La Petite Ferme 

It’s hard to say no to the starter of smoked forest mushroom and mascarpone tart and artichoke salad, or mains of petit poussin with ricotta, lemon and thyme stuffing and roasted pepper cassoulet. Resistance was futile when it came to the feather-light pillows of gnocchi with snails and a delicate white sauce. An unusual rabbit dish is on the menu: it’s served with an olive crust, pancetta and white chocolate mash. Save room for dessert: the lemon curd parfait with rainbow macaroons hits the right note of citrus twang to balance out the sweetness.

The wines by the glass are excellent; they should be after travelling only 10m from the La Petite Ferme cellar next to the restaurant. Made with love and close attention by owner Mark Dendy-Young, the wines offer good variety and reasonable prices.

As attentive or discreet as you'd like them to be. Year upon year, the same faces remain. Service excellence never wavers. Waitrons are happy to explain a dish or accommodate a slight dietary preference.

Everything is geared to making the most of the views, which look down towards the Franschhoek valley. Glass windows overlook a rolling lawn that encourages locals and tourists alike to sprawl out with a post-prandial coffee or another glass of wine.

Buy some wine to take home or ask for a tour of the closet-sized winery. (FM, October 2011)

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