian-classic-French fusion that is flecked throughout an inventive à la carte menu. Another highlight on our recent visit was a sublime ginger and white chocolate mousse semifreddo with yuzu ice cream and raspberries. Pure delight.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.15pm
Monday + Tuesday, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 876 8415, reservations@arkeste.com
Where to find it Chamonix Wine Estate, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
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Reuben’s
Fine, uncomplicated and putting flavour first has been chef Reuben Riffel’s kitchen philosophy throughout a long career as chef and restaurateur, ever since he opened his first restaurant in his hometown of Franschhoek in 2004. It’s moved location since then (an airy space just off the main street) but continues to thrive, with a buzz of locals and visitors enjoying the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, by the fire in winter and in the courtyard in summer. Chef Kyle Conradie heads up the kitchen, turning out a menu of classic favourites such as pork belly, chili-salted squid, butter chicken and Josper-roasted beef fillet, seafood risotto and mushroom gnocchi that keeps regulars returning, with amarula panna cotta and dulce de leche crème brûlée as perennially popular desserts. A new off-the-fire section is coming soon.
Good to know There’s a well-chosen winelist with a varied selection available by the glass.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 9pm
Contact 021 876 3772, reservations@reubens.co.za
Where to find it 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek
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Haute Cabrière
Soaring grandstand views all the way down the Franschhoek Valley inspire the soul to poetry and awe at Haute Cabière’s sun-kissed indoor-outdoor restaurant. As the light over the valley changes with the seasons, so do chef Charlton Prins’ delicious and accessible French-with-a-South-African-twist menus, combining local ingredients and the joie de vin of the Von Arnim family ethos. You might find chargrilled octopus, slow-cooked lamb rib, Franschhoek trout, herb-crusted venison and lush burrata salad on the regularly changing à la carte menu. As the home of Pierre Jourdan cap classiques, a glass or two of bubbly is a natural partner to the food, but then so are the notable reserve wines for which the estate is also renowned… a glass of each solves the dilemma.
Good to know In summer there’s a 4-course dinner set menu on Friday and Saturday with wine pairings.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm (in summer)
Contact 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za
WhatsApp: 064 928 1044
Where to find it Lambrechts Road (R45), Franschhoek
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Terra del Capo Antipasti bar at Anthonij Rupert
Like a scene straight out of the Tuscan countryside, the antipasti set-up at Terra del Capo is delizioso and ideal for a casual quick lunch of simple Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Sit under the olive trees in summer, or inside the tasting room with views onto the bottling line in winter, as you savour a selection of seasonal vegetarian, seafood and/or meat small plates such as porcini and mozzarella ravioli, parma ham and melon, beef tagliatelle, artichoke Romaine salad, or burrata Caprese. Or opt for the cheese and charcuterie platter. All gloriously accompanied by a world-class selection of estate wines.
Good to know Booking essential. In addition to several wine-tasting options spread over two different tasting rooms, you can visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum (a showcase of 80 vintage cars), with a tram ride connecting all the estate experiences.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 16:30pm (last orders 15:30)
Contact 021 874 9041, tasting@rupertwines.com
Where to find it Anthonij Rupert Wines, R45 Wine Route, Franschhoek Valley, Franschhoek
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Deux Lions
Hidden away on La Bourgogne Wine Estate just up the valley from Franschhoek village, the secluded garden terrace of Deux Lions has hidden-gem appeal. Looking over lush lawns fringed by a rippling mountain stream and hydrangeas, the chic and intimate restaurant is a favourite with Franschhoek locals. Chef Shaun Schoeman serves a fresh and appealing à la carte menu inspired by seasonal, home-grown ingredients (wander over the bridge to explore his herb and vegetable garden on the far bank of the stream). From a luscious watermelon and bocconcini salad, and oxtail wontons with ginger relish, to a roast tomato and pesto risotto, and grilled springbok with beetroot and sweet potato, this is elegant and well-executed comfort food with a dish to suit every mood. In winter cosy up indoors by the wood-burning fireplace, with heartier dishes designed for the season
Good to know They also offer wine tastings, olive tastings, and charcuterie and cheese boards, plus a weekend breakfast menu.
Opening times Tuesday + Thursday, 11am – 5pm
Wednesday, 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 8pm
Friday + Saturday, 8am – 4pm, 6pm – 8pm
Sunday, 8am – 4.30pm
Contact 021 876 3245, reservations@deuxlions.za.com
Where to find it La Bourgogne Wine Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek
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Frank’s Corner Bar & Grill
A contemporary North American restaurant in Franschhoek? Frank’s Corner hits the spot as a refreshing and relaxed alternative to the village’s fine-dining scene with an urban chic interior and outdoor terrace tables set back from the bustle of the main street. It’s a collaboration between Frank Rodriguez (an American who has relocated to Franschhoek), Scotsman Alex McCormack and home-grown restaurateur and celebrity chef Reuben Riffel (the three friends co-own Franschhoek Beer Company). A simple and appealing comfort-food menu features dishes such as corn dogs, blackened prawn tostada, buttermilk fried chicken wings and Nashville hot chicken, plus burgers, pastas, steaks, handcut chips and, for dessert, what other than triple chocolate brownies or decadent pecan tart. And craft beer on tap, as well as homemade seltzers and lemonade.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 488 9922, reservations@franks-corner.com
Where to find it 42 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
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Miko at Mont Rochelle
A curved wall of windows opens on to beautiful views over the Franschhoek valley from the flagship restaurant of beautiful Mont Rochelle. With its high rondavel thatched roof and roaring fire in winter, Miko is welcoming and cosy (ideal for a date night), wrapping you in a blanket of unobtrusive luxury. Chef Terence Morris’s à la carte menu is fresh and enticing, featuring local (and home-grown) ingredients in dishes such as miso-glazed Franschhoek trout, venison carpaccio, roast tomato risotto, grass-fed beef fillet and Karoo lamb rack. At lunch and on summer evenings you can sit out on the alfresco terrace next to a garden laid out with lawn games. A lovely place to while away an afternoon, or for sunset cocktails and bar snacks.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 10.30am; 12pm – 4pm; 6.30pm – 10pm
Contact 021 876 2770, reception@montrochelle.virgin.com
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
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