> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Not one but two fine dining experiences at La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek - URL: https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-la-petite-colombe-at-leeu-estate-in-franschhoek-cape-town/ - Published: 2025-03-22T12:58:47.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-11T11:56:19.000Z - Description: Getting to La Petite Colombe is a grand experience in itself: the Leeu Estate where it is centrally located is one of the most pristine, beautifully and lushly organised piece of land, surrounded by the mountains around Franschhoek. And the dining experience is an unforgettable one - Author: Jess - Tags: Restaurants, #Cape Town, South Africa, Wine & Cocktails My husband loves gifts. Giving them, receiving them. For my birthday, I never make a fuss - I have never had a birthday party in my adult life! - but I love to enjoy this moment to disconnect, travel and enjoy my husband's company on a special day. Since we met, we have spent my birthday in New York in the United States, Riviera Maya in Mexico, Lisbon in Portugal, Mykonos in Greece, the Algarve, Glasgow in Scotland and more recently, in Cape Town in South Africa. [#6 | Cape Town in a nutshellToday writing from South Africa for our much deserved Spring Break!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-234.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/chapmanspeak-6.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/cape-town-in-a-nutshell/) And we did something we had just done a year prior for Bruno's birthday week, we went to ***La Petite Colombe*** restaurant at the Leeu Estates. Such a stunning place it was entrenched in our memories and the place I wanted to be at, give my money too and enjoy the superb service, drinks, food and overall vibe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_131606.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_132230.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_132418.jpg) We are always welcomed in an indoors patio area where we can have a drink and the first amuse bouches of the day, that come in the most wonderful triple basket. Nothing says spring like a picnic basket, we takes me way back to life in Paris, where as soon as the sun would come out, my friends and I would head to a park with wine, cheeses, fruits and laughter. [South Africa | The most scenic of Birthday Lunches at Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo AtlanticA birthday lunch to remember: we drove along Chapman’s Peak to Tintswalo Atlantic and indulged in a dreamy seafood feast by the ocean. A first for my husband, and a moment we’ll never forget. Cape Town, in all its stunning, sea-swept glory![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-235.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/20230714_133822-1-3.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-the-most-scenic-of-birthday-lunches-at-chefs-warehouse-tintswalo-atlantic/) As October is Spring season in South Africa, we were greeted with the Spring Lunch Experience. When we went in 2023 for Bruno's birthday in July, it was Winter, so it was a gem to taste what would be the same in the menu and what would be seasonal. No matter the changes, we knew it would be delicious and we were not disappointed. *Here are a few pictures from our Winter Experience in July 2023:* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/IMG_0223-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/IMG_0226.jpg) **The snowy mountains surround the Lee Estates in Winter* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_132139.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_132541.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_140032.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_142715.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_145231.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_150327.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_151649.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_152839.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20230710_154431.jpg) After the gorgeous amuse bouche at the terrace and the bread experience when we sat, we had "oyster, carne asada, grapefruit", "grass fed beed, dhanya, coconut", "seabass, squid, chorizo, parsnip", "petit poussin, tarragon, celeriac", "langbaken cheese, jerusalem artichocke, local beer, mustard" and for dessert, "guava, blood orange, hibiscus" and the sweets trolley. We had a few of these moments again in the Spring Menu below... [South Africa | Bubbly Afternoon Tea at Le Lude Estate (with video)We love having afternoon tea whilst travelling around the world, as we aim to find the best to have in the world, either in hotels or in such a divine estate like Le Lude. It makes us reminisce of our engagement day in Scotland... but this one was way sunnier!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-236.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0210-6.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-bubbly-afternoon-tea-at-le-lude-estate-franschhoek/) *Now onto our 2024 Spring Experience...* ### Bread We started with fresh bread with the *hexagon* couvert, with marmelade, cheese, olive oil, balsamic, foie gras and the most gorgeous flavours. And when in Cape Town, you have to go for the Cap Classique sparkling wine. We always bring a few (many) bottles back home from this gorgeous bubbly nectar. We opted for a bottle of Blanc de Blancs 2018 by Pieter Ferreira. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_134940.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_135037.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_135110.jpg) ### Cray fish, peri-peri, ponzu This was the first entrée, it was the freshest bowl of yumminess. ### Yellowfin, tuna, dhanya, coconut A just divine and colourful double take on fish. Similar to the dish we had in the winter, but it used to be with red meat. This is very pleasant too. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_140923.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_141524-2.jpg) **The crayfish and the yellowfin&tuna dishes* ### Linefish, viskop, chowder Same as in the Winter menu, so we were glad to enjoy this experience again. You get the line fish and you cook it at the table, confit style. Then veggies, spices and the most fragrant chowder is added to created a travel-worthy soup. I mean, how does this restaurant no have a Michelin star yet? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_142410.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_143030.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_143210.jpg) ### Coal Roasted Lamb, Celeriac, Kapokbos (for me) Does it look good and like it would melt in your mouth? It's because it did. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_144903.jpg) ### Wagyu, Sweet Potato, Truffle (for the husband) Very similar with my lamb, but with fresh truffle on top. Make it fancy and takes it to another level. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_144856.jpg) ### Stone fruit, Almond, Crème Fraîche aka Mama's Pride This dessert was a journey in itself. It comes covered in a can - which can frighten you at first, how can a fine dining experience end with canned goods? - and then you discover the most spectacular dessert, which reminds the chef - Peter Duncan - of his mother, her work and how he wanted to honour her with the freshest dessert ever. Spectacular. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_150902.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_150803.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_150849.jpg) ### Sweets Trolley When you feel you are fully satisfied and cannot take it any longer, there comes the sweets trolley with the most incredible array of homemade sweets. I am not the biggest fan of sweets - my husband is! - but we just can't resist. And it very nice that we get to take some home in the most gorgeous of packages. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_152015.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_152241.jpg) I hope that no matter the season in South Africa, this review has made you want to make the journey right to the south of the world to have the most gorgeous experience, that honours South African's craftmanship, produce, farming and winelands. A moment to remember that was so stellar we had to go twice. And count on us to head there again in our next trip to Cape Town. #### More South African / Western Cape Wineries reviews: **In alphabetical order:* - [****Asara**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-wineries-asara-wine-estate-hotel-in/) - [****Babylonstoren**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/babylonstoren-cape-winelands/) - [****Delaire Graff**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/wine-tasting-at-delaire-graff-south-africa/) - [****Fairview**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/fairview-wine-cheese-cape-town-review/) - Groot Constantia - Haute Cabrière - [****Le Lude**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-afternoon-tea-at-le-lude-estate-franschhoek-cape-town/) - [****Leeu Estates**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-la-petite-colombe-at-leeu-estate-in-franschhoek-cape-town/) - [****Maison**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/south-africa-lunch-at-chefs-warehouse-maison-cape-town/) - [****Mont Rochelle**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/our-stay-at-mont-rochelle-in-franschhoek/) - [****Tokara Wine Estate**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/tokara-winery-stellenbosch-cape-town-review/) ### Check what I wore that day and during the trip: [Fashion | What I wore on our Spring Break holiday in Cape TownThe amount of feedback and clicks on my corporate wardrobe with 30 looks photographed through shameless elevator mirror selfies made me want to share more about my fashion choices with you. This time around, I am ditching the blazers and tailored trousers for sunnier dresses and shorter lengths.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/icon/VHColletion_02_vhcollection_03-237.png)The SignatureJess![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/thumbnail/20241007_123657-13.jpg)](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/fashion-what-i-wore-on-our-spring-break-holiday-in-cape-town/) > *Like this content? We can connect also on* [**BlueSky**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/eebbfd7d?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**TikTok**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/3a8dd75f?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Youtube**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/5cd54466?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) *|* [**Pinterest**](https://www.thesignaturejess.com/r/f6c35afb?m=5c4efd93-0ef0-4db1-af3b-7675f61db0cb) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/58/67/5867d415-55cd-4f42-962a-67b9b6110b2c/content/images/2025/03/20241008_131349-1.jpg) **The happiest day at La Petite Colombe, October 2024*