Shirley says: "The list that follows – gives details of many of the restaurants in the Franschhoek area, listed in alphabetical order
ALLES BLEU- Situated just about 10km outside of Franschhoek. Is good for teas or a light meal. Space for children to play. Inexpensive.
ALLORA – A rustic Italian establishment. Although long established in the Valley, Allora is moving into the village in November. The new premises are spacious, and there will also be outside seating. So no much will change. The service is excellent and the staff very friendly. Perfect place for a quick above average meal after a long day travelling. Serves Pizza, pasta, classical Italian dishes, venison and steaks always available. Medium priced.
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BABELYONSTOREN – Put aside a few hours to visit the most spectacular gardens. Predominantly fruit and vegetable. No expense has been spared in laying out this very large area. In October the Clivia walk is a must. Stop for a cup or tea and a light snack at the Conservatory or have lunch at the restaurant (Babel). Garden tours are also available. A Spa is in the throws of opening too. Advance booking the tours and eating in the restaurant (Babel) is essential. Moderately expensive.
BREAD AND WINE (Moreson wine estate) – Here you can enjoy a wonderful lunch accompanied by the farms well know wines Miss Molly, (a much loved dog)The Chef cures all his own meats, and only uses organic, specially reared pork. The menu is always interesting and the flavours excellent. Although I have seen reports that the portions are smallish, I somehow think this is a good idea as one eats so much when holidaying in the Cape! Medium-high priced. Reservation essential.
CAFÉ BON BON - Open for Breakfast and lunch (and Wednesday nights), this is a Bistro style restaurant. Beautiful 200 year old restored building, and plenty of outside space under the trees. A varity of dishes that will take care of both the carnevors and the vegetarians. Well priced. Reservation required.
COLCACHIO – A large restaurant with beautiful trees in the garden. A place to relax and eat Pizza (many to choose from), served with plenty of quaffing wine. Live music on certain days. Inexpensive.
CAFÉ DES ARTES – Chris and Lou run their restaurant with passion. The restaurant is ultra casual, and seating is both inside and outside. If you are looking for fresh fish, this is the place. Medium priced. Open for lunch and dinner in the season.
DUO DONNE (Rocco) – A very large restaurant where a variety of foods are served. Tapas at the bar if you pop in for a glass of wine and a spectacular sunset. Comprhensive menu serving European style dishes. The view is as good as it gets anywhere in the world. Medium priced.
DUTCH EAST – A very casual eatery in the main road. Enthusiastic staff and a varied menu. There is a distinct Dutch Eastern twist to some of the menu. Plenty of good meat dishes too. Well priced. Reservation required.
FRENCH CONNECTION. – Another warm and cosy restaurant with helpful staff. The food is country style French and includes favourites- like a pot of mussels and frites. Steaks with sauces, chicken and fish. Medium priced.. Reservation required.
GLENWOOD – a new restaurant managed by Le Bon Vivant is opening in September. Lunch time only.
GRANDE PROVENCE –A magnificent setting. Beautifully refurbished very old Cape Dutch Buildings abound. You can eat outside under the trees (weather permitting), In the formal restaurant and for around 14 people it is possible to book a private facility. The art gallery hosts exhibitions throughout the year. The food is modern and stylish and seldom disappoints. Booking is essential. Expensive.
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HAUTE CABRIERE – One of the original Franschhoek Farms, Haute Cabriere has a prime position up in the hills with a magnificent view. The restaurant is set inside the mountain in a very large cellar style building, with good views into the cellar itself. Modern Cuisine offers a full spread of meats, fish and vegetarian dishes. A good range of estate wines. Medium expensive. Book in the season.
LA MOTTE - PIERNEEFS- The beauty of the whole of La Motte Estate is reflected once more in the fine dining restaurant, Pierneef. Every detail in the restaurant is luxurious and perfect. The menu has standard items and variety of seasonal specials -daily. The service and available wines are also of a very high standard. Open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and for dinner Thursday to Saturday. Booking is essential. Expensive.
Casual meals are also available under the trees in the summer. Tuesday to Sunday lunch time only.
LEOPARDS LEAP – A beautiful building where no expense has been spared. The venue offers straight wine tasting, a buffet lunch with wines, or a cooking function (a few times a month). It is a perfect place for a large group or families with children. The grounds are fully visible he restaurant and are big enough for games etc. The wines served are only from Leopards Leap Winery, and are inexpensive entry level standard, a second label of premier wines is just being launched.. Lunch is priced by weight. Open Tuesday to Sunday, lunch only. Medium priced.
LE BON VIVANT – this restaurant is just off the main street in Franschhoek. Set in a gorgeous garden is an old home that has been turned into a well respected restaurant. The food is European and the courses formal, diners are served at a casual pace, The menu is varied and imaginative, the portions are small. Medium expensive. Reservation required.
LE PETIT FERMME- a firm favourite. Family style meals and the best view possible help to make the restaurant a long time winner. Plenty of outside space to accommodate those with children. Medium expensive. Reservation required.
MONNEAUX- Part of Franschhoek Country House and Villas, Although the food is classical, it is served in a contemporary style. Dinner is a more formal affair, and lunch is served on the terrace and is more Bistro/ casual style. Medium to expensive.
MONT ROCHELLE –This restaurant has a beautiful view and gorgeous surroundings. The ambience is good, especially when the pianist is there, but the food somehow misses the boat. Expensive. There is also a second restaurant on the farm that serves family meals and has plenty of place for children to play. Medium expensive.
RACINE – Newly opened on Chamonix Estate. Owned by Reuben.
RICKETY BRIDGE – Light lunchtime meals are served. The food is interesting and the atmosphere relaxed. Part of an estate where wine tasting is held.
REUBENS – A well know place to eat. Reubens specializes in using local ingredients and preparing wholesome dishes. Booking essential.
RYANS KITCHEN – A rather unique restaurant in the heart of the village. Ryan himself is the chef, and he runs a “tight ship”. Lani his wife keeps a hold on the front of house. An open to the kitchen restaurant that serves very modern food, with a twist that constantly reminds you that you are in South Africa. You are in for a lot of surprises here. The food is served with or without a wine pairing. Moderately expensive. Booking essential.
SALMON BAR – A well established eatery and deli in the centre of Franschhoek, the Salmon Bar serves breakfast, lunch and an early supper. The menu is based on fish (salmon, trout and seafood). A delicious selection of Dim Sum is also available. In summer sit outside under the trees, you will know you are on holiday. Medium priced
TAKIS – A favourite with locals and Capetonians, relaxed inexpensive fare. Specialises in a few Cape Malay dishes and Burgers are a speciality.. Inexpensive.
THE GRILL HOUSE – A steak house that offers a good selection of well hung meat. Sauces and all the usual trimmings are served with the meals. Beef, Lamb, Chicken and Pork are available. Medium expensive.
THE KITCHEN MAISON- A stylish contemporary restaurant that offers a great selection of well thought out and excellently prepared seasonal dishes. The food is innovative and the views spectacular. The best part is you can walk there from Fransvliet –right through the fence and onto the lawn. Restaurant is open Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday for dinner in the summer. The Maison wines are excellent, and during the day it is possible to experience a wine tasting under the trees. Moderately expensive. Booking essential.
THE TASTING ROOM –Le Quartier Francais – Just recently completely refurbishes A combination of contempary food, combine with local South African ingredients, this restaurant continues to win awards year after year. A four hour dining experience with paired wines will not suit those who don’t really care about food. Those who are food crazy, love he whole experience. The restaurant does not take many covers so it is important to book 3 months in advance in the season. Expensive.
COFFEE
There are a number of good Coffee Roasters in the area. Various cakes are only offer at the laid back spots. Terbedore is just 2 farms down from Fransvliet, towards Stellenbosch. Dutch East also roasts their own coffee, and next door to Reubens is another good spot.
Luxury Franschhoek accommodation at Fransvliet
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Fransvliet Guest House, 4 km from Franschhoek, is a beautiful luxury guest house, situated on a working farm that grows grapes olives and figs. Breakfast is always an occasion, be sure to spend time celebrating the “best meal of the day, either inside or on the verandah enjoying the view of the pool, vineyards and mountains.