A Food Lover’s Guide to Franschhoek: Dining Near Ashbourne Guest House 

Franschhoek may be famous for its vineyards and exceptional wines, but food is just as much a part of the experience. With talented chefs, outstanding local produce and restaurants surrounded by some of the Cape Winelands’ most beautiful scenery, the village has earned its reputation as one of South Africa’s leading culinary destinations. 

From sophisticated tasting menus to relaxed lunches accompanied by local wine, there are countless ways to experience the flavours of the valley. 

When staying at Ashbourne Guest House, you’ll have an excellent base for exploring Franschhoek’s impressive restaurant scene. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking forward to eating exceptionally well during your holiday, there is plenty to discover. 

La Petite Colombe – A Franschhoek Fine-Dining Experience 

For travellers who enjoy turning dinner into an occasion, La Petite Colombe deserves a place on the itinerary. 

Part of the renowned La Colombe group, the restaurant is known for its creative approach to fine dining, where carefully selected ingredients, imaginative flavour combinations and beautiful presentation come together in an elaborate tasting experience. 

Rather than simply ordering a starter and main course, guests are taken through a carefully considered sequence of dishes. Each course brings something different to the table, transforming dinner into an experience that unfolds throughout the evening. 

Wine also plays an important role, with pairing options designed to complement the dishes and showcase wines from South Africa’s celebrated wine regions. 

The elegant surroundings add to the occasion, making La Petite Colombe particularly well suited to anniversaries, birthdays, romantic dinners or simply treating yourself to one of Franschhoek’s best-known culinary experiences. 

Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during weekends and the busy summer season. 

Protégé – Creative Food in a More Relaxed Setting 

If you love imaginative food but prefer a slightly more informal dining atmosphere, Protégé offers an excellent alternative. 

Also part of the La Colombe family, Protégé takes a contemporary approach to dining, combining sophisticated cooking techniques with a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. 

The menu draws inspiration from different cuisines while celebrating quality ingredients and seasonal produce. Sharing dishes and tasting-style options allow diners to explore several flavours during one meal rather than committing to a traditional three-course format. 

One of the restaurant’s defining features is its open kitchen. Guests can watch the chefs at work, bringing an energetic element to the dining experience and highlighting the skill and attention that goes into each plate. 

It’s polished enough for a special evening while still feeling comfortable enough for a leisurely lunch – exactly the kind of balance that Franschhoek does particularly well. 

More Than Just Fine Dining 

Although Franschhoek’s award-winning restaurants attract plenty of attention, you don’t need to book an elaborate tasting menu every night to eat well here. 

Part of the fun of visiting Franschhoek is discovering its variety. 

Spend one afternoon enjoying a long lunch on a wine estate, followed by a relaxed café breakfast the next morning. Browse the village and stop somewhere for coffee and something sweet, or find a sunny terrace for an easy lunch accompanied by a bottle of local wine. 

Many surrounding wine estates also have their own restaurants, giving visitors the opportunity to combine wine tasting and dining without having to travel between venues. 

The scenery doesn’t hurt either. Mountain views, vineyards and historic Cape architecture can turn even a simple lunch into something memorable. 

Pair Your Franschhoek Dining With Local Wine 

In Franschhoek, food and wine naturally go together. 

The surrounding valley produces an impressive range of wines, from crisp whites and elegant reds to South Africa’s famous Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. 

Many restaurants work closely with local producers, giving visitors an opportunity to discover wines they may not encounter elsewhere. If you’re unsure what to order, asking for a recommendation or choosing a wine pairing can be a great way to experience new varietals and producers. 

Better yet, spend the day visiting wine estates before returning to Franschhoek for dinner – although we’d suggest pacing those tastings if you have a lengthy tasting menu waiting for you that evening. 

Stay at Ashbourne and Eat Your Way Through Franschhoek 

One of the best things about choosing Ashbourne Guest House for your Franschhoek getaway is having a comfortable base close to everything the village has to offer. 

Start the morning with breakfast, spend the day exploring vineyards and local attractions, and then head out to experience another of Franschhoek’s restaurants in the evening. 

Afterwards, return to the peaceful surroundings of Ashbourne and start planning where you’ll eat tomorrow. 

Come to Franschhoek Hungry 

Franschhoek is the kind of destination where meals quickly become some of your favourite holiday memories. 

Whether it’s an elaborate tasting menu at La Petite Colombe, creative dishes at Protégé, a leisurely wine-estate lunch or an unexpected café discovered while wandering through the village, there is always something new to taste. 

Stay at Ashbourne Guest House, give yourself enough time to explore and – most importantly – arrive hungry. In Franschhoek, deciding where to eat next is half the fun.