Nestled at 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek, Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar is the passionate brainchild of South African celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, who hails from the valley himself. Since opening in 2004, it has become a cornerstone of the Franschhoek dining scene, serving elevated yet accessible cuisine in a relaxed and stylish setting. The restaurant’s bright and airy interiors are elegantly simple—large windows flood the space with natural light, while carefully selected local artwork and textured finishes add warmth . The ambiance strikes a balance between casual comfort and refined sophistication, perfect for both leisurely lunches and atmospheric dinners. Cuisine at Reuben’s is a creative fusion of global and South African influences—with signature dishes showcasing classic comfort ingredients, masterfully elevated. The beloved pork belly, for example, pairs silky parsnip purée and crackling under a ginger-chilli jus—a “love poem to meat and root veg” according to a reviewer. Other standout dishes include tender yellowfin tuna and Asian-inspired starters such as chilli-salted squid and blue cheese mascarpone tart—renowned for their perfect balance of flavour and finesse. The wine list—and broader beverage offerings—are robust and well-curated, reflecting the rich terroir of the Winelands. Many diners also praise the attentive and welcoming service, noting that the atmosphere feels both vibrant and comfortable for families. One reviewer remarked:
“Creative Asian fusion cuisine with global twists & fine wines… stellar wine list… vibrant spot”.
Operational Details: Reuben’s operates for both lunch and dinner, year-round—closed only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter. Booking ahead is recommended to secure a table.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape |
| Founder | Chef Reuben Riffel – Franschhoek-born celebrity chef |
| Ambience | Bright, modern, casual fine-dining with artwork and sunlit interiors |
| Cuisine Style | Eclectic global fusion with South African comfort-food roots |
| Signature Dishes | Pork belly with parsnip purée, chilli-salt squid, blue-cheese tart |
| Beverages | Extensive wine list and curated cocktails & drinks |
| Service & Vibe | Friendly, professional, lively yet warm—family-and traveler-friendly |
| Hours | Lunch & Dinner; closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays in winter |
| Booking Notes | Reservations recommended |
Nestled at 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek, Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar is the passionate brainchild of South African celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, who hails from the valley himself. Since opening in 2004, it has become a cornerstone of the Franschhoek dining scene, serving elevated yet accessible cuisine in a relaxed and stylish setting. The restaurant’s bright and airy interiors are elegantly simple—large windows flood the space with natural light, while carefully selected local artwork and textured finishes add warmth . The ambiance strikes a balance between casual comfort and refined sophistication, perfect for both leisurely lunches and atmospheric dinners. Cuisine at Reuben’s is a creative fusion of global and South African influences—with signature dishes showcasing classic comfort ingredients, masterfully elevated. The beloved pork belly, for example, pairs silky parsnip purée and crackling under a ginger-chilli jus—a “love poem to meat and root veg” according to a reviewer. Other standout dishes include tender yellowfin tuna and Asian-inspired starters such as chilli-salted squid and blue cheese mascarpone tart—renowned for their perfect balance of flavour and finesse. The wine list—and broader beverage offerings—are robust and well-curated, reflecting the rich terroir of the Winelands. Many diners also praise the attentive and welcoming service, noting that the atmosphere feels both vibrant and comfortable for families. One reviewer remarked:
“Creative Asian fusion cuisine with global twists & fine wines… stellar wine list… vibrant spot”.
Operational Details: Reuben’s operates for both lunch and dinner, year-round—closed only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter. Booking ahead is recommended to secure a table.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape |
| Founder | Chef Reuben Riffel – Franschhoek-born celebrity chef |
| Ambience | Bright, modern, casual fine-dining with artwork and sunlit interiors |
| Cuisine Style | Eclectic global fusion with South African comfort-food roots |
| Signature Dishes | Pork belly with parsnip purée, chilli-salt squid, blue-cheese tart |
| Beverages | Extensive wine list and curated cocktails & drinks |
| Service & Vibe | Friendly, professional, lively yet warm—family-and traveler-friendly |
| Hours | Lunch & Dinner; closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays in winter |
| Booking Notes | Reservations recommended |
A pioneer of Franschhoek terroir-driven wines, Chamonix pursues excellence in a ...
Elegant yet relaxed dining in a tranquil Franschhoek garden, offering seasonal d...
Casual-dining gem on Huguenot Street: vibrant bar & grill serving New-Style Amer...
Global fusion dining on Huguenot Street, Franschhoek—stylish, industrial-chic co...
Sister to La Colombe, La Petite Colombe is a 3-star Eat Out award-winning fine d...
Belgian-inspired taproom & restaurant in Franschhoek featuring artisanal brews, ...