Places to eat in Franschhoek
Franschhoek is a known by many to be the food and wine capital of the Western Cape. It is not only the bevy of wine farms that draw visitors, most of the time it is the deliciously prepared gourmet meals, expertly designed by South Africa's top chefs. Recently, a team of South Africans placed first in the Cooking Olympics, once again cementing our name as the top culinary artists in the world. There are over 40 world-class restaurants in Franschhoek, with five star chefs' working day and night to tantalise your taste buds. Food is a serious business and whether it is a light breakfast or a hearty dinner you require, Franschhoek can accommodate your tastes.
Perfect for Lunches or Dinner
• Le Quartier Français
This opulent dining experience is tucked away in the corner of Franschhoek and is an elite, secluded boutique Franschhoek hotel of stunning beauty. Comprising of The Tasting Room, iCi and Bread & Wine this exclusive boutique hotel has more than enough to tempt the palate. At The Tasting Room diners can chose from either the four or six course menu or sit back and test their limits with the eight course gourmand menu. The selection of food is nothing short of spectacular. Lemon poached crayfish tails, foie gras and prosciutto terrine with a gooseberry relish, garlic crusted lamb loin, bitter sweet chocolate tart and other astonishing dishes await the patron who chooses to sit down at the crisp, white tables of The Tasting Room. For a more relaxed affair, iCi takes the form of a cafe-style bistro, where the inside and outside meet in a harmonious rhythm of eclectic guests, food and wine. Finally, Bread and Wine brings the relaxed feel of a country restaurant to the masses, with the smell of fresh bread and delicious meats enticing guests into its comforting fold.
• Tokara
Situated on top of the Helshoogte pass, Tokara is like a restaurant in the sky and guests will feel like they are floating on a cloud after sampling the delicacies of this fine restaurant. A world renowned chef, Etienne Bonthuys prides himself on creating a fusion of modern African cuisine combined with the distinct flair of French cooking. The menu options are highly affordable based on their exceptional quality and represent a true treat for any food lover.
• Haute Cabrière
Often called the true marriage between food and wine, Haute Cabrière's exceptionally delicious and rare wine collection is complimented by their mouth-watering home grown food. Much of the food is served fresh from the valley, with salmon trout farmed in the rivers below. Vegetables, fruit and cheeses are all derived from the valley below and with the exception of meat dishes all food is a true reflection of the tastes of Franschhoek. This extraordinary menu has been planned around Pierre Jourdan and his celebrated Haute Cabrière wines and to provide further twist, there are no starters or even main courses, merely a succession of savoury sensations.
• Grande Provence
Cape Town is not the only repository for ultra-chic restaurants. Franschhoek has one of its own, and goes by the name of the Grande Provence. This 18th century manor house perfectly reflects its Hugeunot heritage [part of the original Cape settlers] and the farm house design hides an incredibly well designed restaurant inside. The restaurant has been designed to appeal to the eye as much as it appeals to the tastes with white, high-backed leather chairs in the middle of a predominantly blue-gray environment. The signature dishes will redefine your love for food, with menu items such as the mouth-watering crepinette of slow braised lamb, orange glazed sea scallops and delectable Warm Belgian chocolate fondant. Taking dining up a notch, the famous Chef's table served on Tuesdays is a five-course dinner which is hand-picked by the five-star chef himself, Jacques de Jager. Once your dining experience is at an end, enjoy a quiet sip of wine near the fireplace and let your culinary journey end in style.
Not all restaurants in Franschhoek require an advanced booking and if you are looking to simply relax with good food and good wine, there are many fine establishments which will delight both your heart stomach.
• Col' Cacchio
Even though this is a chain restaurant, Col' Cacchio represents the modern definition of Italian 'fast-food'. It goes without saying that the pizzas should be favoured amongst other items on the menu. Choose from such creations as the Quattro Formaggi, the Erincella or the Juvenito. Relax under the weeping willow on a cool summer's night, open a bottle of fine Pinotage and let the good times flow.
• The Grapevine
This family-owned restaurant has an exceedingly friendly atmosphere with a bevy of typically South African meals which should appeal to any taste, be it foreign or local.
• The Salmon Bar at the Yard
This stunning little deli cum bar specializes in, well, Salmon dishes. Make a point of having their fresh bread, as it is baked daily and complements any fish or non-fish meal they serve.
Walking through the streets of Franschhoek on a lazy Sunday afternoon is the best way to discover new restaurants and the fresh smells wafting out of the doors of these Franschhoek restaurants is a sure way to make anybody fall in love with this quiet town.