The Dining Room at Leeu Estates | Exclusive Dining in Franschhoek
An Exclusive Culinary Experience in the Franschhoek Valley
Tucked away in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, The Dining Room at Leeu Estates is a hidden gem of quiet luxury and culinary finesse. Located within the elegantly restored Manor House on the exclusive property, The Dining Room offers an intimate, tranquil setting where guests can enjoy elevated, seasonal cuisine paired with some of the Cape’s most expressive wines. With interiors that reflect refined simplicity and windows that frame the surrounding vineyards and mountains, it’s an experience that blends visual harmony with gastronomic excellence.
Usually reserved for resident Leeu Collection guests, this winter brings a rare and exciting opportunity. Until September, The Dining Room opens its doors to outside visitors, welcoming them to savour a thoughtfully curated seasonal à la carte menu. Whether you’re planning a long, leisurely lunch or a cosy dinner, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the serenity and sophistication of one of South Africa’s top private hospitality destinations.
This limited-time offering is available until 30 September 2025, and seating is strictly by advance reservation only.
A Celebration of Winter Flavours
The winter menu at The Dining Room showcases warming, flavourful dishes crafted with precision and care. You might begin with handmade gnocchi, delicately tossed in sundried tomato pesto for a vibrant yet comforting start. For a richer, more robust option, the venison loin is a standout—served with golden pan-fried polenta that perfectly balances the depth of the meat. Vegetarians are equally indulged with a fragrant Malay-style vegetable curry, served alongside basmati rice and soft garlic naan for a soulful, spice-rich experience.
For those in search of something truly indulgent, the lamb rump, accompanied by thyme-infused potato gratin, roasted heirloom carrots, and carrot purée, captures the essence of winter dining at its finest—elegant, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect Pairings with Leeu Passant Wines
Each dish on the menu is elevated by a wine list featuring the esteemed Leeu Passant wines. The award-winning wines are a tribute to the rich winemaking traditions of the Western Cape, crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and a deep respect for terroir.
To fully appreciate the harmony between food and wine, we recommend pairing the lamb rump with The Leeu Passant—a structured, elegant red blend that beautifully echoes the dish’s savoury depth and herbaceous notes. If you opt for the line fish of the day, served with baby corn, asparagus, baby marrow, and a velvety onion purée, consider the Leeu Passant Radicales Libres. This expressive white wine offers bright acidity and complex layers that enhance the freshness of the seafood while complementing the dish’s delicate textures.
Extend Your Visit with a Full Day at Leeu Estates
A visit to The Dining Room can be the centrepiece of a day spent discovering the many luxurious offerings of Leeu Estates. Begin or end your experience with a visit to the Leeu Spa by Healing Earth, where holistic treatments are designed to restore and rejuvenate. The spa—surrounded by nature and open to day visitors—uses Healing Earth’s award-winning natural products to deliver world-class wellness experiences in a serene environment.
Wine lovers may wish to start their day at The Wine Studio, which offers an immersive, tutored tasting experience in a contemporary and inviting space. Guests can choose from three expertly curated tastings. The first, the Mullineux Signature Tasting, introduces a variety of the most celebrated Mullineux Wines, and is complimentary for resident Leeu Estates guests. The second, the Mullineux Single Terroir Tasting, offers a more in-depth exploration of the soils and microclimates that shape each bottle. The third, the Leeu Passant Tasting, showcases the elegant and expressive wines from this exclusive collection. Whichever you choose, a tasting at The Wine Studio offers the perfect prelude to your meal.
Book Your Experience
Because of the exclusive nature of this offering and the limited number of seats available, advance bookings are essential. To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend reserving not only your table at The Dining Room, but also your visit to The Wine Studio and any treatments at Leeu Spa well ahead of time.
To make a reservation, please email or call us on +27 (0) 21 492 5988. Alternatively, you can click here to complete the online reservation form.
This winter, allow yourself the luxury of time well spent, flavours well savoured, and wine well poured—at one of the most exquisite and exclusive destinations in the Cape Winelands. We look forward to welcoming you.
