La Petite Ferme review: The Franschhoek date-night spot worth the drive from Cape Town

Kim K

Cape Town skipped autumn entirely this year. One minute we were sipping cocktails on rooftop terraces in Camps Bay, the next we were searching for fireplaces, red wine and comfort food.

And while no amount of rain or icy wind keeps Capetonians indoors for long, finding a restaurant that keeps both the wine lover and the beer-loving husband happy is another story entirely.

But every now and then, you stumble across a place that gets everything right.

La Petite Ferme is one of those places.

Just over an hour from Cape Town CBD, tucked into the rolling hills of Franschhoek, the restaurant feels like the kind of escape couples search for when they need to slow down for a few hours and reconnect over really good food.

The drive itself sets the tone. Long stretches of vineyard-lined roads, mountain views and enough quiet time together to properly catch up before dinner even starts.

And once you arrive, the setting does the rest.

Adding even more excitement to the experience, Richard Carstens recently joined La Petite Ferme as Head Chef.

One of South Africa’s most celebrated culinary figures, Carstens officially joined the luxury Franschhoek wine estate in March 2026, bringing decades of fine dining expertise, a modern French-inspired approach and a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.

A cosy Franschhoek restaurant with one of the best views in the Cape

We were seated at a curved half-moon table facing the windows, and honestly, it was difficult not to stare outside for most of the evening.

The view stretches endlessly across lush green vineyards framed by mountains that slowly darken as the sun disappears behind them.

By the time the fireplace started crackling properly inside, the restaurant had transformed into the exact kind of winter date-night setting Cape Town couples dream about.

Warm lighting. Great wine. Soft conversation. And the smell of really good food floating through the room.

The starters that set the tone for the evening

For starters, I stepped outside my comfort zone and ordered the soup of the day, a leek and potato soup recommended by the chef.

It arrived silky, rich and deeply comforting without feeling heavy. The kind of starter that immediately makes you trust the kitchen.

My husband chose the Crisp linefish with sushi rice, herbs, avocado and wasabi dressing.

In his words: “That was the best hake I’ve ever had.”

And honestly, judging by how quickly the plate disappeared, I believed him.

One of the standout parts of the evening was the service. Our waiter knew the menu and wine list exceptionally well, guiding us through pairings without making the experience feel overly formal or intimidating.

Choosing the wine became the hardest decision of the night.

The springbok loin completely stole the show

For mains, I decided to be adventurous and ordered the springbok loin served with Robuchon pommes, mangetout, pear and sauce miroir.

My husband went for the lamb shoulder.

The springbok was easily one of the best game dishes I’ve had in years, beautifully executed and perfectly balanced, showcasing the refined yet comforting approach Chef Richard Carstens is known for.

Served medium rare, exactly as recommended by the chef, every bite felt considered without losing the warmth and generosity you want from a Franschhoek dining experience.

Every element on the plate worked together without overpowering the star of the dish.

Paired with the award-winning La Petite Ferme Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, it became one of those meals that makes conversation stop for a few seconds because everyone at the table is too busy appreciating what they’re eating.

Yes, we absolutely sent compliments to the chef.

The dessert I’m still thinking about

By the time dessert menus arrived, we were convinced we couldn’t possibly eat another bite.

Then I saw the Gorgonzola ice cream with yoghurt, walnuts and honeycomb.

And suddenly dessert felt necessary.

I’ll say this loudly for the people at the back:

It is the best thing on the menu.

The combination sounds unusual on paper, but somehow it works perfectly. Creamy, salty, sweet and crunchy all at once.

It was the kind of dessert you keep talking about long after you leave the restaurant.

Is La Petite Ferme worth it?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re planning a romantic winter dinner, a long lunch in the winelands or simply looking for a restaurant that delivers both atmosphere and genuinely memorable food, La Petite Ferme deserves a spot on your list.

The experience feels polished without becoming pretentious, and every part of the evening, from the service to the wine pairings and mountain views, feels thoughtfully curated.

Pricing

• Two-course menu: R810 per person
• Three-course menu: R910 per person

Menu items may change seasonally.

And one final tip?

Request a table near the fireplace.

Trust me.

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