Guide to Franschoek
REUBEN'S
The newest kid on the block grew up on these streets. Reuben Riffel made his mark at Monneaux before heading off to work at a
Oude Stallen Centre
19 Huguenot Rd
Franschhoek
e-mail: reubens@mweb.co.za
tel: 021 876 3772
owner/s: Reuben Riffel
58 ON
Fills the old premises of Polfyntjies with delectable pancakes and country fare. You can't miss the signage on the 1860 farmhouse on the outskirts of Franschhoek with great views from the terrace. A new, cosy family restaurant run by ex-Londoners who serve savoury and sweet pancakes, bredies, boboties and home-made chicken pies - all with dollops of hands-on hospitality. The menu boasts 16 pancakes - the avo, bacon and mushroom is a bestseller. Hearty daily specials. The regional wine list is well chosen.
On the R45 into Franschhoek
Franschhoek
e-mail: fifty8onmain@mweb.co.za
tel: (021) 876-3217
BIJOUX
Chill at a chic table in the courtyard, on the garden terrace or in the dining room on the main street. Simplicity is everything - whole-smoked trout in a honey glaze, grilled baby chicken, slow-roasted lamb and confit of duck in a sweet orange glaze. An oriental accent finds expression in line fish tempura, pork teriyaki, duck spring rolls and crispy prawns. Regional wines complement the fare.
Franschhoek
tel: (021) 876-3474
BREAD AND WINE
A dusty road leads through vineyards to an courtyard with lemon trees, fountains and dreamy mountain views. The restaurant and cellar exceed expectations with fine wines and sunny cuisine is created with great flair. Christina Slattery inspires the baking of fabulous focaccia, ciabatta, olive and sourdough breads. Neil Jewell makes the spicy sausages, terrines and farm-smoked hams on the charcuterie selection, as well as snoek spring rolls, trout pastrami and serious souffle double-baked with Gruyere.
Moreson Wine Farm
Happy
Franschhoek
e-mail: breadandwine@moreson.co.za
website: http://www.moreson.co.za
tel: (021) 876-3692
LA COURONNE
A restaurant with panoramic views of the
Franschhoek
e-mail: reservations@lacouronnehotel.co.za
website: http://www.lacouronnehotel.co.za
tel: (021) 876-2770
LA PETITE FERME
A landmark, a family restaurant and boutique wine cellar with an all-weather veranda on the mountain slopes has had its menu spiced up with Asian and Moroccan accents by chef Olivia Mitchell. The classics out of the cookbook remain: tender Med-style lamb drenched in garlic, bobotie, pan-fried salmon trout and veg moussaka.
Franschhoek
e-mail: lapetite@iafrica.com
website: http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za
tel: (021) 876-3016
LE QUARTIER FRANCAIS
There's always something new out of Franschhoek, epitomised by celebrity chef Margot Janse who keeps her culinary art on the cutting edge. Now, the world-renowned gastronomic destination has boldly undergone a total makeover. The new complex features The Tasting Room, a fine-dining venue that showcases Margot's cuisine on set tasting menus paired with local wines. Patrons unable to wait for a table can still enjoy signature dishes on the a la carte menu at Ici, a new streetside terrace and restaurant, that highlights favourite dishes and new creations. Award-winning wine list.
Franschhoek
e-mail: linda@lqf.co.za
website: http://www.lequartier.co.za
tel: (021) 876-2151
LE BON VIVANT
This classy culinary act is one of Franschhoek's best-kept secrets. Hidden away from the busy main street, experienced chef-patrons Pierre Hendricks and Jessica Bos quietly do their own thing to the delight of regulars. The set fivecourse tasting menu and the a la carte menu highlight the delicacy of seafood (try grilled red roman in season) and the robust flavours of venison (anyone for blesbok or kudu fillet?). The action takes place inside an old home in a modern glass kitchen. Try the local wines on offer.
22 Dirkie Uys Street
Franschhoek
e-mail: lebonvivant@mweb.co.za
tel: (021) 876-2717
ANTONY'S BISTRO
Watch life pass by on the main street from the courtyard with a fountain under the oaks. Unpretentious fare if you're fine-dined out in Franschhoek. A hot spot to do breakfast whatever the time of the day - the Huguenot, vineyard or Canadian way with maple syrup. A friendly hang-out, with healthy salads, designer tramezzinis and burgers (springbok and ostrich), and salmon trout several ways. Choose from local wines.
14 Huguenot Street
Franschhoek
tel: (021) 876-4714
BALLON ROUGE
Contemporary food in a mod Oz direction, taking the Conran 'keep it simple' approach. Ingredients are local, transformed with a flavour of Italy, France, Asia or South Africa along the way. The small menu includes steamed mussel options, beef dishes and game. Fish and vegetarian dishes are creative. Sunshine streams in during good weather; alternatively there's a winter fire.
7 Reservoir Street
Franschhoek
e-mail: info@ballon-rouge.co.za
website: http://www.ballon-rouge.co.za
tel: (021) 876-2651
