Franschhoek Restaurants

Superb Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the best that Italian fare has to offer is the order of the day at Allora, Franschhoek. A cosy interior makes this spot a great venue for colder weather and when the sun is shining, a courtyard area accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. A superb spot to enjoy a culinary journey to the Med, give Allora Ristorante a try.

The perfect setting for a long and lazy lunch, Cafe Bon Bon offers a sumptuous slice of country life with wonderful food and fine wine. Set within a barn dating back 200 years, the surroundings are authentic and endearingly rustic. Experience warm country hospitality from the friendly and knowledgeable team who will happily assist you with your selection. Feel truly welcomed at this charming country bistro and enjoy a sumptuous feast of delicious country fare.

Enjoy excellent South African cuisine and a warm welcome at Topsi and Co. A brilliantly friendly and unpretentious spot in Franschhoek, diners can enjoy both classic and unique creations with South African cuisine in mind. Taditional meets modern in a delicious fusion of new and old dishes that have been expertly designed by the talented team behind the scenes. A casual and relaxed place, Topsi’s is decked out with endearing antiques, making diners feel more like they are eating at someone’s home rather than a popular restaurant.

Cradled by magnificent surroundings, Café Traumerei is situated opposite the Town Hall along the Main Road. The interior inspires nostalgia, with original wooden flooring and a crackling winter fireplace. Summers beacons dining alfresco, where scenic vistas compliment a quick cup of coffee or a light meal from the contemporary menu.

The setting leans towards up market styling with a touch of classic contemporary and Asian influenced dishes. Tables dressed in red and white tablecloths and neatly wrapped cutlery set the stage for delicious starters such as spiced calamari followed by Asian braised lamb shank and decadent chocolate tart cardamom ice cream with pear. The hardboard menu proffers various dishes and specials including lighter meals such as gourmet sandwiches. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from the expansive wine list and soak up the bistro style setting at Chez d’Or.

Dieu Donne restaurant finds itself in Franschhoek, arguably, the culinary capital of the country. The Drakenstein mountain is a magnificent backdrop to the wine farm on which the eatery is located and thus sets the scene for tranquil lunch or dinner. The restaurant is housed in an underground cellar and promises patrons fine dining with its extensive menu and wine pairings from the farm’s own offerings. Dieu Donne is also a popular lunch venue. Guests soak up the best of the summer weather with al fresco style dining on the ground terrace while the lawn (with a sandpit near by to occupy the kids) is available for families who would like to picnic. Blankets are provided and the restaurant has a children’s menu. Dieu Donne delivers a ‘world menu’ which includes French Huguenot Provincial fare, with a unique combination of African, Asian & Mauritian influences. The open planned professional kitchen makes dining an interactive experience and adds to the energy that the restaurant exudes. A point of interest at this location is the micro brewery. Visitors are welcome to taste the beer the farm yields. Wine tasting is also recommended. Dieu Donne is also a prime wedding and function venue.

The Dutch East Restaurant finds its home in the historic French Hugenot settlement town of Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Easily one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa, Franschhoek has also earned the reputation of being the culinary capital of the country. The Dutch East, with its fusion of traditional Dutch and eastern influence offerings, stands out as a unique eatery in a predominantly French cuisine environment. The restaurant is relaxed and upmarket. The earthy interior manages to achieve a clean, minimalist simplicity in its décor that is stylish and inviting. High A-frame ceilings, red bricked walls and chandeliers set the mood. The menu aims to present food that is both appetizing to the taste buds and appealing on the eye. With the restaurant philosophy of maintaining and complimenting the true flavour of the main ingredient of the dish by preparing it fresh and simply, Dutch East certainly plates up dishes that are a flavoursome feast for the senses. Menu options include the likes of Seared Tuna with black sesame halva and a soy emulsion with whipped mango for starters, Lamb Shoulder with spinach cream, crackling and corn bites for mains and Fried Milk Tart with whipped cream and berry compote for dessert.

Try the Elephant and Barrel for good old English pub fare in a friendly setting in Franschhoek.Featuring classic meals like bangers and mash and pies, the team behind this quaint spot really knows what classic pub fare is about. Hearty meals satisfy and true to form, imported beers flow like water. There is also a nice selection of wines for those who don’t fancy a pint.A terrace makes for a great area to relax in on warmer days and when the weather is more like it usually is in England, the cosy interior will keep patrons warm.Experience the best that old English pub fare has to offer at the Elephant and Barrel.

Located on the edge of the village and considered a favourite watering hole, the pub and grill is the hub of the village and the relaxed and informal setting makes it a family affair. Children are well entertained with a large play area while adults indulge in hearty pub fare, ice-cold draughts and big screen sports. Friday’s plays host to live music, pushing up the tempo late into the night while ice-cold rounds make way for hearty grills and pub dishes.

Freedom Hill Restaurant offers country-style hospitality on its stunning wine estate in the Franschhoek region. With views of the Berg River Valley and Simonsberg Mountains, Freedom Hill has an exquisite back drop for a meal sitting any time of day. Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or sundowners in the late afternoon for a laid back time out. Not limited to lighter meal variations, the restaurant also has a well rounded and complete lunch and dinner menu with starters, mains and pudding. The menu offers a selection of mouth watering canapés as finger food to compliment a social drinks meet (and eat) or as a nibble between meals. The a la carte menu is an explosion of flavours with starters such as Sardine and Mascarpone Cheese Quiche, or Quail Breast with Nougat Salad. The main courses cover a variety of meat dishes as well pasta. Dessert is a decadent affair with the likes of Vanilla and Amarula pan cotta with fresh strawberries or, a chocoholic’s dream: Double Chocolate Mousse with Pistachio Nuts. Be sure to enquire about the daily specials. Not only is Freedom Hill an eatery worth visiting, it is also a wedding and function venue. Personal wine tastings are available to guests.

High up on the Franschhoek pass with sweeping views of the valley is Haute Cabriére Cellar Restaurant. Built into the flank of one of the surrounding mountains, it is a wonderfully romantic setting.Cellar-master, Achim von Arnim's Pinot Noir vineyard is on the slopes immediately below, producing premiere Methode Champenoise and classic cultivar wines.A special menu to compliment these wines has been devised by chef-patron Matthew Gordon, who with his wife, Nicky, oversee the smooth operation of this award-winning restaurant.Fresh Salmon trout bred in the cold stream water that flows down the mountains, vegetables and herbs, fruit from the surrounding plum, peach and pear orchards, seasonal berries, goat's milk cheese from Paarl and line fish delivered daily from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, mussels from Saldanha Bay, oysters from Namibia as well as lamb and game from the Karoo are on offer.The combination of fine wine and food, the elegance of the underground venue and the stunning views have in combination put Haute Cabriére Cellar Restaurant in all the top 10 listings in South Africa.Need to know?May: Lunches daily Dinners Friday, Saturday, Sunday eveningsJune till end September: Lunches daily Dinners Friday and Saturday eveningsOctober till end April: Lunches and Dinners daily

This friendly Franschhoek family restaurant makes everyone feel right at home. Here you can sample true South African dishes (a rarity in Franschhoek's restaurants who mostly serve 'French' cuisine) and check out photos of Franschhoek in bygone days. Join them for breakfast, lunch & supper.

Look through the glass wall into the kitchen and be amazed by the spectacle of owner and Chef Pierre creating stunningly beautiful 'artwork' on your plate. These creations also happen to taste great and Le Bon Vivant is known for sophisticated diners and a memorable experience.Le Bon Vivant is set an intimate converted house which is smaller than most of the purpose-built restaurants in Franschhoek. The ambience is fairly quiet, making it ideal for a more romantic evening. Despite the sophisticated surrounds, Pierre has added some unique and whimsical touches such as the lamp shades made from kitchen collanders.In addition to the full a-la-carte menu, Pierre also offers a five-course 'surprise' menu which takes the form of smaller 'tasting' courses, both complemented with a well chosen wine list. Tables are available in the shaded garden next to the restaurant for lunches or dinner on warm summer evenings.Need to know? Open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.

This bistro affair captures the best of the nature and flavours from the kitchen into a well-rounded dining experience. The glass conservatory flows out on the alfresco style terrace flanked by panoramic views of the valley in the nurturing atmosphere of the working orchard. The open plan kitchen invites a culinary performance dining indoors and the terrace cradled by fruit trees embraces the great outdoors.

Mange Tout is the French word for ‘small peas eaten in a pod’.Also known as snow peas or directly translated the word means ‘eat everything’, this beautifully appointed restaurant gives full expression to spectacular valley views.Mange Tout is a fine dining restaurant in every aspect. The room has an elegant Provençal feel that is matched with a skilful touch and contemporary design.The menu is an ever evolving work in progress, wherever possible focussing on the finest seasonal ingredients available. The team whole-heartedly endorse environmentally friendly farming practices as well as humane free range animal rearing and much of the produce used reflects this. Wherever possible, the chef will always accommodate special requests and/or dietary requests. Vegetarians are entitled to imaginative good food and cooking as well.With choices such as ostrich carpaccio, ostrich skewers, herb jelly, sweet and sour reduction, green pea risotto, fresh peas, pea shoots, pea sorbet and pea-mint “spoom” or organic duck breast, confit duck leg cannelloni, braised lettuce, caramelized pears and Cape 5 spice jus or you’ll be hard-pressed to decide on just one. You’ll also find the chef’s choice of desserts such as granadilla soufflé, buffalo yoghurt ice cream, cream filled brandy snaps or strawberry and red wine “soup”, red wine parfait, strawberry gel and chocolate tuiles irresistible. The a la Carte menu offers a 3, 4, or 5 course menu option, complemented by an award winning selection of quality wines, imbued by the soothing tinkling of pianist Alfio Sartirana’s live music.Lunch: Saturday and Sunday 12:30 - 14:00 - Closed Monday - FridayDinner: Wednesday - Sunday 19:00 - 21:30  - Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

A blackboard features a mini al carte menu with Escargot, Frog Legs and Foie Gras poele as starters. Main include idneys a la moutarde (mustard), Kudu fillet au vin & purrees, Duck Magret a la plancha, Chateaubriand au vin, Tournedos Rossini & gratin dauphinois, fresh tuna ratatouille when available and Chef’s specials, usually with seasonal produce available on that particular day. The delicious desserts include fine pastry apple tart ice cream caramel sauce and decadent chocolate biscuit dessert with ice cream.Also available on the blackboard is ‘Le Menu du Jour’ which is a special 2 or 3 course. In winter, a soup of the day is included as well as a homemade Terrine du Chef and over starters. The main course is always centred around the Piece de Boeuf 300g (sirloin or rumpsteak or rib eye with frites and sauce to choose) or the fresh fish of the day (usually Kingklip or Red Roman or Cod).During summer, more options are added to the blackboard like homemade Terrine of duck, Encornets a la Basque, Gambas Salad citrus vinaigrette, crayfish, bouillabaisse, more fish dishes, more offals like sweetbreads and onglets.The wine list comprises all the Chamonix Wines, a selection of wines from the Winelands and a private French wines list.

Fantastic fusion food is the order of the day at this quaint restaurant in Franschhoek. The menu offers the best that fusion cuisine has to offer with superb salad, meat and seafood options to name a few. The wine list comprises some of the best that Franschhoek valley has to offer and is well-priced. A charming venue for great food in beautiful surroundings, Monneaux Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Pierneef a la Motte Restaurant’s name is inspired by the great South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957). Along with being able to view a collection of paintings by the legend in the restaurant, patrons can embark on a reminiscent culinary journey that explores the best of traditional Cape Winelands’ cuisine. The restaurant setting is very much Cape Dutch with a contemporary spin. The emphasis on oak furnishings along with glass vases marries the beauty of the outdoor scenery perfectly, thereby creating a relaxed and subtly sophisticated ambience. The menu is nothing short of a history lesson in the development of local traditional cooking. Expect to find the best traditional fare that is unashamedly South African. Menu items include starters of Boerbok terrine or the Koningsbrood soup. Mains serve up Pomegranate glazed Smoked Pork Belly and Impala Neck. And for dessert who can resist the Brandy Chocolate Pudding? The wine list is extensive and offers a full selection of the farm’s own as well as other overseas brands. One can indulge in a food and wine pairing at the Tasting Centre. The restaurant also has a children’s menu.

A warm welcome from flawlessly professional staff awaits you at this five star spot in scenic Franschhoek.A small but well-planned menu with a variety of dishes including seafood, Asian delicacies and fusion cuisine is on offer as well as a wine list with some of the best Franschhoek valley wines as well wines from further afield.A spacious dining area with modern decor sets the scene with beautiful views of the mountains and Franschhoek valley.A luxurious venue for decadent dining, Relais Gourmand doesn’t disappoint!

Local lad, Reuben Riffel, is much fêted. The food is wonderful - Brasserie style. It is necessary to book even in winter but it is easier to get a luncheon booking. Sit in the shady courtyard under the white stinkwood trees. There's an interesting pub section where the bar-counter is the wing of a Dakota airplane. During the day one can eat in a different sectioon of the courtyard where light food from their deli is served. Open seven days a week.

Ryan’s Kitchen can be found nestled in the Rusthof Guesthouse. A quaint fine dining establishment that welcomes diners the pleasure of watching dishes prepared in the kitchen. This trend inspires and transcends the cooking and eating experience, allowing guests to interact with the chef and the cooking process. The open plan kitchen lays the perfect foundation for this trend and Ryan’s training at Michelin Schools worldwide make him the perfect candidate to learn from. Dishes are prepared with imagination and flair using local and indigenous ingredients, which transform into cosy home-style cooking. The menu offers a smaller tasting menu and a ‘Taste of Africa Menu’, which can be enjoyed within the quaint interior lounge feel or alfresco on the terrace.

Sushi D Okami is such a place. A place where people meet, eat and drink traditional Japanese hospitality and indulge in tantalising cuisine. The concept here is based upon Wakon Yogai principals, blended with Western knowledge and global experience of Old Japan and modern society. The menu is refreshing, tantalising and tasty and sure to transport the palate on a taste through Japan. Experience the Japanese culture and tradition at Sushi D Okami in Main Road, Franschhoek.

Located in a superb position on Main Street, Franschhoek, this lively bistro offers a great range of wholesome fare. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this eatery in scenic Franschhoek has a wide range of offerings that change to suit the season and are all presented in hefty portions. A wide range of wines from the local area and further afield gives diners a good choice for an accompaniment. The desserts here must not be missed. A place for summer or winter, there is a patio for warmer weather and a cosy interior complete with decadent touches like chandeliers to keep diners warm in colder weather. Great food, great wine and brilliant service await you at The Bistro, Franschhoek.

The small plate-dining menu makes it the perfect spot to relax and linger over a lavish meal and picturesque surroundings. The menu proffers expansive choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner with sumptuous breakfasts making a great start to the day. Relax in the comforts of the plush yet understated décor, where comfort embraces and food delights at The Common Room.

Located in Franschhoek, the Western Cape’s little pocket of France, is the aptly named restaurant The French Connection. This French Bistro style eatery offers an enticing menu that caters for tastes. Well known chef Patron Matthew Gordon (owner of the renowned Haute Cabriere) is the creator of the restaurant’s menu. Focusing on presenting only the freshest ingredients, The French Connection’s diverse lunch menu ranges from salads such as grilled calamari & chourico sausage with wild rocket and paprika dressing and a selection of pitas as well as more substantial meals like veal schnitzel. The dinner choices will keep guests happy with items such as Roast Duck, Fresh Mussels (with French Fries) and an excellent steak selection. The restaurant has a good selection of wines sourced from the Franschhoek valley to round off the dining experience. The French Connection is a firm favourite for locals and foreign visitors alike.

The interior welcomes with a relaxed ambiance, set in the heart of Franschhoek and boasts a comfortable and stylish setting catered for enjoying South African favourites and excellent presentation. The menu brims with succulent steaks and fresh seafood, translated into classic and well-loved dishes, sustainably sourced. A kiddies menu compliments a perfect family day out, enjoyed alongside the covered play area while adults focus on great food, fine wine and comfortable stylish surrounds. Take home some tasty braai meat from the adjacent butchery on your way out!

Located on the Val die Vie Wine Estate, with expansive views of Franschhoek and Paarl Mountains, diners relish in gourmet cuisine and award winning wines from the estate. Whether seeking a intimate experience or a more casual day out with family, The Polo Club caters for all, with a child friendly menu, family dining and outside play area - equipped with a pony and all. Discover fine cuisine, award winning wines and a sophisticated dining experience at The Polo Club in Franschhoek.

Serving sumptuous South Africa, French and contemporary cuisine, this superb restaurant in picturesque Franschhoek is a must-try spot.Creative dishes prepared by a talented chef are perfectly presented and served with care by the dedicated and professional staff. Award-winning estate wines provide superb options for the perfect accompaniment to your meal adds the finishing touch to culinary experience.The restaurant offers a brilliant al fresco setting in a lush garden filled with statues and an equally impressive indoor dining area with striking modern colours and shapes.A place to experience fine dining at its best, the Restaurant at Grande Provence is well worth a visit.

Margot Janse has been voted South Africa’s best chef and the restaurant rated in the top 50 restaurants in the world for four consecutive years by Restaurant Magazine UK. The Tasting Room at Le Quartier also ranks as number one restaurant in South Africa (Eat Out 2008). The Tasting Room is different in concept and is a must for people who like superb, out-of-the-ordinary food. Various options are available. Try the four-course, six-course and eight-course gourmand menu with or without matching wines. You're assured of a wonderful taste experience.

Located within the clubhouse, the all day dining menu offers light meals and South African cuisine with a touch of International flair. Signature dishes are the order of the day, best enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the extravagant pool and spectacular mountain ranges of Paarl and Franschhoek.

Franschhoek, the French pocket of the Cape Winelands, has become renowned as the culinary capital of South Africa, so it’s not surprising to find oneself in a gem of an eatery like Topsi & Co. A scrawled daily menu on paper set on an easel, the antique silver salt and pepper pots, the water jugs, the fresh flowers and the open kitchen will make one feel right at home as if in a great aunt’s kitchen. And then there is food: hearty, comforting and exciting. Expect traditional fare that has been reinvented with flair. The menu changes daily to make the most of the fresh seasonal produce. Menu items include homemade Springbok sausage with chilli jelly and Warthog loin with mustard seed onion gravy with cabbage and samp. A firm, delectable favourite remains the white mold cheese and figs stuffed with walnuts, poached in red wine with citron. The restaurant does not sell wine, but visitors are invited to bring their own. Guests are encouraged to walk into the kitchen and check out what’s cooking. Alternatively, sit back and take it all in: the delightful smells from the stove, the clatter of pots and the chatter from the parrot – just like at aunty’s house.