Outdoor dining in Franschhoek is simply a blissful experience, stimulating all the senses. Cocooned by lush vineyards and sweeping vistas, you can enjoy hearty meals and local wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether it’s a cosy courtyard restaurant, a laid-back bistro, or an elegant vineyard, the experience is all about good food, good company, and soaking in the stunning surroundings.

Arkeste: A Refreshing Outdoor Dining Spot in Franschhoek

Arkeste on Chamonix wine farm stands out as a top-notch outdoor dining spot, located in a characterful heritage building on the edge of a forest. This sets the scene for a tranquil dining experience and delicious food by top local chef Richard Carstens, who revisits some of his classics alongside his new dishes which showcase seasonal and local ingredients.Arkeste: A Refreshing Outdoor Dining Spot in Franschhoek

From delectable starters to mouthwatering main courses, the menu caters to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, Arkeste has something to please every palate. The commitment to efficient service and maintaining a clean, inviting environment further adds to the overall appeal of Arkeste, making it number one on the list of must-try outdoor dining in Franschhoek.

When: Daily, from 12pm to 8.15pm (last seating) | Book via www.dineplan.com
Where: Chamonix Wine Farm, Uitkyk St, Franschhoek

Website: arkeste.com | Email: reservations@arkeste.com | Tel: 021 876 8415

Grande Provence Wine Estate: For All The Wine Lovers

Grande Provence Wine Estate entices newcomers with its unique charm and culinary offerings. The estate’s picturesque setting provides a stunning backdrop for al fresco dining in Franschhoek, creating a memorable experience. The menu showcases a fusion of flavours from exquisite starters to sumptuous main courses. Chef Anvor Fortuin is a culinary virtuoso, concocting beautiful looking – and tasting – dishes from smoked Franschhoek trout to aged beef fillet.

The outdoor ambience is further enhanced by the estate’s lush greenery and tall trees, which can be admired while enjoying each meal. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary outdoor dining experience, Grande Provence Wine Estate offers a perfect blend of nature, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality.

When: 12pm to 8.30pm (last seating) daily
Where: Grande Provence Wine Estate, Main Rd, Franschhoek

Website: www.grandeprovence.co.za | Email: reservations@grandeprovence.co.za | Tel: 021 876 8600

Haute Cabrière: A Memorable Culinary Experience

Haute Cabrière sets the stage for a truly enchanting meal. It has an impressive menu that combines classic French and South African flavours, offering a diverse array of dishes that merge the gap between Africa and Europe. The outdoor terrace has an alluring atmosphere, allowing consumers to relish their meals while soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Haute Cabrière’s commitment to creating a memorable culinary experience, coupled with its stunning location, allows customers to come back again and again to enjoy the entirety of the space. The menu highlights chargrilled octopus, pan-fried duck breast, gnocchi and a Cape Malay curry.

When:  Daily, from 10am to 5pm
Where: Haute Cabrière, Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek

Website: cabriere.co.za | Email: info@cabriere.co.za | Tel: 021 876 8500

Lust Bistro & Bakery at Vrede & Lust: A Mouthwatering Journey

Lust Bistro & Bakery – on the renowned Vrede & Lust wine estate – is another phenomenal spot that offers attractive al fresco dining in Franschhoek. At the heart of Lust Bistro & Bakery is a traditional, wood-fired hearth where the Chefs conjure up authentic artisanal bread and all manner of delectable daily fare. The venue is open for early breakfast, lunch, pizzas and everything in between.

The food at this Franschhoek Winelands restaurant is honest, abundant and delicious with an emphasis on simplicity and seasonal ingredients. It also pairs magnificently with the finest Vrede & Lust wines. There is also an outside play area located next to the beautiful estate gardens.

When: Mon to Sat 7.30 am to 5pm, Sun & Public Holiday 8am to 4pm
Where: Intersection of R45 and Simondium-Klapmuts Roads Simondium, Franschhoek

Website: vnl.co.za | Email: reservations@lustbistro.com | Tel: 021 874 1456

Le Coin: A Hint of French Elegance

The name ‘Le coin Français’ literally means ‘the French corner’ i.e. Franschhoek. And indeed, this fabulous restaurant sets out to embody the essence of the valley in heritage, cuisine, art and wine. It features cutting edge methods in uniting time-tested French elegance in cuisine, a carefully selected locally themed wine list, a French sommeliers selection, and an ever-evolving collaboration of art.

The entire restaurant as a whole exudes sophistication with its tasteful decor, combining contemporary design elements with a touch of rustic warmth, creating the perfect setting for an exquisite meal. With multiple-award-winning chef and owner, Darren Badenhorst, leading the way, diners can expect a culinary journey that highlights the best of both worlds, from classic French dishes with a modern twist to inventive creations inspired by the bounty of the surrounding vineyards and farms. The carefully curated wine list complements the menu, featuring a selection of local and international wines to enhance the overall dining experience.

When: Tues to Thurs 6pm to 11pm | Fri to Sun 12pm to 2pm & 6pm to 11pm
Where: 17 Huguenot Rd, Franschhoek

Website: lecoinfrancais.co.za | Email: reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za | Tel: 074 126 0022

Orangerie at Le Lude: A French Retreat in Franschhoek

The Orangerie at Le Lude in Franschhoek is an enchanting culinary haven nestled within the exquisite Le Lude Estate, offering a refined dining adventure. Set against the backdrop of manicured gardens and vineyards, the Orangerie exudes timeless elegance with its glass walls and chic decor, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends luxury with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. This restaurant, named after the traditional French conservatories known as “Orangeries,” provides a sophisticated retreat where guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey surrounded by the natural splendour of the Franschhoek Valley.

The Orangerie at Le Lude is a lovely retreat for outdoor dining in Franschhoek and os celebrated for its innovative approach to French-inspired cuisine. The menu reflects a commitment to using seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each dish is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Guests can savour exquisite dishes paired with the estate’s sparkling wines, adding a touch of effervescence to the culinary experience.

When: Daily 10am to 5pm
Where: Bowling Green Avenue, Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek

Website: lelude.co.za | Tel: 021 876 2961

La Petite Colombe: Outdoor Dining in Franschhoek

Le Petite Colombe in Franschhoek is an intimate culinary haven and, as a sibling of the award-winning La Colombe, this charming restaurant presents a more intimate outdoor and indoor dining experience while maintaining the same commitment to innovation and culinary artistry. Tucked away in a picturesque corner of Franschhoek, Le Petite Colombe boasts an elegant and minimalist aesthetic, providing the perfect canvas for the culinary masterpieces that grace its tables.

Under the guidance of acclaimed Chef John Norris-Rogers, Le Petite Colombe’s menu showcases a symphony of flavours and textures, offering a contemporary twist on classic French-inspired cuisine. Each dish is a meticulously crafted work of art and the restaurant’s wine list is carefully curated to complement the menu, featuring a selection of exquisite local wines to enhance the overall dining experience.

When: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Where: Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek

Website: www.lapetitecolombe.com | Email: reservations@lapetitecolombe.com | Tel: 021 202 3395

La Petite Ferme: A Hidden Gem On The Slopes of Franschhoek

Le Petite Ferme is a longstanding favourite for outdoor dining in Franschhoek and is a captivating culinary retreat that harmoniously combines breathtaking natural beauty with an exceptional outdoor and indoor dining experience. Nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, this renowned estate has been enchanting visitors since 1984. Le Petite Ferme is not merely a restaurant; it is a destination that immerses guests in the serene ambience of its vineyards and gardens while offering an exquisite taste of South African hospitality.

The restaurant at Le Petite Ferme is a celebration of farm-to-table dining, with a menu that emphasises fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. Guests can enjoy a diverse array of dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring the estate’s acclaimed wines.

Whether savouring a leisurely lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley or indulging in a candlelit dinner in the intimate dining room, patrons at Le Petite Ferme are treated to a culinary journey that reflects the essence of Franschhoek’s vibrant food and wine culture. The commitment to culinary excellence, paired with the idyllic setting, makes Le Petite Ferme a must-visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

When: Daily, from 12pm to 9pm
Where: Pass Road, Franschhoek

Website: lapetiteferme.co.za | Email: reception@lapetiteferme.co.za | Tel: 021 876 3016

Learn about the Franschhoek Wine Tram