Exceptional restaurant from the Maître d’ to the staff, the ambiance and the delicious food. This place filled up fast on a Sunday night. Bright festive interior and exterior dining. The Chef here is great!!
Overview
Reuben's Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek is one of the most celebrated dining spots in the heart of South Africa's picturesque Franschhoek Valley. Nestled on Daniel Hugo St, Franschhoek, this charming restaurant is known for its delightful fusion of modern and traditional flavors, exceptional service, and cozy yet stylish atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor exploring the area, Reuben's is an unmissable destination that offers an unforgettable culinary experience.
The location of Reuben's makes it even more appealing. Set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, the restaurant’s ambiance is both welcoming and sophisticated. It's the perfect setting for any occasion, whether you're looking for a casual lunch with friends, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration. The mix of rustic and contemporary decor creates a warm, inviting space that feels both relaxed and elevated at the same time.
A big draw of Reuben's Restaurant & Bar is its diverse and seasonally inspired menu. The kitchen, led by Reuben Riffel, one of South Africa's most renowned chefs, takes pride in offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase the best of what the region has to offer. From their classic gourmet burgers to creative seafood dishes, every meal is a delight. If you're looking to treat yourself, the lamb or steak options are expertly prepared, always tender and full of flavor. And don't forget about dessert-the chocolate fondant, with its rich, gooey center, is an absolute must-try.
When it comes to drinks, Reuben's bar has something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a locally crafted wine, a signature cocktail, or a chilled beer, the bar has an extensive selection to complement your meal. The restaurant's wine list features an impressive collection of local wines, allowing you to pair your meal perfectly with some of South Africa's best drops. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample wine from the renowned wine estates surrounding Franschhoek.
Service at Reuben's is consistently top-notch. The staff is not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. They’re happy to offer recommendations and are genuinely invested in making sure your dining experience is exceptional. It's clear that the team is well-trained and understands what it takes to provide a high level of hospitality. Dining here is not just about the food-it’s about the experience as a whole.
One of the standout features of Reuben's Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek is its versatility. It's an ideal spot for a casual lunch or dinner, but it also shines during more formal events. The space is available for private functions and can accommodate a variety of celebrations, from birthday parties to corporate events. Whether you’re gathering with a small group or planning a larger affair, Reuben's offers an atmosphere that adapts to your needs.
Moreover, the location of the restaurant in Franschhoek makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. After a meal, you can stroll through the village, visit nearby art galleries, or take a scenic drive through the vineyards. Franschhoek is a town that celebrates food, wine, and culture, and Reuben's embodies these values in every dish it serves.
From a personal perspective, every visit to Reuben's feels like a treat. There’s something about the balance of flavors, the welcoming staff, and the stunning surroundings that consistently delivers an outstanding dining experience. It's a place where you can truly savor the pleasures of fine food and drink while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Franschhoek.
If you’re still wondering whether Reuben's is worth the visit, just take a look at the glowing reviews. Patrons rave about the quality of the food, the impeccable service, and the overall atmosphere. It's no wonder that Reuben's has earned such a solid reputation among locals and visitors alike. The combination of expert cooking, a carefully curated menu, and an exceptional wine selection makes it a standout restaurant in the region.
For anyone in search of a memorable meal in Franschhoek, Reuben's Restaurant & Bar Franschhoek should undoubtedly be on your list. Whether you're a food enthusiast eager to explore new flavors or simply in need of a relaxing place to unwind, this restaurant promises to deliver a dining experience that won't disappoint.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Salad bar ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We had the best honeymoon meal at Reuben’s! The beer battered hake and seafoood risotto were amazing but the chocolate brownie New York style cheesecake with blueberry ice cream was the stand out! The atmosphere and service were also so lovely! Highly recommend :)
No trip to Franschhoek is complete without a dinner in Reuben‘s. Fine dining food, served in a restaurant with a lovely ambience and wonderful service. Amazing! It’s the first reservation I make when I know I’m returning next year.
Reuben’s has been on my must-visit list for a while, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for a Women’s Day celebration. We enjoyed their incredible three-course winter set menu, which exceeded expectations. The atmosphere and ambiance were wonderful, but it was the exceptional food and attentive staff that truly made the experience memorable.
We were in Franchoekl because this is a culturally rich place famous for good food, very nice wine and fine art. The hospitality of this town is amazing. We came across a lot of people with the same intention as us. To look and see, to eat and enjoy, and also just to be there. We heard so many languages. Our food stop was Reuben's, the place of South Africa's famous chef Reuben Riffel. I don't know what took us so long to get to his restaurant. This man CAN. We had two different meals, my wife and daughter pork belly, and I fillet. I don't eat pork, but that meat looked so amazingly eatable, they pulled it apart. No meat to cut it. My fillet? The best I've ever had. The waiter who served us was Mike. He was friendly, self assured and really played host to us. When we completed our meal I asked him to bring the chef to our table in order to complement him. His name was Sandress and he's proud to be associated with his famous employer. The venue itself is a beautiful setting. The decor, what you expect of a place like that. Our experience? One word, AMAZING. Well done Reuben Riffel and team. Jy mag en jy kan.
The food is good, and the service is friendly and professional. Perhaps my expectation was too high but I wanted something that was going to be exceptional/ more memorable. The fish was a little dry and the chicken curry did not have as much kick as I expected. A few standard deserts are served.
Perfect and awesome evening. The "Josper" grilled Springbock Steak (medium-rare), I would die for , but wouldn't be a good Idea, because I could not try the seafood risotto next time‼ TRY IT!
Our first visit here and we were delighted with the amazing hospitality and professionalism of the staff, our waiter Claudius was exceptional. The food was outstanding, with local flavours and ingredients, it was so refreshing to get some South African interpretations of our favourite food. We’d never heard of Rueben but our hosts explained his history and rise to celebrity chef status and this restaurant showcases that success. We also found the price was very reasonable for such fine dining. Delighted to give this place five stars. Unfortunately some folks on other tables were complaining on slow service: this place prepares quality food and cooked to order. If you want “fast food” try McDonald’s!