La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek is a Dreamy Culinary Experience

When you step into La Petite Colombe in the charming town of Franschhoek, you’re transported into a world of culinary magic. The restaurant’s theatrical menu is truly a sight to behold.

From the moment you enter, your senses are ignited. The tantalizing aromas and vibrant colors of the dishes create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted by the talented chefs.

The menu at La Petite Colombe is a journey of flavors and textures. Every dish tells a story, and as you indulge in each bite, you’re taken on a sensory adventure.

The restaurant’s philosophy is to celebrate local produce, and this commitment shines through in every bite. From the fresh seafood sourced from nearby coastal waters to the vibrant vegetables harvested from local farms, each ingredient is carefully selected to showcase the best of the region.

One of the highlights of the menu is the inventive combinations of flavors. The chefs expertly balance sweet and savory, bitter and umami, creating a symphony of taste in every dish. It’s a culinary experience that leaves you wanting more.

La Petite Colombe understands that dining is not just about nourishment, but also an opportunity to create lasting memories. The attentive staff ensures that every aspect of your experience is flawless, from the moment you sit down to the moment you reluctantly leave.

If you’re a food lover looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience, La Petite Colombe is a must-visit. Prepare to be dazzled by the theatrical menu, mesmerized by the flavors, and captivated by the enchanting ambiance. Your taste buds will thank you.

Let me tell you, if you had any doubts about Franschhoek becoming the Cape’s culinary capital, this restaurant will change your mind!

This place used to be Margot Janse’s The Tasting Room, but now it’s all about chef John Norris-Rogers, who learned from the best at La Colombe. With the help of head chef James Gaag, he’s come up with an amazing menu that blends tradition and fun.

I had the pleasure of dining at La Petite Colombe just a week after it opened, and let me tell you, it felt like they had been running for ages. The atmosphere was relaxed and elegant, just like its famous sibling in Constantia.

THE INCREDIBLE MENU

Let me tell you something about fancy tasting menus – sometimes, the dishes can all start blending together into a big swirl of too much to take in. But not here. Oh no, not at all. Prepare to be wowed by the absolute spectacle that is chef John’s menu. If you go for the Full Menu, you’re in for a nine-course extravaganza. But even if you choose the Reduced Menu, with just five courses, you’ll still be blown away.

Take, for instance, his Cape Malay Pickled Fish. This simple dish is elevated to new heights with the addition of creamed smoked snoek, piccalilli, and salsa verde. But it doesn’t stop there. Chef John goes above and beyond by serving it on a flat bowl made of seashells and dry ice. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold. One bite and you’ll be transported from ordinary to extraordinary in an instant.

When I first tasted John’s Springbok Tataki, I was blown away. The combination of lightly seared springbok loin, chicken liver parfait, rum-braised pineapple, pickled onions, and pickled Jerusalem artichoke created a symphony of flavors. But my absolute favorite dish was the Citrus-Glazed Linefish. The pan-seared linefish, accompanied by a smoked parsnip-and-vanilla purée, pancetta, buckwheat, and asparagus, had perfectly balanced flavors and textures.

Despite his young age of 26, John possesses an air of confidence and experience that comes from his four-and-a-half years at La Colombe. When asked about his quick rise in the culinary world, he humbly attributes it to stepping into an existing concept rather than starting from scratch.

The restaurant’s wine list is a testament to timeless elegance. It’s carefully curated, offering a delightful and unpredictable selection.

A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES

This 54-seater restaurant has a certain timeless elegance that is hard to resist. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the soft melodies of Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James playing in the background. The interiors, designed by the talented Beverley Boswell from the UK, strike the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury.

One of the things that immediately stands out is the lighting. It’s dimmed just enough to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, without being too dark. You can still see your dining companions and have a comfortable conversation while enjoying your meal.

And speaking of the meal, you’re in for a treat. The restaurant offers a nine-course menu that will take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey. It’s not something you want to rush through. We spent a good three-and-a-half hours here, savoring each dish and enjoying the experience to the fullest.

The focus is on you, the guest

Let me tell you about the fifth course called Meet the Chefs. It’s a really cool experience because you get to see how the kitchen works and you even sit at the counter to enjoy your meal!

During this course, we had ramen, which is a traditional Japanese dish with broth and noodles. The chef explained all the different parts and ingredients while she poured the hot celeriac broth into our round bowls. She told us to use the tweezers to soak up all the flavors, like ponzu, garlic, and sambal oelek.

What makes this place extra special is the great service and attention to detail. It really feels like a special occasion to dine here!