Top 5 Dishes You Simply Have to Try at Monneaux Restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of Franschhoek, Monneaux Restaurant offers an experience that’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of creativity, flavour, and elegance. Known for taking fine dining to another level, Monneaux masterfully combines fresh, local ingredients with imaginative techniques. The result? A menu that’s as delicious as it is memorable.
With a deep respect for seasonality and sustainability, the restaurant crafts dishes that reflect the vibrant spirit of the Franschhoek Valley. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or someone who simply loves discovering extraordinary cuisine, here are the top five dishes you can’t leave Monneaux without trying.

1. Yellowtail Citrus Ceviche Starter

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of Monneaux Restaurant's Yellowtail Citrus Ceviche, a starter that showcases the perfect balance of zest and spice. This dish features delicately cured yellowtail complemented by the creamy richness of coconut milk and the subtle heat of bird’s eye chilli. A burst of freshness comes from coriander and garden mint, while capsicum puree and tomato oils add depth and colour to the plate. Finished with tangy lemon pearls for a playful citrus twist, this ceviche is a symphony of textures and flavours, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Pairing Idea: Elevate your dining experience by pairing Monneaux Restaurant's Yellowtail Citrus Ceviche with the refined elegance of L’Ormarins Brut Classique. The crisp acidity and fine bubbles of this sparkling wine beautifully complement the citrusy brightness and creamy coconut milk in the dish, while its rounded finish balances the subtle heat from the bird's eye chilli. This finely structured Cap Classique enhances the delicate flavours of the yellowtail and the freshness of the coriander and mint, making it a perfect partner for this vibrant starter.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a showcase of bold flavours and Monneaux’s artistic touch. This dish is light, vibrant, and a perfect way to start your meal.

Picture This: A colourful plate that feels like springtime on a canvas—bright garnishes, glistening yellowtail, and the elegance of edible flowers.

2. Elegant Mushroom Ravioli Starter

The Mushroom Ravioli starter at Monneaux Restaurant offers a satisfying combination of earthy and rich flavours. Delicate pasta is filled with a mushroom mixture and served with a sage-infused beurre noisette for a warm, nutty flavour. A chive velvet butter sauce adds a smooth, creamy element, while toasted almonds provide a hint of crunch. Roasted pumpkin, seasoned with garlic and thyme, rounds out the dish with a touch of sweetness, creating a balanced and flavourful appetizer.

Best Wine Match: Pair the Mushroom Ravioli at Monneaux Restaurant with GlenWood Chardonnay, a beautifully balanced wine with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. The wine's rich, buttery notes complement the nutty richness of the sage beurre noisette, while its citrus and stone fruit undertones enhance the earthy flavours of the mushrooms. The crisp acidity cuts through the creamy chive butter sauce, bringing a refreshing balance to the dish. Subtle oak influences in the Chardonnay highlight the sweetness of the garlic-and-thyme-roasted pumpkin, creating a harmonious and memorable dining experience.

Why It Stands Out: This dish strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and heartiness. It’s refined without being fussy.

Visual Vibe: Imagine the cream sauce being poured over delicate pasta, the steam rising, and the roasted squash adding a burst of golden colour.

3. Squid Ink Pappardelle with Prawns

The Squid Ink Pappardelle & Prawn Pasta at Monneaux Restaurant is a bold and flavourful main course that highlights fresh, ocean-inspired ingredients. Tender squid ink pappardelle is paired with succulent prawns, all brought together in a rich, aromatic prawn bisque. Subtle heat from green chilli adds a lively kick, while saffron lends its signature golden hue and delicate flavour. Perfectly balanced, this pasta is a delightful choice for those seeking a unique and satisfying seafood-inspired main course.

Pair With: The Lynx Wines Viognier, with its floral notes, ripe stone fruit flavours, and crisp, dry finish, makes an excellent pairing for the Squid Ink Pappardelle & Prawn Pasta. The wine’s vibrant fruit profile complements the sweetness of the prawns, while its subtle oak enhances the richness of the prawn bisque. The Viognier's light acidity balances the saffron and green chili in the dish, and its delicate floral notes add an extra layer of complexity.

Why You’ll Remember It: The bold combination of flavours and that striking visual contrast make this dish truly unforgettable.

How It Looks: The dark, glossy pasta against the vibrant bisque and bright herbs creates a plate you’ll want to photograph before diving in.

4. Perfectly Seared Beef Ribeye

The Beef Ribeye at Monneaux Restaurant is a rich and flavourful main dish that promises a satisfying dining experience. The perfectly cooked ribeye is paired with a classic roasted garlic pomme anna, adding a layer of indulgent richness and crispy texture. A cardamom-infused carrot puree brings a touch of warmth and subtle spice, while a mushroom and shallot jus ties the dish together with earthy depth. This combination of bold flavours and luxurious textures makes the Beef Ribeye a standout choice for those craving a hearty and sophisticated meal.

Wine Pairing: The Mont André Father & Son Shiraz, crafted by Franschhoek Country House, is a standout pairing for the Beef Ribeye at Monneaux Restaurant. With its supple tannins and spicy notes of vibrant red fruits, this wine enhances the rich flavours of the perfectly cooked ribeye. The wine’s subtle spice complements the warmth of the cardamom carrot puree, while its red fruit notes beautifully balance the earthy mushroom and shallot jus. As a wine produced by Franschhoek Country House, this pairing offers an authentic local touch, showcasing the region's exceptional winemaking talent and adding an extra layer of sophistication to the meal.

What Makes It Special: It’s a classic done the Monneaux way—elevated, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Picture It: The charred crust of the ribeye, the vibrant orange purée, and the delicate layers of the potato terrine—every element tells its own story.

5. French Dark Chocolate Tart

Monneaux Restaurant’s French Dark Chocolate Tart is a decadent dessert that promises to satisfy any chocolate lover. The rich, velvety dark chocolate filling is perfectly set in a delicate, buttery tart shell, offering a luxurious balance of bitterness and sweetness. Accompanied by macerated berries, the tartness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate. A smooth chocolate crèmeux adds an extra layer of indulgence, while Valrhona chocolate pearls bring a delightful crunch and an elegant touch of refinement. This dessert is a sumptuous finish to a memorable meal.

Wine Suggestion: The Alleé Bleue Blue Owl Pinotage from Franschhoek is a wonderful match for the French Dark Chocolate Tart. With its ripe, dark fruit flavours and a hint of chocolate, this wine complements the deep richness of the dark chocolate filling. The wine’s smooth, velvety texture enhances the creamy chocolate crèmeux, while the fruitiness of the Blue Owl beautifully balances the tartness of the macerated berries. The subtle chocolate notes in the wine elevate the dessert’s indulgent flavours, creating a harmonious pairing that leaves a lasting, luxurious finish.

Why It’s Unmissable: This tart is a masterclass in balance—rich yet refreshing, indulgent yet light. It’s the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.

A Sweet Scene: Think glossy ganache, jewel-toned berries, and sorbet melting just enough to make you grab your spoon.

Dining at Monneaux Restaurant

Dining at Monneaux is a memorable experience that goes beyond just the meal. Located within the serene Franschhoek Country House & Villas, the restaurant combines comfort with sophistication. Guests can enjoy a meal in the elegantly styled indoor space or step outside to the picturesque courtyard, where lush gardens set a tranquil scene. Every element of the setting is carefully considered to complement the exceptional dining experience.

Monneaux’s commitment to sustainability and seasonality shines through in every dish. Their philosophy celebrates local ingredients and the vibrant culinary heritage of the Franschhoek Valley, creating plates that are fresh, thoughtful, and generous.

Why You Should Visit

Monneaux Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where flavours, creativity, and hospitality come together to create something extraordinary. From inventive dishes to a curated selection of wines, this culinary gem offers a taste of the best Franschhoek has to offer.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your table now and get ready to savour every bite.