It’s no mistake that Franschhoek has been dubbed the ‘culinary capital of South Africa’. The town is characterised by expansive wine estates, delicious cuisine, and beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. The forever-increasing foodscape is hands-down one of the best in the area.
With its array of full-bodied wines and mouth-watering meals, you’ll have an absolutely tantalizing time wandering through Franschhoek, exploring its restaurants.
We recommend visiting one, some, or all of these venues from our list of the 10 best Franschhoek restaurants below.
Top 10 Restaurants Franschhoek Has to Offer
There’s nothing worse than going out to eat in a new destination and being disappointed with your dining experience.
We’ve created this list so you won’t have any regrets while finding places to eat in Franschhoek.
Le Coin Français
Le coin Français has to be mentioned first as this restaurant’s name literally means Franschhoek. Located on the thriving Huguenot Road, the restaurant combines cutting-edge methods with exquisite, time-tested French-inspired cuisine. Served with a locally-paired wine list complete with exciting South African wines in a stylish and modern setting.
Award-winning chef and owner, Darren Badenhorst takes diners on a sensory journey of flavors, textures, and unique, interactive creations. This is the perfect restaurant if you’re looking for an innovative lunch or dinner with a set menu. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available so everyone can enjoy these delicious inspirations.
Epice Restaurant
If you’re looking for fine dining with an aura of intimacy, Epice fits the bill. Derived from the french ‘epicé,’ meaning spice, this restaurant is located at Heritage Square, where the Marigold Restaurant in Franschhoek once sat.
Headed by Chef Charné Sampson, Epice serves a variety of flavor-packed, French-fusion meals. These dishes were inspired by the restaurant’s team culinary exploration of India, and their travels through Spain, Japan, Denmark, and the US.
We recommend Epice for anyone who loves home-style cooking with a refined edge.
Pierneef à La Motte
For wine lovers, Pierneef à La Motte is a winner. You can experience an evening of venison and vintage wine while appreciating the beauty of Franschhoek Valley. Surrounded by the serene vineyards and expansive farmlands.
The restaurant was birthed from La Motte’s admiration of the South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, a renowned landscape painter. Pierneef à La Motte takes this artist’s appreciation of South African heritage and channels it through its cuisine.
With a calm and quiet ambiance, the restaurant is perfect for extended, leisurely lunches.
La Petite Colombe
La Petite Colombe is a sister restaurant to La Colombe, in Constantia, which has received recognition for its world-class cuisine and service. Franschhoek visitors will enjoy the same benefits, but from the beautiful location at Le Quartier Français.
What makes this restaurant different is its down-to-earth atmosphere and stunning setting. The venue is a light-filled dining hall with views of the surrounding mountains. And, when the staff presents you with your meals, they introduce the dishes as people who know the vineyards and food intimately. Not just as people parroting the menu.
Le Bon Vivant
We recommend Le Bon Vivant in Franschhoek for anyone with a strong passion for bold flavors and combinations. The chef combines palate perfection with impeccable presentation. The restaurant is nestled in a converted house in the center of the town. The atmosphere is relaxed and homely with a slight French influence.
The restaurant’s glass wall is perfect for foodies who love seeing what their chef gets up to. It’s ideal for summer evenings and hot days as visitors can sit at tables in the shaded garden next to Le Bon Vivant.
Here, you can expect classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
Cafe BonBon
We’ve looked at some delightful dinner eateries, but let’s look at the divine lunch and breakfast spot, Cafe BonBon. This restaurant has great character, especially considering that it’s situated within a 200-year-old wine cellar.
Foodies will relish the seasonal flavors and local ingredients at this restaurant in Franschhoek. We suggest tucking into the delicious croissants for breakfast. Or, you can savor the free-range meat and seafood gourmet creations for lunch. The choice is yours.
Roca Restaurant
Located on the Roca at Dieu Donne Wine Estate, this restaurant is positioned on the “Rock on God-Given Land.” If this doesn’t already hint at the beauty and divinity of this place, keep reading.
With iconic views of the valley, diners experience the best of the surrounding vistas. Plus, they get to enjoy a delicious meal on the upper deck of the double-volume Roca Restaurant in Franschhoek.
The eclectic mix of French, African, Mediterranean, European, and International cuisines means you’ll have a decadent experience at this dining destination.
Chefs Warehouse at Maison
Chefs Warehouse is a laid-back and chic restaurant with attractive minimalist decor. Complementing the theme is the restaurant’s inventive tapas. The food is beautifully presented with striking flavors – think candied spiced cashews and the like.
The restaurant is set on a wine farm, on Maison Estate. It has a gorgeous, shaded garden, perfect for meals outside in summer. The menu is suited to serious food enthusiasts with a distinguished palette. But, families and groups of friends are all welcome.
We visit this restaurant almost every time we stay in Franschhoek and enjoyed a visit here last winter.
Foliage
Much of the description of this restaurant can be gleaned from the name. Foliage’s main ingredients are locally sourced through the act of foraging. You’ll see wild mushrooms, edible plants, and wild goose on the menu. The menu is adjusted on an almost daily basis, depending on what is brought to the kitchen.
In terms of style, this restaurant fuses upmarket bistro with a modern farmhouse, for a warm and cozy feeling. The exposed face brick and a fireplace create a warm and inviting space. You can find Foliage next to all the action on the vibey Huguenot Road.
Arkeste
Arkeste offers an a la carte option and a tasting menu within a relaxed fine dining setting. This Franschhoek restaurant operates out of a heritage building on the Chamonix Wine Farm. Tranquil and delicious are two words we would use to describe it.
With a wine list featuring Chamonix wines, you can count on some beautiful and flavorful bouquets. The menu ranges from tasty tempura prawns and shellfish butter to Bonsmara beef fillet and pepper glazed springbok. There’s a delicacy for every taste.
Final Thoughts on Restaurants in Franschhoek
From cozy cafes to fine gourmet dining, this area in Cape Town has some truly exquisite and decadent places to eat.
No matter your taste or preference, you’re sure to find the right option for you from our top 10 restaurants in Franschhoek list.
If you’re planning a visit be sure to check out other posts about Franschhoek which I have shared on this site over here: Franschhoek
If you’d rather explore Franschhoek as part of a group, you can book a full-day Winelands tour to experience the most of this magical area.
