5 Best Franschhoek Restaurants and Beyond in Cape Winelands

Main entrance at La Petite Colombe

This young and talented chef is leading the kitchen at one of the top Franschhoek restaurants.

Prior to launching La Petite Colombe in 2017, Chef Norris-Rogers worked at its big brother highly-rated restaurant, La Colombe, under the mentorship of well-known chefs Scot Kirton and James Gaag.

La Colombe has been consistently listed as one of the world’s best restaurants over the years and has had several famous chefs work in its kitchen including Luke Dale-Roberts who went on to start The Test Kitchen in Cape Town.

No pressure, right? Chef Norris-Rogers embraces the challenge of running La Petite Colombe and continues to push the boundaries in creating playful, flavorful dishes based on what is in season.

Update: La Petite Colombe is now under the helm of Head Chef Peter Duncan, and he’s keeping the magic alive with creative new tasting menu dishes and consistently glowing reviews!

The food can best be described as modern fine dining that highlights Western Cape flavors with global influences seamlessly woven throughout.

When we visited, Chef Norris-Rogers had just returned from Japan, and you could definitely taste that inspiration in the menu. Several dishes featured subtle Japanese elements and ingredients that worked beautifully with local flavors.

We especially enjoyed the chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard), freshly baked bread with home-churned miso butter, and a standout tuna dish that stole the show among the seafood courses.

La Petite Colombe was located at the Le Quartier Francais Hotel when we went but has now been relocated to a larger space on Leeu Estates.

The colors are neutral and subdued. The space is cozy with an open kitchen design. We were seated next to the doors of the outdoor patio.

Since we came during the dinner hour, it was already dark and you could not see outside. I would have loved to come back during the lunch hour when it is bright and sunny revealing the beautiful outdoors.

The staff was friendly, but it felt a bit forced. New staff members were continuously coming to the table with each dish, which disrupted the continuity of the service. The atmosphere was elegant and well-choreographed but seemed a bit stiff.

Reservations are strongly advised considering this is one of the top Franschhoek restaurants.

We booked about 3 months in advance (we are hardcore planners), but you probably could get away with booking 1 month in advance depending on the season.

Our reservation was for 7:30 pm. The dining experience took about 3 1/2 hours. 

You can make your reservation at one of the best Franschhoek restaurants here. 

The Chefs Experience + Rare Wine Pairing 

A Trio of “Snacks”

• Porcini “lollipop” with sherry, hazelnut, and thyme (my husband’s favorite most memorable bite)
• Spicked chicken chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard)
• “Cone” of smoked snoek pate with curried labneh (also known as yogurt cheese)

Wine: Morena Brut Rose N/V

Oatmeal and honey bread with miso butter

How long did it take one of the sous chefs to create all those “kernels?”

Beer: Hey Joe ‘Speciale Beige’ (from a local beer company in Franschhoek)

Malay tuna, fried avocado, & coriander cream

Wine: Normandie ‘Karen’ Rose 2016

Quail, langoustine, mussel, and ham

Wine: Domaine Des Dieux ‘Josephine’ Pinot Noir 2011

Granny smith sorbet (palate cleanser) presented in a fun, theatrical, mysterious way

Karoo lamb with pumpkin, salsa verde, and smoked olive

Wine: Mooiplaas ‘Rosalind’ 2011

Boerenkaas (translates to “farmer’s cheese,” Dutch Gouda made from raw milk), buckwheat, rhubarb

Wine: Avondale ‘Armilla’ Brut 2011

Coconut, passion fruit, pineapple dessert

Wine: Maison ‘Straw Wine’ 2016

A Trio of “Treats”

• Whiskey-flavored marshmallows
• Coffee macarons
• Dark chocolate dessert in the shape of a cigar propped up on tobacco leaves

It was a really fun dining experience. Definitely the kind of place I’d visit once for a special occasion.

Don’t get me wrong, every dish was beautifully cooked and perfectly seasoned. Chef Norris-Rogers clearly has incredible technical skill in the kitchen. And as someone who’s obsessed with all things Japanese, I loved the Japanese-inspired touches, especially the chawanmushi and ramen.

My husband’s favorite bite of the night? The porcini, sherry, thyme, and hazelnut lollipop that kicked off the meal. Such a creative touch!

Overall, it’s absolutely one of the Franschhoek restaurants worth checking out. But for me, it’s not the kind of food I find myself craving or thinking about long after the trip.

Main entrance at Chefs Warehouse at Maison in Franschhoek

This famous Irish-born chef has become a famous foodie icon in South Africa.

He oversees multiple restaurants in his ever-growing empire including Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia, Thali (which we dined at in Cape Town), Jewells, and Chefs Warehouse at Maison.

Chef Tomlin opened Chefs Warehouse at Maison with Chef David Schneider, which is now considered one of the best Franschhoek restaurants! 

The concept here is simple: high-quality global tapas without the white-tablecloth fuss or eyewatering prices.

The restaurant sits on a beautiful working farm, and you can really feel that connection to the land in the menu.

The menu, called “Tapas for 2,” features eight dishes shared between two people, with flavors that change regularly based on seasonal, sustainable ingredients.

Each plate felt fresh, thoughtful, and beautifully balanced.

Indoor dining area at Chefs Warehouse at Maison in Franschhoek South Africa

Think relaxed, unpretentious elegance rather than formal fine dining.

The space has a distinctly South African chic vibe. Earthy tones, natural textures, and a welcoming warmth that fits perfectly with the setting.

When the weather’s nice, you can dine out on the lawn with sweeping views of the mountains and vineyards. It’s hard to beat that backdrop.

Chef Schneider captures the spirit of the place best:

“I want the diner to feel like they are at home. Maison means home, and I expect that level of comfort here — kick off your shoes, dine outside, share plates, sip wine, and watch the world go by while being serenaded by chickens.”

This is one of the top Franschhoek restaurants, so reservations are advised. We booked about 3 months in advance, but 1 month in advance is probably sufficient.

Book here.

Beef sirloin pastrami, horseradish catalan, spiced onion relish, charred spring onion salsa, sour cream & a homemade soft pretzel

Sashimi with nori, bonito, fresh pickles, Japanese-style Mayo, sago crackers & umami dust

Woodfired venison loin with Nanban dressing (Japanese vinegar-based sauce), roasted corn, shitake mushrooms, pickled shimeji mushrooms & fresh radish

Fennel & mustard risotto with West Coast Saldanha Bay mussel pakora & fried leeks

Tandoori cauliflower, spiced cashew nuts, fresh basil, mint & yogurt

Linefish with a sour curry relish, oven roasted tomato & fennel, seed & sultana crumb

Slow-cooked pork belly, roasted Jerusalem artichoke & apple tart, homemade ricotta, glen oaks smoked bacon, truffle & parmesan veloute

Certified Meat of Origin Karoo lamb rump with a green-miso marinade & braai broccoli

Miso corn malva pudding with popcorn ice cream & salted caramel sorghum

Malva pudding is definitely one of the top 10 foods to try in South Africa! It is a traditional South African dessert comprised of apricot jam with a very spongy texture.

This was probably my favorite of all the Franschhoek restaurants we tried.

I really love the philosophy behind the Chefs Warehouse group. They focus on creating fine dining–quality food meant to be shared with family and friends in a relaxed, unpretentious setting without the white tablecloths or high prices.

I would go back in a heartbeat and maybe even get to meet Porcini, the farm’s famous pot-bellied pig.

Tuk Tuk is a casual spot in Franschhoek that serves up Mexican-inspired favorites like chimichangas, fish tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

It’s the perfect laid-back place when you’re craving something flavorful and fun.

Tuk Tuk is also a microbrewery, so expect some excellent craft beers brewed on-site. If beer isn’t your thing, they’ve got a solid selection of red and white wines, plus a few spirits to round things out.

The atmosphere at Tuk Tuk is casual, fun, and lively. A spot clearly loved by both locals and visitors.

Franschhoek’s main street is lined with great restaurants, and one of the easiest ways to spot a good one is by the crowd gathered outside waiting for a table.

That’s exactly how we found Tuk Tuk. We simply followed the crowds, and it didn’t disappoint.

We chose to eat outdoors, right on the main street, which was perfect for people-watching and soaking up the Franschhoek evening vibe.

You can also sit indoors near the microbrewery to watch the brewers in action. The staff were friendly, upbeat, and happy to help guide us through the food and drink options.

No reservations here. It’s first come, first served.

As soon as we landed at Cape Town International Airport, we picked up our rental car and headed straight to the Cape Winelands, arriving in Franschhoek by evening.

Needless to say, we were tired and craving something quick and casual before our wine tour the next day. Tuk Tuk fit the bill perfectly.

They’re open Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the low season, with extended hours later into the evening during the high season.

It’s always best to check their website for the most up-to-date opening hours before you go.

The Mexican-inspired menu had plenty of tempting options, but we decided to share a few of the tacos:

• Baja Fish Taco with sliced jalapeño, dill mayo, pickled cucumber, Pico de Gallo, and a guacamole base
• Braised Beef Taco with shredded cabbage, smoked onion aioli, Pico de Gallo, and a guacamole base
• Pork Belly Taco with pineapple salsa, pickled cucumber, Pico de Gallo, and a guacamole base

The food was good, fresh and flavorful, though nothing particularly memorable. Our favorite was definitely the Baja Fish Taco. Honestly, I could have ordered a few more of those and called it a perfect meal.

We paired the tacos with gin & tonics featuring a local gin called Six Dogs Blue, which was a refreshing way to wind down after a long travel day.

I’m not a beer drinker (trust me, I’ve tried to like it!), so I can’t comment on their craft brews, but TripAdvisor users seem to really enjoy them.

Unfortunately, I didn’t snap any food photos. Eating outdoors at night didn’t make for great lighting.

Sometimes you just need a break from the fine dining scene. While the food at Tuk Tuk was good (not amazing), it definitely hit the spot.

Paired with the friendly service and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of place I’d happily return to for a casual meal and a drink.

The Table at De Meye indoor dining area

There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Franschhoek, but I also wanted to highlight a few standout spots elsewhere in the Cape Winelands.

One of those gems is The Table at De Meye, located in Stellenbosch.

Talented chef Brendan Thorncroft and his partner Leigh Williamson took over the restaurant in the fall of 2019.

Chef Thorncroft trained under the legendary George Jardine and honed his skills at several of Jardine’s acclaimed establishments, including Jordan Restaurant, Restaurant Jardine, and Restaurant Seven, before taking the helm at The Table at De Meye.

Plenty of restaurants claim to be farm-to-table, but The Table at De Meye truly takes that concept to another level.

If you’re curious where every ingredient on your plate comes from, just ask Leigh.

She can tell you which local farmer grew the lima beans in your salad and where the milk was sourced for the home-churned butter on your table (okay, maybe not down to the exact cow, but close enough!).

Every ingredient is fresh, local, and seasonal, and the family-style menu changes weekly. Always a surprise and always delicious.

Three words to sum up the food: Simple. Understated. Delicious.

The setting at The Table at De Meye oozes charm and authenticity.

Long rustic wooden tables with mismatched chairs are usually spread out across the lawn beneath the shade of tall trees, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating on the day we visited, so we opted to sit inside the whitewashed farmhouse instead.

It turned out to be just as lovely. Warm, cozy, and inviting, with a crackling fireplace that made the whole experience feel extra special.

This is the kind of place that perfectly captures the essence of a lazy, alfresco wine-farm lunch.

Unhurried, authentic, and utterly delightful.

We enjoyed this incredible meal as part of our self-guided wine tour of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which we did using Uber.

A super easy and stress-free way to explore the Cape Winelands without worrying about driving.

Reservations are highly recommended. They book out quickly.

Book here.

Three Course “Surprise” Menu 

Fresh sourdough bread, white bean hummus, and olives 

Fresh salad straight from the garden full of yummy ingredients such as walnuts and lima beans all sitting on top of thick and creamy labneh (which is a cream cheese-y yogurt)

Apple coleslaw with fresh garden ingredients

Butternut squash casserole, soy roasted pumpkin seeds with parmesan cheese… similar to our sweet potato casserole we eat during Thanksgiving in the US. My favorite dish!

Stuffed porchetta

Fresh berry crumble

It’s easy to see why The Table at De Meye is such a beloved gem in the Cape Winelands,  even among South Africa’s top chefs. It truly embodies the spirit of genuine farm-to-table dining.

We’ve eaten at many of the country’s most celebrated restaurants (The Test Kitchen, The Pot Luck Club, Chefs Warehouse, and La Petite Colombe) but this food experience topped them all.

I’ll be craving this simple and delicious food for years to come.

Creation Restaurant in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa

During our visit to Creation, my husband and I were blown away by how thoughtfully the multi-course menu was put together.

Each dish perfectly reflected the flavors of the Western Cape and was designed to harmonize with Creation’s award-winning wines. You could really taste how much care went into the pairings.

All the ingredients were locally sourced, with most of the produce coming from the Overberg region.

Being so close to the ocean, Creation also serves up some of the freshest seafood we’ve had in South Africa.

Every course felt elegant, balanced, and full of character, with creative touches that surprised us like their signature biltong butter.

I know, it sounds like a strange combo, right? But trust me, it was absolutely delicious. (More on that later!)

The scenery at Creation is absolutely breathtaking.

Perched high on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the restaurant overlooks rolling vineyards and a peaceful lake, all framed by dramatic mountain views.

We chose to sit inside, in the bright and cheerful dining room filled with natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels.

The space feels modern yet cozy. The perfect spot to soak in the views even on a cooler day.

After our meal, we wandered around the property and noticed all these cool sculptures tucked between the vines and gardens. Turns out they’re made by a local artist, Nanette Ranger.

Such a fun and creative touch that makes the place feel even more special.

Reservations are strongly advised. The lunch and wine pairing are very popular so definitely book in advance.

Book here.

Harvest Love Story Menu + Wine Pairing 

Harvest love story menu at Creation Restaurant in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Fresh bread with 3 different spreads.

My favorite was the butter with biltong flakes (as seen from the 3rd bowl in the far back with the ball of butter and light brown shavings on top). 

Unique flavor combination! Unexpected and delicious.

Amuse bouche to warm up the palate

Sauteed abalone with capers, kelp, and samphire (salty, edible succulent)

Wine: Creation Estate Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon

Coconut poached linefish with apricot masala

Wine: Reserve Chardonnay

Lamb loin, star anise, poached pear, polenta, and goat cheese

Wine: Creation Estate Pinot Noir, Reserve Pinot Noir, and the Art of Pinot Noir

We are huge fans of Pinot Noir, which Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is famous for!

Don’t miss a wine tour with La Rochelle to discover the best Pinot Noir producers!

Springbok shank with waterblommetjies (edible water flowers)

Wine: Creation Estate Syrah-Grenache

Malva, apricot, orange, popcorn crumb custard & English daisy

Wine: Creation Estate Viognier

Springbok was a new type of meat for me — it’s a kind of antelope that’s pretty common on South African menus.

It was good, just not my favorite.

What surprised me, though, was how much I ended up loving ostrich. It’s a lean meat, but when it’s cooked right, it’s incredibly tender and flavorful.

I had it perfectly prepared during our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and it totally changed my mind about trying game meats.

The staff at Creation Restaurant knew we were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.

They presented us with a beautiful arrangement of chocolate and strawberry goodies.

There are tons of great places to eat in Franschhoek, but it’s worth venturing out and exploring the rest of South Africa’s wine country too. Creation Restaurant is one spot that really stood out for us.

If you’re heading to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley or Hermanus, definitely add this culinary experience to your list. The chefs there know exactly how to pair local Western Cape flavors with Creation’s award-winning wines.

A quick tip: most of the restaurants on this list that need reservations can be booked through Dine Plan. Super easy to use.

The Cape Winelands are absolutely breathtaking and packed with incredible food experiences.

Here’s how you can start planning your own South Africa wine country getaway!

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Questions about our experiences at these Franschhoek restaurants?

Let me know in the comments below!