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Epice

4.7 RRR+
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2022 - Top 20
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100

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Favourite

Epice – derived from the French word Épice meaning spice (and is pronounced eh-peace) - is an intimate fine dining restaurant located at Heritage Square, Franschhoek (opposite Leeu House)

"The restaurant menu will revolve around spices, but that doesn’t necessarily mean spicy hot - think of vanilla and saffron, or cinnamon and nutmeg, too," says Scot Kirton, Chef Proprietor of La Colombe.

Heading up the kitchen, head chef Charné Sampson is no stranger to refined, cutting edge cuisine- until recently she was the sous chef at La Colombe and is another one of Scot’s protégés to spread her wings. A graduate of Silwood, Charné also honed her craft in the kitchen of The Restaurant at Waterkloof and The Test Kitchen.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Take a magic culinary ride to the iconic space in the old Le Quartier building in Franschhoek for a captivating treat at Epice (French for ‘spice’). The interior’s understated spice hues juxtapose perfectly with the bright sunshine and greenery outside, or you can appreciate the
crackling fire in winter.

Chef Charné Mouton is unapologetic about her passion for spices and the depth they impart to all dishes, whether sweet or savoury. She delights in introducing the full spectrum at your table from the start. The uninitiated may think of curry, but there’s true intellect in how she has married every ingredient with her first-choice spices. This spice queen celebrates each ingredient personally, drawing from her Cape heritage, with both her vindaloo sauce and fabled bread course creating a come-back-for-more scenario.

Choose from a traditional wine pairing, cocktail, or in-house tonic pairing. Whilst marrying beverages with spicy foods can be challenging, the team has worked hard to ensure successful surprises. Expect a little showboating with dry ice and tableside service, which all adds to the fun. Food is tasty and well-executed, and guests rave about the sweet potatoes with cumin, beef dripping, and berbere. In ‘feeding with passion’, La Colombe converts will be overjoyed to devour octopus cooked in passion fruit, cutting it open with scissors. You’ll leave with a spice box, some seeds to plant, and indelible memories.

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00
  • Sunday 12h00 - 15h00, 18h30 - 22h00

Reviews (2387)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • CHRIS C. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26
    We love this restaurant and the 3 course Winter Special was an absolute winner. It was a splendid lunch with exceptional service and a great atmosphere. Will definitely be doing this again before the end of winter!

  • Caspar v. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 16 Jun 26
    An incredible culinary experience that serves up a selection of dishes, paired with outstanding wines that titillate the palette. The staff led by our head waiter Gershwin, bring not only five star service but also add a table show to each dish, that enhances the overall experience leaving you satisfied on every level. Truly worth your time to visit! Epice is a ‘not to be missed’ night out for any foodie!

  • Francesca W. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 15 Jun 26
    Probably the best meal we have ever had - exceptional food and service, with some exciting theatre, in a gorgeously decorated restaurant. Also reasonably good value for money.

  • Helena S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Jun 26
    If I could describe heaven on a plate, Our dinner last night would have been it, we are regulars, but our dinner yesterday evening were the best we had up to date, an excellent menu, with mind blowing depth & flavors. Thank you so very much!!!!!

  • Sheena B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 11 Jun 26
    An experience if note

  • Brian M. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 07 Jun 26
    Fantastic evening, we loved it. The course at Chef’s counter really added to the experience. All the staff were so attentive and it was nice how multiple members of staff were involved in the tasting experience. Would highly recommend.

  • Richard and Carin M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    3.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 31 May 26
    Overall a very nice experience, but a bit OTT

  • Ursula E. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 28 May 26
    Once again we had a unforgettable evening at Epice. The team are just so good the food, the service and attention to detail are all fantastic. They always manage to surprise and keep things fresh. Thank you so much!

  • Francine B. Dined: 4 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 28 May 26
    Have not been for a couple of years and was lovely to be back. The flavours were so good. A real treat.

  • Savel D. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 24 May 26
    Excellent welcome and service from the waiting staff. Fantastic food (the decor is drab.....those brown panel walls,...hmm)

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