The anticipated Franschhoek Literary Festival is taking place this weekend, and we’ve rounded up several exceptional restaurants to visit in the small winelands town. Food connoisseurs will know that Franschhoek is no stranger to exceptional dining experiences.

Visited by locals and tourists alike all year round, this small town is also home to several Eat Out star restaurants, recognised for their refined and transformative approach to dining. Not only do these restaurants offer a range of delectable dishes with stand-out service to match, but they also showcase a vibrant melting pot of flavours, a flair for creativity, and a modern approach to tradition and gastronomic innovation.

Chefs Warehouse at Maison

Aptly named after the French word for home, Chefs Warehouse at Maison has curated their dining experience to exude wholesomeness with refinement. Awarded one star at the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, Chefs Warehouse at Maison restaurant has a farm-to-table approach. Founded by Liam Tomlin and David Schneider, the menu is all about seasonality, comfort and freshness weaved together with sophistication to create a memorable dining experience.

Address: Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner, 12noon to 9pm; Sunday lunch from 12noon

 

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Le coin Français

Fitting truly like the perfect puzzle piece into the thriving dining scene in Franschhoek, Le coin Français is an Eat Out one-star restaurant that truly embodies the heart of the small wine town.

With a menu that echoes the heritage and cuisine of the French-inspired Franschhoek Valley, accompanied by innovative cooking techniques and culinary flair, the restaurant offers two different menus to select from. Led by multi-award-winning chef de cuisine and owner Darren Badenhorst, the restaurant curates each dish to represent art on a plate.

Each menu offering has a respective wine-pairing option that showcases the best local wines and a French sommelier’s selection.

Address: 17 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Friday to Sunday 12noon to 2pm (last seating) and Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 8pm for dinner

 

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Orangerie at Le Lude

Awarded one star, Orangerie at Le Lude is led by executive chef Nicolene Barrow. Located at the idyllic Le Lude Estate, which specialises in producing Methode Cap Classique, the restaurant takes inspiration from French classical-style cuisine. Using fundamentals of French cuisine to enhance her interpretations, chef Nicolene crafts a range of delightful dishes with seasonality in mind.

The seasonal à la carte menu is tailored to suit a range of different tastes. Additionally, the restaurant serves morning and afternoon tea with a selection of savoury and sweet bites.

Address: Bowling Green Avenue, Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12noon to 3pm, light lunch served on Monday; Friday and Saturday for dinner 6pm to 8.30pm

 

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Protégé

Forming part of the esteemed La Colombe group, Protégé, an Eat Out one-star restaurant, encapsulates casual fine dining with two tasting menus on offer both for lunch and dinner.

At the helm of the restaurant, chef Zane Soutar curates the menu to showcase fresh seasonal produce with a strong serving of modern contemporary flavour to match. Located at Le Quartier Français, Protégé offers a comfortable setting with splashes of green set in a minimalist approach to create the ultimate comfy and cosy dining experience.

Address: Le Quartier Français, Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 8pm

 

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Epice

Explore global flavours at the intimate Eat Out two-star Epice, a restaurant that offers a range of dishes inspired by India, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the United States.

Located at Le Quartier Français, Epice, derived from the French word for spice, is led by chef Charné Sampson. Charné’s flair for cutting-edge cuisine ensures that each curated dish is a spice-filled and flavour-packed journey for diners.

Address: Le Quartier Français, Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Friday to Sunday 12noon to 3pm; Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 10pm

 

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Arkeste by Richard Carstens

Situated on the outskirts of Franschhoek on Chamonix Wine Estate on the edge of the forest, Arkeste by Richard Carstens provides a relaxed fine dining experience. Chef Richard Cartens’ extensive experience within the industry culminates in an extraordinary dining experience.

With an ever-changing à la carte menu and poised as a modern contemporary restaurant, Richard’s love and deep understanding of all things food makes this restaurant perfect for a casual lunch or a long drawn-out dinner. Awarded three stars, Arkeste by Richard Cartens is a must for diners seeking a remarkable dining experience.

Address: Chamonix Farm, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 8.30pm

 

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La Petite Colombe

Three-star restaurant and winner of the Eat Out Patrón Mixology Award for its phenomenal cocktails and innovative approach to mixology, La Petite Colombe is located at the beautiful Leeu Estates.

Although the name of the restaurant may suggest something small or little, there’s nothing ‘petite’ about the textures, flavours and presentation of each dish. With a bold approach to flavour and a commitment to excellence, the fine dining restaurant offers two tasting menus that showcase chef Peter Duncan and the team’s attention to detail and consistency in excellence.

Address: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12noon to 1pm and 5pm to 10pm

 

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Click here to see all the other Eat Out star restaurants across SA!