Monneaux, Cape Town

Rolling, well-treed lawns spread themselves before a terracotta building (once a perfumery) housing a small restaurant. With inter-leading rooms decked in shades of green, pressed ceilings, wooden floors and swathes of bright colour provided by bold French-style artist Mari, why not eat inside? Or, perhaps dining under a giant pepper tree next to a fountain, where the atmosphere created by the magnificent scenery is just as vibrant, is preferable?The menu has a distinctive style using lots of vegetables in intriguing ways and employing some inspired ideas. There's plenty of spice and a decided Eastern influence. The red-wine braised spicy chicken stuffed into squid tubes and then fried is sensational. Franschhoek wines form the bulk of the wine list.