Franschhoek is very much the fancy part of the Cape Winelands. About a 45-minute drive from Cape Town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, you'll find the fertile valley of Franschhoek nestled between the mountains.
Franschhoek was founded in 1688 by the French Huguenots. Thus given the name "Franschhoek" directly translates to "French Corner". This seems appropriate considering the french influence on the areas, specifically the wine estates, food and wine. Once a year Franschhoek even celebrates Bastille day!
With that, all said Franschhoek is home to some of South Africa's best restaurants, wine estates, hotels, and wine.
With the large variety of dining experiences, we have decided to split our list between the best restaurants on wine estates and the best restaurants in the town. That include
Franschhoek wine farms restaurants
Restaurants in Franschhoek
Franschhoek restaurants, casual
Enjoy the list!
1. LA Petite Colombe (Best Restaurants in franschhoek for lunch)
(Fine Dinning)
If you are looking for one of the finest culinary experiences in Franschhoek or South Africa for that matter, LA Petite Colombe should be right on top of your list.
Given that Franschhoek means 'French corner' (of South Africa) you would expect a french influence with a fusion of South African taste and beauty. Thats exactly what you get!
We love the locally sourced ingredients such as (springbok, Saldana bay oyster, crayfish etc) with a presentation that feels like South Africa.
Location: A beautiful wine farm environment in the midst of vineyards and manicured landscapes, offering views of the Franschhoek Valley and the Franschhoek Pass.
Rating: 4.8*
Best for:
Special occasions
Unique culinary experience
Location: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
Contact: 021 202 3395
2 Epice
(Fine Dining)
Epice - derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace) - is an intimate fine dining restaurant located at Le Quartier Français, Franschhoek.
We love this inspired menu with exquisite attention to detail.
Rating: 4.9*
Best for:
Special occasions
Unique culinary experience
Location: 191 Huguenot Street Le Quartier Français, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 492 4044
3. Le coin Francais Restaurant
(Fine Dinning)
Chef and proprietor Darren Badenhorst brings you this beautiful fusion of heritage, cuisine, are and wine. We highly recommend the "Chef's journey menu"
Rating: 4.8*
Best for:
Special occasions
Chefs Journey Menu
Location: 17 Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek, 7690
Contact: 074 126 0022
4. Arkeste (Chamonix Restaurant)
(Casual Fine Dining)
A beautiful "casual fine dining" style restaurant in Franschhoek. Located in a beautiful heritage building on the edge of a forest, on the beautiful Chamonix wine farm. We love the tranquil setting.
You can expect a special a la carte menu presented by Chef Richard Carstens.
Rating: 4.8*
Best for:
Casual fine dining
Relaxed experience
Location: Chamonix Wine Estate, Uitkyk St, Franschhoek, 7690
Contact: 021 876 8415
5. Protégé
(Casual Fine Dinning)
Protégé is an exciting new casual fine dining eatery in Franschhoek. It combines fine dining cuisine with a modern casual experience. This restaurant has been designed under the guidance of La Colombe’s Scot Kirton.
Rating: 4.7*
Best for:
Casual fine dining
Modern feel
Location: 18 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690
Contact: 021 492 4048
6. Miko Restaurant
MIKO is one of 2 restaurants on Monte Rochelle, part of the Virgin Limited edition. MIKO’s cuisine is best described as a taster of South African favourites. We love the story behind each dish, which can be paired with an outstanding local wine selection.
Rating: 4.7*
Best for:
180 Degree views of Franschhoek valley
Evening cocktails
Location: 1 Dassenberg Road Mont Rochelle Hotel, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 876 2770
7. Oku Asian Eatery
Oku Asian eatery will teleport you across the world. The decor, music, layout and food are all authentic and nostalgic. The bao buns will make you feel like you are in Vietnam.
Service is impeccable. Waiters are the perfect mix of friendly and professional.
Rating: 4.7*
Best for:
Exceptional ambience
Authentic Asian Cuisine
Location: Heritage Square 9 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek 7690
Contact: 021 876 2494
8. Reuben's Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek
Created by celebrity chef Reuben Riffel. Reuben's is in the heart of Franschhoek. They have a passion for creating fine yet uncomplicated cuisine and a laid-back setting to match.
Rating. 4.6
Best for:
Laid-back fine dining
Bold taste
Location: No 2 Daniel Hugo Rd, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 876 3772
9. Le Bon Vivant
Chef Pierre Hendriks and his team take you on a journey of bold flavours and combinations.
We love the profound art of French cuisine that forms the basis for Le Bon Vivant's modern interpretations of classic dishes.
Rating 4.6*
Best for:
French cuisine
Bold favours
Location: 22 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek
Contact: 021 876 2365
10. Yama Sushi Emporium
Yama has a great sushi selection! We recommend the Yama Tower and Franschhoek roll. Minimalist Japanese style. Great staff and service.
Rating: 4.8*
Best for:
Sushi
Location: 9 Huguenot Road Heritage Square, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 876 2494
11. Le Petit Manoir Franschhoek
Mediterranean style cuisine that embodies the contemporary restaurant with the ‘old town’ deli offering freshly home-baked bread and pastries daily.
In the evenings the restaurant transforms, creating a premier dining experience with beautifully crafted meals with the option of a la carte or tasting menu.
Rating 4.6*
Best for:
Casual Dining
Breakfast
Location: 54 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 084 810 8170
12. Terbodore Café - Franschhoek
Terbodore Café is the place you want to go if you love coffee. This little café is in the heart of Franschhoek. The coffee is amazing, and we love the menu that embodies a classic cafe experience. One of the best Dog-friendly restaurants in Franschhoek for lunch.
Best for:
Cafe experience
Coffee
Dog Friendly
Rating 4.6*
Location: 29A Huguenot Street, Franschhoek, 7690
Contact: 021 876 2731
13. Smitten
Smitten is a popular local hangout in Franschhoek. Located in the charming Oasis of the Yard. We love their restaurant, deli shop, bakery & bar. Their style is unpretentious food, made from great local produce.
Best for:
Amazing breakfast
Vibrant
Local favourite
Rating 4.7*
Location: 38 Huguenot Road The Yard, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 300 1508
14. Let's Frite Franschhoek
A classic take on Fast food using fresh produce and quality is done exceptionally well. We love the concept of these classic meals.
Rating 4.8*
Best for:
Burgers
Vegan Burgers
New Local favourite
Location: 38 Huguenot Road The Yard, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 084 502 5119
15. Leopard’s Leap Restaurant & Wine Farm (Rotisserie-restaurant)
Leopards Leap Rotisserie restaurant combines great food with a family environment.
Chef Christiaan Visser and his team take care of every detail within a relaxed and family-friendly environment. Rotisserie is a highlight with its juicy cuts of meat. The Harvest Table offers a delicious variety of seasonal sides and salads.
Rating 4.6*
Best for:
Rotisserie
Family experience
Location: R45 Main Rd, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 876 8002
16. Chefs Warehouse at Maison
"Chef David Schneider joins Liam Tomlin in transporting Chefs Warehouse’s style of casual fine-dining to a refined country setting."
They have a great selection of tasting menus. It could be described as beautiful tapas in a country setting
Rating 4.6*
Best for:
Tasting menu
Outdoor experience in Franschhoek
Location: R45, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 876 2116
17 Le chêne Restaurant
Le chêne is a stunning setting, with great views, and beautifully maintained gardens. Being there gives you a genuine feeling of relaxation. Great staff, that adds a unique human experience. The food is also great.
Rating 4.5*
Best for:
Relaxed setting
Views
Sundowners
Location: Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 492 5983
18 Tuk Tuk Microbrewery
With all the fancy restaurants in Franschhoek, sometimes you want to sit back and enjoy a casual beer while enjoying similar, well-made food. Tuk Tuk offers exactly that. We highly recommend the beer tasting.
Rating 4.5*
Best for:
Relaxed setting
Beer
Pub menu
Location: 14 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 492 2207
19 Hussar Grill Franschhoek
(Steak House)
What we have come to love about the Hussar grill is its dedication to high-quality meat. If you are looking for an authentic South African steak experience cooked to perfection. Hussar Grill is the place for you.
Best for:
Steak's
Service
Halal-friendly meat (while Hussar grill uses Halal-certified meat, they are not strictly halal, as alcohol is served on the premises)
Location: 14 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek 7690 South Africa
Contact: 021 492 2207
20) We are looking to add more Halal friendly restaurants to the list. Please contact us if you find somewhere worthy of the List.
We hope you enjoyed our list. For More ideas on Wine Tasting experience.
Check out our article here.
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