Franschhoek Restaurants

Wilderer Distillery, winner of over 50 of the world’s most prestigious awards, including Grappa of the Year and Double Gold at the World Spirits Festival in Austria. Helmut Wilderer has become a true 'guru' for connoisseurs around the world and personally conducts tastings. Ristorante Pappa Grappa is run by Helmut’s son, Christian, whose passion for fresh seasonal ingredients, is reflected in his traditional German and Italian dishes. Try their homemade pastas, fresh fish or the parmesan feast; eating fresh pasta out of a 20 kg parmesan cheese. Flammkuchen, a pizza speciality from France, remains a must. All-in-all this is world-class grappa and eaux de vie, fantastic fresh food, outstanding service at value for money and a great vibe; a rare combination!

At Delaire Graff the breath-taking beauty of the Stellenbosch surroundings serves as a feast for the eyes. Visitors are certain to experience an igniting of the senses whether it is for lunch, under the canopy of oak trees, or for an intimate dinner in the designer interior of the restaurant. The cuisine and general feel of this fine dining establishment is best described as approachable. Delaire Graff has a clean cut elegance, plated and otherwise, which is sophisticatedly understated. The food is fresh and robust with all the emphasis on flavour. While the lunch menu is light, the dinner offerings demonstrate a decadent balance of delicate presentation and bold, vibrant flavours. Expect the menu to change regularly in order to exploit the best of the freshest vegetable, herb, seafood and cheese offerings that the farm and local specialty producers provide. Signature offerings include Crayfish Lasagne with king oyster mushrooms and Pistachio Nougat served with rose geranium ice cream. Dishes are rounded off with a selection of Delaire wines and guests can choose a special food and wine pairing menu. Be sure to take the time for a fabulous wine tasting in the stunning Tasting Lounge.

If an art rich dining room with a cosy fireplace entices for a French inspired dinner or a shady terrace on a gorgeous Stellenbosch wine farm sounds like just the spot for a summer’s lunch, then Rozendal is has “pick me!” written all over it. The restaurant is housed in the wine farm’s 150 year old Manor House. Here guests can sit back and appreciate the canvassed walls of the dining hall while sipping wine near the fire place in winter. Warm summer days call for outdoor seating which offers wine farm beauty and tranquillity. The menu is best described as having a firm French Provencal basis as well as a focus on all things natural. Guests can enjoy the best of local, organic and, where possible, free range ingredients in the dishes designed for the set menu. There are three or four courses on offer. All meals begin with a treat: an aperitif of the farm’s internationally acclaimed Rozendal Drinking Vinegar. The farm’s unfiltered Bordeaux Blend wine comes highly recommended and reservations for lunch or dinner are essential.

It’s difficult not to hold one’s breath when travelling along the spectacular Helshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and it’s harder still not to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the view that Tokara Wine Estate offers. It’s here that Tokara Restaurant finds itself perfectly placed. There is no question why this fine dining establishment is considered a flag ship restaurant of the winelands. The spacious stone, steel and glass buildings overlook the valley. The best seats to totally indulge in the view are on the restaurant’s wooden deck. Visitors will be thoroughly entertained by the restaurant’s transparent show kitchen. Witness the Tokara team whip up some of the finest food in the country. The Tokara eating experience is nothing short of fine dining. Dishes may be described as flavours that are layered with the focus being on unlocking the true flavour and texture of the main ingredient. The signature dish: Trio of Trout is Franco – Japanese inspired and is a good accumulation of chef Carsten’s own culinary journey. Expect plates of precision and exciting frills such as beetroot foam, olive oil custard and pistachio puree. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of the signature dishes that are paired with either Tokara’s finest wines or a selection that reflects the Cape region.

The Lanzerac Hotel and Wine Estate is home to the elegant Governor’s Hall Restaurant. The estate restaurant is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and fringed with vineyards against the breathtaking backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains. Governor’s Hall is a fine dining establishment with many personalities. The main restaurant is formal and stately, while the Terrace and The Lady Anne Courtyard is the perfect choice for an outdoor, al fresco luncheon. The restaurant’s menu is managed by well known executive chef Stephen Fraser who promises guests meals nothing short of culinary excellence. There is also a an informal bar called the Taphuis that is perfect for after work drinks. And for those who would like to round off their meal with whiskey and a cigar, the Esquire Cigar and Whiskey Lounge is a must.