Grape vines in the sunset in a vineyard near Wemmershoek, Western Cape South Africa. Image via Adobe Stock
Franschhoek guide to culinary excellence for foodies
A guide to the best eateries in Franschhoek, known as the culinary capital of South Africa, offering visitors fine-dining feasts
Grape vines in the sunset in a vineyard near Wemmershoek, Western Cape South Africa. Image via Adobe Stock
Franschhoek is South Africa’s French enclave, where the French Huguenots sought refuge years ago. Since then, it has become known as the country’s culinary capital.
Eateries to visit in Franschhoek
Lust
Lust is located on the Vrede en Lust Estate. This is a great family-friendly spot for breakfast and brunch. The menu offers twists on the classics. Stick to coffees and teas, and delight in how wonderful a meal as simple as mushroom toast can taste. The decor is warm and inviting, with a deli shop inside so you can leave with a jar of your favourite’s too. The restaurant has a dedicated lunch menu too, and if you’re staying at the estate, you’ll want to take a bike ride around the property.
Foliage Restaurant Franschhoek
Now this is the writer’s favourite restaurant, providing a truly fantastical foodie experience. The menu at foliage is forever changing, which adds to the excitements of your visit – you never know what exactly you’re going to get or when you’ll be getting it again. All you know is that it will be exceptionally prepared with locally sourced, foraged and produced ingredients.
The Restaurant at Grande Provence
The restaurant is situated in an intimate room with art on all the walls. Just outside is a manicured garden with water features and to the other side is an art gallery which is definitely worth a visit – you’ll discover a lot of art in the Franschhoek area and this is a great start. If you’re a wine drinker, opt for the wine pairing, as the sommelier does an excellent job. The food here is really hearty and comforting (just the way I like it). Meaty mains and chocolate for dessert are in order.
Pierneef a La Motte
The restaurant exudes grandeur, with subtle richness in the decor, from the frames on the walls to the plates hanging from the ceilings. As you walk in, you see the open kitchen with chefs preparing dishes. There’s a lot to see on a visit here, from the on-site shop selling trinckets to the natural surroundings on the estate and museum. The menu is refined and veers towards the adventurous side, though you’ll be blown away with how delicately chicken is presented and how delicious it tastes, should you wish to opt for the more usual menu items. For dessert, the poached pear is a winner.
La Paris Bistro
Before you even think about food, you’ll already be impressed by the setting at La Paris. It looks like a fairytale come to life, fit with a white horse and the Franschhoek mountains as a backdrop. Inside, the decor is refined yet elegant. The menu is playful and the portions are decadant. The ginger prawns is a winner and for those who love a hot drink, opt for a cup of hot chocolate. All of the details are elegent, even down to the creative glass in which after-food espresso’s are served in.
Monneaux
This restaurant calls the Franschhoek Country House & Villas boutique hotel home and has recently undergone a reinvention. The focus of the menu is hyper-local. Monneaux’s ethos is that every part of the foodie experience should be enjoyed, from the way it looks, to the way in which it is eaten and how it tastes.
Le Coin Français
The decor is intimate yet simple. The menu takes guests on a culinary journey through various courses – how many courses is up to you. Enjoy the likes of a fine-dining take on a KFC bucket, and for dessert, if you opt for the chocolate, you’ll be eating your way up the plate as the chocolate varieties change.
All of these eateries have been tried and tested by the writer, hence their inclusions on this list and their relevant recommendations. However, Franschhoek, despite being a village, is home to several highly acclaimed restaurants.
Notable Franschhoek restaurants
- La Petite Colombe
- Reuben’s Franschhoek
- Bistro BonBon
- Big Dog Cafe
- Café Des Arts
- Chefs Warehouse at Maison
- Le Petit Manoir
- Protégé
- The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal
Many of these restaurants have found their names on the lists of the best restaurants in the country, including the Eat Out Awards.
When planning a trip to little France of South Africa, make sure to include at least one of these eateries in your itinerary. It is strongly recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
