PROTÉGÉ

Best for: Meticulously presented high-end food served in a cosy atmosphere

A winter lunch special for R595 per person? Yes please – and not a starched tablecloth in sight. Instead, the upscale-casual Protégé is all about precision-tuned contemporary flavours, serving a cutting-edge lineup of four courses. Quite simply, it’s one of the best-value tasting menus in town. Cosy up amid the grey marble, light woods and pale green accents with a bottle from the Franschhoek-inspired wine list. The crackling fireplace adds a touch of cosiness during a cold winter’s day. This is quiet finesse in a genuinely buzzy space, and wherever you sit, you’ll feel like part of the action. Singles can comfortably find a spot at the counter and enjoy a meal on their own. The modernity of the atmosphere is reflected in the new winter menu – head chef Zane Soutar’s takes on flavour are mirrored in dishes such as the delicately crisp spiced squid garnished with herbs and edible flowers, or the crowd-pleasing lamb chops served with smoked tomatoes and salsa verde. We started with the beef tataki hors d’oeuvre and garlicky marinated olives before taste-testing our way through the bread course. Tear off pieces of thick, rustic toasted sourdough before spreading some butter with wild garlic oil and adding paper-thin sliced biltong on top. The simplest yet most delicious way to start that gets better with each bite. On our visit, we were particularly blown away by the immaculately crafted seared tuna with miso-glazed aubergine and ssamjang as well as the Purdon Wagyu sirloin with porcini mushroom sauce and smoked pomme purée. It’s prepared in just the right way to bring out its inherent flavour. And don’t ignore the side-menu items such as the spiced edamame and Asian-style oysters. For those into baked camembert, Protégé’s garlic truffle version is the platonic ideal.

Le Quartier Français, 18 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

021 492 4048 www.protegerestaurant.co.za