Visiting Franschhoek, the culinary capital of South Africa

The stunning Franschhoek Wine Valley, which is just 75 kilometres from Cape Town, is home to some of the world's finest restaurants and wine estates. Franschhoek has established itself as the culinary capital of South Africa thanks to its collection of top restaurants.

These are the top restaurants in Franschhoek to visit:

• La Petite Colombe

The award-winning and well-known La Colombe restaurant, which is situated in Constantia, one of South Africa's oldest wine-producing regions, opened a sister location at Leeu Estates to bring its celebrated experience to the Franschhoek valley. La Petite Colombe, which translates to "small dove," provides the best service and delicious multi-course lunches and evenings with a dash of humour and drama for a singular dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling glass creates the impression that you are in the nearby vineyards throughout the day.

Location: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Contact details: 021 202 3395, reservations@lapetitecolombe.com

• Arkeste

This restaurant, which is perched on the outskirts of a forest on Chamonix Wine Estate, is the product of chef Richard Carstens' more than 30 years of expertise in some of the best kitchens in the country. The menu mixes his most current thoughts on clean eating and pescetarianism with Asian-fusion cuisine. The dishes here are healthy, expertly prepared, and incredibly delicious. 

Location: Chamonix Restaurant, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
Contact details: 021 876 8415, reservations@arkeste.com

• Haute Cabrière

Eating at Haute Cabrière is as beautiful as it is wonderful since it has the loveliest view of the Franschhoek Wine Valley. The von Arnim family loves to innovate, thus their menus are influenced by traditional French recipes with a modern touch.

Starters feature beef tartare, prawn tempura, and fried goat's cheese. For the main course, options include pan-fried fish from the valley, spinach gnocchi, and sirloin with chimichurri. Classic desserts with a contemporary spin are served after that, including bread and butter pudding, baked lemon cheesecake, and crème brûlée with cinnamon.

Location: Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
Contact details: 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za

• Franschhoek Beer Company

Imagine savouring a mouthwatering burger while viewing majestic oaks and pristine lawns. Although the region is well recognised for its fine wines, Franschoek is also the birthplace of the "best-handcrafted beer in the world." When you pair the correct beer profile with the proper meal at the Franschhoek Beer Company, you'll be amazed by the burst of flavours from these award-winning beers. A small snack is a perfect complement to each beer to complete the Franschhoek Beer Company experience.

To mention a few combinations, Three Oaks artisan lager goes well with hot pretzels, Weissbier No. 5 German beer goes well with bacon bitterballen, and La Saison Belgian beer goes well with fish nibbles. 

Guests may take a tour with the brewmasters of The Franschhoek Beer Company of the test brewery, the main brewery, and the organic garden. In addition to sampling some of their amazing brews, you will learn how beer is made here.

Location: R45, 5km before Franschhoek Village, Franschhoek,
Contact details: 021 876 2092, franschhoekbeerco.co.za

Knight Frank are area experts in Franschoek. If you fancy living in the culinary capital of South Africa get in touch with us today.