Where to eat in Franschhoek

THE "BETTER" RESTAURANTS (In Franschhoek town and valley)

Akademie Street Guest House/Boutique Hotel is in the heart of the "food and wine capital of the Cape". Many people visit just to eat at the famous Franschhoek restaurants, some situated on the wine farms, some attached to the hotels and some independent ones in the village itself. This means that particularly during the high season (1 September to 15 May) it can be impossible to get into the restaurant of your choice without prior booking. You might wish to book ahead using the e-mail addresses given. If phoning from outside South Africa leave out the 0 at the beginning and substitute +27 instead.

For your guidance we give an alphabetical list of some of the better restaurants (at least in our opinion). There are, of course, plenty of other places to eat for those who want to explore.

There are no taxis in Franschhoek. It is sometimes possible to organise transport but at fair notice. It is expensive and makes one very inflexible. So either one should drive oneself, as do most people, or else walk and eat in town.

It is even more difficult with the wineries, which, unless you are a major hiker, need to be got to by car, bicycle or horseback.

Dinner

  • Le Quartier Français - The Tasting Room (Do not confuse with Ici at same venue): Easy walking distance. Margot Janse has been voted S.A.’s best chef and the restaurant rated in the top 50 restaurants in the world for four consecutive years by Restaurant Magazine UK. Number one restaurant in South Africa (Eat Out 2008). Is different in concept and is a must for people who like superb, out-of-the-ordinary food. Only open at night. Various options available. Four-course, six-course and eight-course Gourmand menu with or without matching wines. Wine information, though very good, is not up to the same standard as the world class food. Wonderful taste experience. You need to book directly; they require credit card details in advance. 021 876-2151 res@lqf.co.za

Dinner and lunch

  • Bouillabaisse: Easy walking distance. Seafood restaurant, Oyster and Champagne bar. Owned and run by Camil and Ingrid Haas. Very good food. Tasting portions which can also be combined to make a larger meal. Ask about how it works before you start as it can be a bit confusing. Bouillabaisse is closed on Sundays. 021 876-4430 eat@seafooddeli.co.za
  • Genot: Lovely views of the farm and mountains, but not from inside the restaurant. Good good. Closed on Mondays, only open for lunch on Sundays. 021 876-2729 info@kleingenot.com
  • Grande Provence: Very beautiful venue especially in the daytime. Jacques de Jager now runs the restaurant which has good food. Vegetarians not well served, however. Very good red wines under the Grande Provence label. Avoid the Angels’ Tears popular wines. Interesting contemporary art gallery and sculpture garden. Can also eat al fresco. Wine tasting at the bar adjoining the restaurant 021 876-8600 enquiries@grandeprovence.co.za
  • Haute Cabriere: Romantic as it is in a wine cellar built into the mountainside above Franschhoek, but noisy for the same reason. Restaurant run by Matthew Gordon, as is The French Connection (see below). 021 876-3688 hautecab@iafrica.com
  • Le Bon Vivant: Easy walking distance. Can eat in garden. Guests of ours particularly fond of the 5 course "Surprise" menu. Good food. Closed on Wednesdays. 021 876-2717 lebonvivant@mweb.co.za
  • Mange Tout at Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyard Hotel: Stunning views, classical menu, piano, white napery. 021 876-2770 reception@montrochelle.co.za
  • Monneaux: at Franschhoek Country House and Villas. Good contemporary dishes. One can eat al fresco. 021 876-3386 info@fch.co.za
  • Mon Plaisir: at Chamonix. Lovely situation. Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch only. Can eat under the large oak trees. 021 876-2393 cmonplaiser@gmail.com
  • Reuben's: Easy walking distance. Local lad, Reuben Riffel, much fêted. The food is wonderful. (Brasserie style) It is necessary to book even in winter. Easier to get a luncheon booking. Sit in the shady courtyard under the white stinkwood trees. Interesting pub section where the bar-counter is the wing of a Dakota airplane. Open 7 days a week. During the day one can eat in a different part of the courtyard at their deli where light food is served. 021 876-3772 reservations@reubens.co.za
  • The French Connection: Easy walking distance. Bistro style, extremely popular particularly with the locals. Open 7 days a week. In season hard to get a booking. They keep your table for 15 minutes only! 021 876-4056 Fax 021 876-4036 french@worldonline.co.za
  • Topsi and Company: Easy walking distance. Small restaurant. Septuagenarian Topsi has changed her menu to largely South African and also African food – but improves on the tradition to make it even more interesting. Slow service. Ideal for those looking for something different. Wines now available through their Wine Club. Closed on Tuesdays. 021 876-2952 No e-mail fax 021 876-2952
  • Tokara: Half way to Stellenbosch. Etienne Bonthuys, one of South Africa’s greatest chefs, cooks French/Belgian style dishes in this state of the art restaurant / winery. Stunning views. Ask for a window seat at lunch time. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 021 808-5959. Fax 021 808-5966. eat@tokararestaurant.co.za

Lunch only

  • Boschendal: Very beautiful farm to visit. Buffet lunches inside main barn-like Restaurant or also outside, under the trees. Excellent quality buffet with lovely desserts. Light lunches at Le Café. In summer famous for their picnic lunches (at tables). Bookings for main restaurant and picnics necessary well ahead in summer. 021 870-4272 Fax 021 874-2137 reservations@boschendal.com
  • Bread and Wine: On Môreson wine farm. In summer open 7 days a week. At other times always enquire ahead. (Arthur’s personal favourite lunch place). Also named one of the top10 restaurants in South Africa (Eat Out 2006 & 2007). Neil Jewell makes and sells wonderful sausages from the shop. Sit outside under umbrellas looking at the orange tree orchards and eat wonderful food in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. 021 876-3692 breadandwine@moreson.co.za
  • Café Allée Bleue: Just the place for a light lunch after visiting Boschendal or L’Ormarins Motor Museum. Good food, prize winning wines, particularly the Pinotage. Pick a day when one can sit outside on the patio under the shade of the giant blue gum trees. 021 874-1021 info@alleebleue.com
  • Café Bonbon: Café Bonbon: Lovely views of the farms and mountains with nice food. 021 876-3936 lpt@icon.co.za
  • Cotage Fromage at Vrede and Lust: Sliding glass doors enclose this Mediterranean restaurant, run by Matthew Gordon, noted caterer Duncan Baker and baker Jean-Pierre Smith. Also cheese, olive and bread deli. Quite a way to drive but worth it for the food and scenery.021 874 3991 cottage@vnl.co.za
  • Hillcrest Berry Orchards: Open daily for teas and lunches. Can sit inside or out. Wonderful views. Emphasis on organic products and small producers. Lovely tarts and desserts made with their berries. Berry products for sale. Slow service. 021 885-1629
  • La Petite Ferme: One of the most popular restaurants in Franschhoek for the last twenty odd years. On the mountainside with lovely views. Friendly. Only open for lunch. In summer, need to book well in advance. 021 876-3016 info@lapetiteferme.co.za
  • Vineyard Brasserie: Easy walking distance. Open daily for lunches and on Saturday nights for dinner. Run by the people from La Petite Ferme so similar in style. Nice country views from the porch. In summer time the famous Jazz concerts take place here every Friday evening. 021 876-3420 vineyardb@hotmail.com

Some others where it is normally not necessary to book ahead (at peak times, still not worth taking a chance):

  • Col’ Cacchio: Easy walking distance. Excellent pizzas anf good salads also a few so-so pasta dishes. Upstairs lounge bar. Live music sometimes. 021 876-4222 franschhoek@colcacchio.co.za
  • Elephant and Barrel: Easy walking distance. English style pub. Sit inside or in the square. Has nice ambience and good pub food. Music some nights. Kitchen closes at 22h00 (on Sundays at 21h30) 021 876-4127 mark@elephantandbarrel.co.za
  • Ici – at Le Quartier Francais: Easy walking distance. Open all day for light meals in the most sophisticated bar in town. The ideal place to relax with a drink and have a light meal. Open daily 021 876-2151 res@lqf.co.za
  • Kalfi's: Easy walking distance. Family restaurant. Very friendly owners. Especially nice place to be because of the staff. Have several typical South African dishes on the menu. If you like hot chocolate ask for Arthur’s Special (with a shot of brandy in it). 021 876-2520
  • Salmon Bar at the Yard: Easy walking distance. Specialise in salmon dishes but a couple of non-fish options available. Small and sophisticated restaurant, bar, deli. Very good breads baked throughout the day. Open daily from 9.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m. 021 876-4591 info@salmonbar.com