Le Quartier Francais

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Franschhoek Icon with Global Recognition

Le Quartier Français occupies the heart of Franschhoek village, a corner address that has drawn serious food lovers to South Africa's winelands for decades. Between 2002 and 2011, it appeared on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list eight consecutive times — reaching as high as 31st in the world — a run of recognition that placed this South African address firmly on the global fine dining map alongside the most celebrated tables in Europe and Asia.

Today, the property is part of the Leeu Collection, the hospitality vision of founder Analjit Singh, and continues to anchor its culinary offering around two distinct restaurant experiences, both connected to the acclaimed La Colombe group.

Two Restaurants, One Address

Épice is the fine dining heart of Le Quartier Français. Headed by chef Charné Sampson — previously sous chef at La Colombe — the intimate restaurant draws its inspiration from a culinary expedition to India, alongside memories of travels through Spain, Japan, Mexico, Denmark and the United States, as well as Sampson's own Cape Town family influences. The result is a menu of delectably curated dishes that place spice at the centre, presented in a home-cooking style with a refined edge. The French-South African sensibility of the place is felt throughout: the name itself is the French word for spice, pronounced eh-peace.

Protégé offers a different register — casual fine dining under the guidance of Scot Kirton, founder of the La Colombe group. The restaurant is designed as a platform for talented young chefs, currently led by Andrew Willemse, with Asian, French and Italian influences running through the menu. Guests can dine al fresco or at the lively central show kitchen, making it the more relaxed of the two options without sacrificing craft.

Beyond the Table

The property's appeal extends well beyond its kitchens. The Great Heart Wine Boutique — home of Great Heart Wines, a 100% staff-owned project initiated by Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines — offers an unusually intimate tasting format for up to four guests at a time, available to Le Quartier Français residents. Adjacent to the hotel, the Everard Read Franschhoek gallery showcases modern and contemporary works by southern African artists within a sculpture garden whose herbs and vegetables supply the Leeu Collection's restaurant menus directly.

The 25 individually styled rooms and cottage are set in scented gardens, with striking colour palettes, raffia headboards and sumptuous fabrics — a considered retreat that has earned its reputation as a home away from home in one of South Africa's most food-focused villages.