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.
Unfurling into a renaissance after Covid, new restaurants are blossoming, with more choice than before, including casual bistros, delightful cafés and elegant eateries.
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 superb fine-dining restaurants to feast on a different gastronomic highlight every night of the week.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway 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.
We start with the fine-dining jewels, moving through to our favourite casual spots (not ranked in any particular order). A clutch of establishments were closed for their winter break when we visited, so your favourite might not appear on our list.
La Petite Colombe
A veritable jewel in Franschhoek’s culinary crown, La Petite Colombe remains one of the most coveted dining experiences in the Cape. Situated at Leeu Estates wine farm, the sibling of Constantia’s superlative La Colombe is a relaxed yet refined and flawlessly five-star eatery helmed by chef Peter Duncan. A theatrical, multi-course array of superb dishes flows out of his kitchen – from oysters and crayfish to the sweets trolley. The dazzling presentation, professional service and smart winelist create a sense of occasion that makes dining here very special.
Good to know: The two menus (the full Chef’s Experience and the Reduced Menu) both offer vegetarian options.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12h00 – 22h00
Contact: 021 202 3395, reservations@lapetitecolombe.com
Where to find it: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Arkeste
Perched on the edge of a forest on Chamonix Wine Farm, this restaurant is a culmination of chef Richard Carstens’ 30-plus years of experience in some of the top kitchens in the land. The menu combines past passions and triumphs (molecular gastronomy Asian-fusion), classical French techniques and his most recent musings: clean eating and pescetarianism. The result? Healthy, well-prepared and utterly delicious plates, enjoyed on the deck or inside, with floor-to-ceiling glass allowing the serene greenery to permeate. If you have an adventurous palate, ask about the Baked Alaska (meringue and smoked salmon ice cream!). It’s not on the menu but he’ll gladly whip it up.
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 12h00 – 14h30; 18h00 – 20h30 & Sunday, 12h00 – 15h00
Contact: 021 876 8415, reservations@arkeste.com
Where to find it: Chamonix Wine Estate, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
Epice
Named after the French word épice (meaning spice and pronounced eh-peace), this intimate eatery at Le Quartier Français is the brainchild of La Colombe’s chef-proprietor Scot Kirton and executive chef James Gaag, and headed by chef Charné Sampson (previously sous chef at La Colombe). Revolving around spices, from spicy-hot chili and ginger to delicate vanilla, saffron, cinnamon and nutmeg, the flavour-packed tasting menus take you on a globe-trotting flavour journey, inspired by the team’s culinary expedition to India, as well as memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the US.
Good to know: There are parallel vegetarian options for both reduced and full-tasting menus
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday, 18h00 – 19h30 & Friday – Sunday, 12h00 – 13h30; 18h00 – 19h30 (during winter)
Contact: 021 492 4044, reservations@epice.co.za
Where to find it: 8 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Ōku
Ōku was inspired by a culinary journey to Indonesia in 2015. The restaurant interiors are pared back, with delicate artwork and bonsai trees on the walls accentuating the minimalist Asian design. You’ll find an immaculate array of bao, broths, ramen, dumplings and more in the form of a four-(or five-)course à la carte menu, or go for the elegant 11-course kaiseki menu with wine pairings.
Good to know: Across the courtyard and run by the same team as Ōku is Yama Asian Eatery serving a selection of deliciously fresh seafood dishes.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12h00 – 15h00; 18h00 – 21h00 (last seating)
Contact: Oku: 021 023 4695, reservations@eat-oku.co.za / Yama: 079 737 1849, reservations@eat-yama.co.za
Where to find it: Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Chefs Warehouse at Maison
The countryside iteration of Liam Tomlin’s wildly successful Chefs Warehouse group looks out to mountains and vineyards on Maison Wine Estate, with chickens and a pet pig strolling past on the shaded lawns and an organic vegetable garden at the entrance. Chef David Schneider (who worked alongside chef Liam and Ivor Jones at Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia) focuses on sustainability, using the whole animal, making his own charcuterie and preserving and pickling. The tapas-for-two menu comprises four sharing boards that are as beautiful as they are delicious, and in perfect harmony with the working farm surroundings.
Good to know: Wood-fired pizzas and rustic picnic tables on the lawn make this the one Chefs Warehouse that you can comfortably visit with kids.
Opening times: (Winter) Thursday, 18h00 –20h30, Friday + Saturday, 12h00 – 14h30, 18h00 – 20h30 & Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30 I (Summer) Monday – Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30, 18h00 – 20h30
Contact: 021 876 2116, maison@chefswarehouse.co.za
Where to find it: Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek
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, a touch of theatre, sustainably sourced ingredients and excellent wine pairings.
Good to know: The tasting menus come with the option of nonalcoholic beverage pairings, and two wine-pairing options (classic and premium).
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 18h00 – 20h00
Contact: 074 126 0022, reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za
Where to find it: 17 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
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