Table of contents
Location
Monneaux restaurant is situated in the beautiful wine region of Franschhoek, just 1 hour outside the city of Cape Town, lies this stunning hillside town.
Ideally located in the upmarket 5 star Franschhoek Country House and Villas
The Restaurant
The Monneaux restaurant is situated on the grounds of the Franschhoek Country House and Villas.
We had the privilege of staying and dining here a while back on a trip to this outstanding wine district.
Franschhoek and the adjoining Stelonbosch are known as some of the finest dining in South Africa if not the continent of Africa.
The Inside is one of style, modern and sleak is the best way to describe it.
The restaurant consist of 3 rooms giving the flow of being in a house, which only enhances the relaxing and intimate nature of the building.
Outside alfresco dining is also available, and what a setting it is. A fountain terrace surrounded by pepper trees in the most beautiful garden grounds. Fairy lights set the relaxing scene
Did You Know
The building was the site of Franshhoek first parfumerie
Meet The Chef
Monneaux restaurant has one of the best and most promising chefs around here is what they had to say about him
“Executive Chef Calvin Metior follows a philosophy of “natural minimalism”, sourcing the very best produce at their peak and showcasing their natural character without an overwhelm of too many ingredients on the plate. Seasonality, comfort and value are priorities when it comes to menu design. To clarify comfort, Calvin says “Food should be enjoyable throughout – from the way it looks, to the way in which it is eaten and how it tastes.”
He’s also fiercely passionate about supporting local producers and artisans, thus keeping the restaurant’s carbon footprint to a minimum, and improving self-sustainability at the restaurant. Micro gardens have been established throughout our property, which will produce a rotating supply of fresh herbs and vegetables. In the kitchen, Calvin has a number of projects already underway – including making our own miso, hot sauces and fish sauce, smoking and curing our own meat and fish, making charcuterie from scratch, and dry and wet ageing of fish and meat”
Our Visit
Arrival
We dined in the evening, after a day on the vineyards of Franschhoek, so were suitably hungry.
Straight away it was evident that this was a top restaurant. As we were seated we were talked through the menu an were given a run down on the chef and about the produce used at the Monneaux. We were delighted to hear all the produce on the menu was locally sourced and freshly delivered daily.
The Food
We opted to go for the tasting selection with selections of a few dishes, like tapas but slightly larger. This generally is how we like to eat. Having variety and trying a wider selection of choices.
Our stand-out picks were definitely the steak with béarnaise and hand cut chips, chicken and prawn curry with sides and condiments, and tempura prawns with kimchi and lemon aioli.
And to finish and for people who are not massive dessert fans we went with the dark chocolate tart with white choc mousse. It was a decedent finish that we couldn’t resist.
The Second Dessert
For us normally desserts come in the form of liquid experience and we love to finish with a nice cocktail. And the Monneaux didn’t disappoint here either.
We went with a couple of gin cocktails as the gin on show at the Monneaux was again like the food locally sourced.
The Monneaux menu is available online.
Summary
A great restaurant in the heart of this culinary capital of South Africa. Relaxed, formal dining in a beautiful setting. One of Franschhoek finest restaurants
Monneaux Restaurant Opening Hours
Open 7 days a week
Lunch 12 – 2:30
Dinner 18:30 – 21:30
Contacts
Email – info@fch.co.za
Phone – +27 21 876 3386
And Lastly
Franschhoek is one of the best wine districts in South Africa, fancy finding out some more look no further than our Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour post. A great insight into this great tour.
Franschhoek is a trip that is perfect with a trip to the cultural city of Cape Town. After a few days in the city unwind in this great and peaceful setting.
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