Chapter 2: Franschhoek

Eleven

This popular Franschhoek gem invites you to a journey inspired by the chefs' worldwide travels and personal experiences. Their culinary philosophy is rooted in sustainability when sourcing ingredients.

Why go?

Bold themes and delicate flavours intertwine with an exceptional wine selection. Feast on a diverse fusion of global dishes on their hyper-seasonal menu, promising to take you on a unique adventure.

Eleven Restaurant

Delight your taste buds with this ever-evolving menu, Image Credit: Eleven Restaurant

Details

a: 11 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
w: eleveneats.co.za
t: +27 21 023 3755
e: reservations@eleveneats.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30 (last seating)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 21h00 (last seating)


JAN Franschhoek

Experience a unique dining odyssey where Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and La Motte Wine Estate team up to present seasonal masterpieces. 

Why go?

Seated at a communal table, indulge in a tasting menu that fuses South African traditions with global culinary innovation. This food and wine experience celebrates regional flavours, expertly paired with La Motte's award-winning wines.

JAN Restaurant

Find yourself in the charming culinary haven nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, Image Credit: Inside Guide

Details

a: La Motte Wine Farm, R45, Franschhoek
w: janonline.com
t: +27 21 876 9115
e: jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za
h: Lunch: Sunday, 12h00 – 16h00
h: Dinner: Wednesday to Saturday, 18h30 – 23h00 

Please note: This is a seasonally restaurant and reservations are essential.


Arkeste

Discover casual fine dining at Arkeste, set on the picturesque Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek and housed in a charming heritage building at the edge of the forest.

Why go?

For an à la carte menu and thoughtfully plated dishes, exceptional Chamonix wines, forest views, and warm, attentive service. Arkeste delivers a fine dining experience that feels both relaxed and refined.

Beautifully plated meat and greens for a casual dining experience

Arkeste promises a tranquil dining setting paired with delicious cuisine, Image Credit: Arkeste

Details

a: Chamonix Wine Farm, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
w: arkeste.com
t: +27 21 876 8415
e: reservations@arkeste.com
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 20h30


Terra Del Capo Antipasti Bar

You can look forward to the Italian Dolce Vita experience at Terra Del Capo, featuring an antipasti bar and alfresco dining. The elegant yet relaxed space is perfect for a lingering lunch, thoughtfully prepared using produce from the estate and surrounding farms.

Why go?

For beautifully-plated small dishes, wine served at cellar door prices, and a setting that pairs Italian flair with local flavour. Terra Del Capo offers an authentic and vibrant culinary experience emphasised by the carefully sourced local and seasonal ingredients. 

A Terra Del Capo Antipasti bar meal

The antipasti menu is ideal for sharing, Image Credit: Inside Guide

Details

a: Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate, R45 Wine Route, Franschhoek
t: +27 21 874 9041
w: rupertwines.com
h: Tuesday to Sunday, 12h00 – 16h30 (last orders at 15h30)


Tuk Tuk Microbrewery

Discover the art of craft brewing, where fine beer and casual dining unite in this distinctive setting.

Why go?

Witness the brewing process firsthand and taste the unique range of craft beers expertly brewed on-site. Indulge in a simple but delicious all-day menu inspired by global street food.

Street-food style burger and fries

Tuck into a delicious meal and “beer bestie”, Image Credit: Tuk Tuk Microbrewery

Details

a: 14 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
w: tuktuk.co.za
t: +27 21 492 2207
e: reservations@tuktuk.co.za
h: Monday to Friday, 12h30 – 22h00; Saturday and Sunday, 11h00 – 22h00


Le Bon Vivant

Experience homely French elegance and watch closely as Chef patron Pierre Hendriks and his team craft bold flavours and impeccable dishes behind the transparent wall.

Why go?

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere paired with contemporary French cuisine that brings you palate perfection at this award winning restaurant.

Expertly prepared and plated French food

Taste the culinary artistry of Le Bon Vivant's kitchen team, Image Credit: Bradley Howard

Details

a: 22 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek
w: lebonvivant.co.za
t: +27 21 876 2717 
e: reservations@lebonvivant.co.za
h: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday, 11h00 – 23h00


Yama Asian Eatery

Step into a realm of minimalistic elegance at this Asian eatery or take a seat in the enchanting courtyard, where premier sushi and an à la carte menu await.

Why go?

For meticulously crafted sushi and seasonal Asian small plates that pay homage to traditional flavours. Yama invites families to indulge in exceptional cuisine while discovering inner calm through its creative interpretations of Asian classics.

Colourful Asian small plates

Feast on exquisite Asian-inspired dishes made with the freshest ingredients, Image Credit: Yama Asian Eatery

Details

a:  Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
w: eat-yama.co.za
t: +27 21 023 4695
e: reservations@eat-yama.co.za
h: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 21h00 (last seating)


Haute Cabrière Restaurant

Savour a delightful lunch featuring classic French dishes infused with South African flair while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Franschhoek wine valley.

Why go?

For a French-inspired culinary journey at Haute Cabrière Restaurant, where family and togetherness are celebrated over exceptional food and wine.

The restaurant looks out over the Franschhoek mountains and wine valley

An ideal spot to share memorable moments, Image Credit: Haute Cabrière Restaurant

Details

a: Haute Cabrière, Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
w: cabriere.co.za
t: +27 21 876 8500
e: info@cabriere.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 15h30


Babel – Babylonstoren

Cape Dutch architecture meets clean, modern design at Babel. The menu is rooted in a farm-to-fork philosophy, with seasonal produce picked daily from the gardens and prepared in creative, sometimes unexpected combinations.

Why go?

For a vibrant, garden-driven dining experience in a beautifully styled setting. Explore bold flavour pairings, sip Babylonstoren wines, and wander through the farm's impressive gardens after your meal.

Babel at Babylonstoren inside

Babel is set in a converted cow shed on the Babylonstoren farm, Image Credit: Babel – Babylonstoren

Details

a: Babylonstoren, Klapmuts - Simondium Rd, Simondium
w: babylonstoren.com/babel
t: +27 21 863 3852
h: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 08h00 – 09h30
h: Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 12h30 – 15h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 20h30


Chefs Warehouse Maison

The kitchen at Maison blends South African cuisine with farm-to-table principles with bold flair – think seasonal ingredients, whole-animal butchery, and house-made everything, from chutney to charcuterie.

Why go?

For a memorable, leisurely meal under the oaks, where seasonal, ethical food meets laid-back Winelands charm – and every bite feels like home, just a little fancier.

Chefs Warehouse Maison evening dining

The restaurant is set on a peaceful wine farm outside Franschhoek, Image Credit: Chefs Warehouse Maison

Details

a: Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek
w: chefswarehouse.co.za/maison
t: +27  21 876 2116
e: maison@chefswarehouse.co.za
h: Wednesday to Saturday, 12h00 – 21h00; Sunday, 12h00 – 15h00


La Petite Colombe

Among the vines at Leeu Estates, La Petite Colombe offers an exceptional fine dining experience marked by creativity, elegance, and a touch of theatre. 

Why go?

For refined dining served with flair in a world-class setting. The light-filled space, with its sweeping vineyard views, sets the scene for artfully plated multi-course meals that balance precision with playfulness.

Fresh bread and caviar at La Petite Colombe

Every detail is designed to delight, Image Credit: La Petite Colombe

Details

a: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
w: lapetitecolombe.com
t: +27  21 202 3395
e: reservations@lapetitecolombe.com
h: Lunch: Mondays to Sundays, 12h00 – 13h30
h: Dinner: Mondays to Sundays, 17h00 – 20h00


Épice

Drawing from culinary adventures across India, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark, the US, and Cape Town, the team at Épice presents a multi-course menu that’s bold yet offers comforting familiarity.

Why go?

For a beautifully composed, spice-led experience where each dish is elevated with finesse in one of Franschhoek’s most intimate dining spaces.

Bread with a spice dip

Épice means “spice” in French, Image Credit: Épice – La Petite Colombe

Details

a: Le Quartier Français Hotel, Huguenot St, Franschhoek
w: lacolombe.restaurant/epice
t: +27  21 492 4044
e: reservations@epice.co.za
h: Lunch: Friday to Sunday, 12h00 – 13h30 (last seating)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday 18h00 – 20h00 (last seating)


Le coin Français

Located in the heart of Franschhoek, Le Coin Français captures the spirit of the valley in every detail, from the art and wine to the refined, innovative cuisine. Here, classic French technique meets “art on a plate”.

Why go?

Expect an elegant, multi-sensory dining experience led by award-winning chefs, where nostalgic flavours, fine craftsmanship, and Franschhoek’s best wines come together in a beautifully curated setting.

"Art on a plate" for dessert

"Art on a plate", Image Credit: Le coin Français 

Details

a: 17 Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek
w: lecoinfrancais.co.za
t: +27  74 126 0022
e: reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za
h: Lunch: Friday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h00 (last seating)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00-20h00 (last seating)


Protégé

Protégé brings a relaxed, flavour-forward take on fine dining to Franschhoek. The kitchen champions fresh, seasonal ingredients, and works closely with local suppliers to deliver refined yet approachable plates in a stylish setting.

Why go?

It’s all about fine dining without the fuss. Dine al fresco or grab a seat at the show kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Here, casual meets creative in the best way.

A plate of informal yet gourmet-style food

For creative and informal, yet refined dining, Image Credit: Protégé

Details

a: Le Quartier Francais, 18 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
w: lacolombe.restaurant/protege
t: +27 21 492 4048
e: reservations@protegerestaurant.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30  
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 17h30 – 20h30 


Reuben's

Reuben’s is all about honest food, delicious flavours, and a relaxed atmosphere. Expect a menu of beloved favourites that reflect Chef Reuben Riffel’s signature approach to uncomplicated, refined cuisine – along with the perfect glass of wine to complement it.

Why go?

A Franschhoek staple for good reason, Reuben’s combines comforting classics, a top-tier wine list, and a welcoming space ideal for long lunches, relaxed dinners, and celebratory catch-ups.

Reuben's turns refined dishes into uncomplicated dining, Image Credit: Reuben's

Details

a: 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek
w: reubens.co.za
t: +27 21 876 3772
h: Lunch: Saturday and Sunday, 12h00 – 14h00  
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 17h30 – 20h30 
h: Reuben's is closed every Tuesday from the beginning of June till the end of August


Let's Frite

Chefs Reuben Riffel and Aviv Liebenberg bring the ultimate French fry bar to life. From triple-fried frites served with homemade sauces to juicy burgers stacked with flavour, everything is made in-house and served with a smile. 

Why go?

It’s your go-to for crispy frites, indulgent burgers, and laid-back bites done right. Perfect after a wine tasting or when that truffle burger craving hits. The relaxed setting – tucked away beside a stream – is perfect for sunny lunches or cosy evenings by the fireplace.

Crispy frites, burgers, and laid-back, street-food style bites

For street-food style French fries, burgers, and bites in the heart Franschhoek, Image Credit: Chantal Mulder

Details

a: 7 Reservoir East Street, Franschhoek
t: +27 84 502 5119
h: Sunday to Thursday, 11h30 – 20h30, Friday and Saturday, 11h30 – 21h00


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