With winter starting to show its claws, what better way to forget about the dreary drizzle than by enjoying a decadent meal out with friends, in an opulent, cosy setting?
If you’re a French food lover who prefers eating meals prepared from sustainable, organic sources and have already picked your perfect French-styled accommodation, then check out the following French-styled restaurants in Cape Town!
- The Foodbarn – Noordhoek
Set within Noordhoek Farm village, you can expect a relaxing affair when having a meal prepared by owner and chef, Franck Dangeureux; and considering The Foodbarn has won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2013 and 2014, you won’t be disappointed with the food! The thatched roof and aqua-coloured interior gives the restaurant an airy feel, with mirrors, paintings, and photographs adding a homey atmosphere. The outside seating is also tasteful and lies adjacent to the childrens play area. The menu consists of items such as steak au poivre, mushroom and ricotta ravioli, and all the fish dishes served come from sustainable sources. To book: 021-789-1390.
- The Brasserie – Tokai
Discover The Brasserie along the lush, tree-lined Tokai Road, and once you’ve set foot inside it, you’ll likely feel immediately at home in the warm décor which mixes creams, beiges, and dark woods. The restaurant is run by Executive Chef Stefan Marais who follows the true French form of seasonal menus which incorporate local produce. Expect to see starters like escargot, a free-range scotch egg, and beef carpaccio, while popular mains include the free-range duck breast, free range half chicken, and sustainable fish of the day. Desserts are a delightful affair with items such as Kev’s warm apple & cinnamon crumble, classic crème brûlée, and a cheese of the month. To book call: 021-712-1363.
- Pastis Brasserie – Constantia
Open from 08:30 – 23:00, Patis Brasserie is a great restaurant for any occasion, and has a gorgeous outdoor seating area for summer, with lavender-lined pathways. In fact, this cosy bistro is a firm favourite with locals because of the gourmet delights that they serve, and also because of the wonderful décor. You’ll pick up on the striking mishmash of gingham tablecloths, Art Nouveau styles, and artfully placed vintage posters. In winter, you can curl up in the bar area which has a big fireplace, or play a game of checkers while keeping an eye on the big screen TV showing sports matches. The food is divine, with menu items including bouillabaise, seafood linguine, beef espetada, and niçoise salad. Book your spot by calling: 021-794-8334.
- Cargills – Rondebosch
If you’re hoping to enjoy an authentic French meal, then Cargills is the place to be! With the scent of freshly baked tarts and quiche wafting into the street, you’ll be smitten before you even enter the restaurant. Their menu is extensive and offers hearty meal options, and they also have a small, but specially tailored wine list that offers local wines and a selection of French ones. If you come along in the evening, you’ll see the restaurant transform into a romantic haven, which trades the fresh flowers from lunch service, for candle light and intimate silver-service dining. There are only eight tables available, so any meal here will be memorable. Keep an eye out for their pan-fried mushrooms on pastry, the confit of duck, Norwegian salmon, and white chocolate parfait. Book a spot by calling: 021-689-2666.
- Thirty7 – Cape Town CBD
Thirty7 is set within the 5-star Westin hotel, which was recently chosen as a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice winner for 2013. So expect to see opulent and eclectic décor that reflects a traditional French brasserie, with dark wood chairs, and warm beiges and yellows in the colour scheme. The meals combine contemporary menu items with French ones, and watching the friendly chefs (including Executive Chef Grant Cullingworth) prepare them in the open-show kitchen is a real treat. Keep your eye out for menu items such as Kingklip with potatoes au gratin, salmon carpaccio, a large buffet selection, and a wide range of sushi options. To book call: 021-412-9999.
Let us know which local French-inspired restaurant you’d add to this list!
Main image courtesy of star5112 (Flickr)
