The African Voyager

Franschhoek, South Africa

Franschhoek’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Franschhoek‘s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The best restaurants in Franschhoek

When it comes to dining in Franschhoek, you’re spoiled for choice with some of the most creative, refined and flavorful dishes around. This little gem of the Cape Winelands is known for its world-class restaurants, offering everything from cutting-edge contemporary cuisine to flavours rooted in local traditions. In this guide we’ll explore the best spots where you can enjoy incredible food – and trust us, there are a few must-try dishes you don’t want to miss!

La Petite Colombe

La Petite Colombe is the sister to the renowned La Colombe in Constantia and has earned its own accolades, including a 3-star rating in the Eat Out Awards. The menu is an exciting blend of creativity and precision, featuring dishes like yellowfin tuna with coconut and dhanya and lamb with celeriac and kapokbos. The ambiance is equally impressive, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards of the Leeu Estates. A nice touch that we love is the sweets trolley, a sweet end to an unforgettable meal. Also worth mentioning is the exceptional cocktails – the best in town!

La Petite Colombe
Leeu Estates
Dassenberg Rd
Franschhoek
South Africa

Photography courtesy of La Petite Colombe

Oku

If you’re craving something a little different, Ōku brings the flavours of Southeast Asia to Franschhoek. Chef Ryan Shell, who founded Ōku, has created a menu that pays homage to Asian culinary traditions. The restaurant interior showcases elegance and simplicity, inspired by traditional Asian design, complete with bonsai trees and delicate artwork. At Ōku you have the option of a 15-course Kaiseki menu or a more concise 4-course à la carte option. One of the standout dishes that we enjoyed is the crispy pork belly bao and we recommend you pair it with some sake, their extensive sake selection is impressive!

Ōku
9 Huguenot St
Franschhoek
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Ōku

Le Coin Français

Le Coin Français is a true embodiment of Franschhoek’s heritage, offering a dining experience that combines French elegance with South African flavours. Chef Darren Badenhorst, the mastermind behind this restaurant, takes diners on a journey through his interpretations of nostalgic food memories. The tasting menu features dishes like venison tartare with pickled shiitake mushrooms and butter-poached langoustine with garden pea risotto. We also love the fact that Le Coin Français has a vegetarian tasting menu, with unique dishes like the Cheese and the Bees – blue cheese mousse, honey tuille, pear and red pepper relish, plum chutney, infused honey and pollen – sounds amazing right?

Le Coin Français
17 Huguenot St
Franschhoek
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Le coin Français

Epice

Epice, derived from the French word for spice, offers an intimate fine dining setting that perfectly matches its adventurous menu. Located at Le Quartier Francais, this restaurant is headed by Chef Charné Sampson, who has a passion for spices and layers of flavour. The menu is inspired by the team’s culinary expeditions to India and other parts of the world, featuring dishes like prawn roti with mango atchar and lamb with dahl and chermoula. Our favourite dish here is actually the dessert, the Ouma’s Milk Tart is not to be missed! A South African classic with an Epice twist and the perfect way to end your meal.

Epice
Le Quartier Français Hotel
Huguenot St
Franschhoek
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Epice

Chefs Warehouse Maison

Chefs Warehouse Maison, part of the Chefs Warehouse group, is known for its farm-to-table approach and commitment to ethical eating. The menu features a four-course tapas for two, with dishes inspired by garden, sea, street and family themes. Chef David Schneider brings a playful touch to the menu, with items like house-made apricot chutney and OBS jus. You are in for a treat with dishes like the Namibian golden crab and Caldhame duck breast. The restaurant’s setting, in a beautifully restored farmhouse, adds to the charm, with indoor and outdoor seating options that offer views of the vineyards.