Franschhoek weekends usually mean a night away from the kids for Lianne and me — something we've done at both Eleven and Ōku, Ryan Shell's other two restaurants in town. This time was different. We were staying at Fransvliet Estate for the weekend with all three children, and for Saturday dinner we chose Yama — Ryan's third and most relaxed restaurant, sitting in Heritage Square on Huguenot Street and sharing a courtyard with Ōku next door.

Surf and turf usually means a steakhouse plate with a few prawns parked next to the fillet. Seebamboes takes that idea apart and rebuilds it with kelp, foraged dune plants and a great deal of thought. My wife Lianne and I were invited to have dinner at Seebamboes, and it is subsequently my favourite restaurant in Cape Town at the moment.

Chef Pieter Michael’s cooking style sits close to my own — plenty of acidity, properly seasoned, plated with real care rather than fuss for its own sake. Read more in my review of David’s Bistro at La Roche Estate in Franschhoek.

We recently spent a kid-free weekend away in Franschhoek and we were keen to experience what Ryan Shell and his team have created at Ōku, after visiting his South African-inspired restaurant Eleven last year. 

Eleven restaurant is named after its location as it is situated on 11 Huguenot street in the heart of Franschhoek. It is the first South African-inspired restaurant by chef and owner Ryan Shell, who is also responsible for the very popular Ōku and Yama Asian eatery, which are only a stone’s throw away.

Franschhoek is known for its great restaurants. Many are fine-dining and some of these are quite formal. If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, but still want a great culinary experience, Monneaux is the place to go. You can have a peaceful lunch in the verdant fountain terrace, or have dinner in the original Manor House.

We were in Hermanus as part of our annual trip over the Easter school holidays. We visited Spookfontein Restaurant on Day 3. It had been all about doing things slowly. We had first had some…