The Culinary Capital
of South Africa

The Culinary
Capital of South
Africa

With picturesque vineyards a stone’s throw away, the character of the valley finds its way onto every plate.

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fine Dining

Every Meal Shaped by the Region

With picturesque vineyards a stone’s throw away, the sophisticated charm of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is elegantly portrayed in its dining venues. Three spaces carry the day, from a light-filled breakfast room to a candlelit dining room, with an easygoing terrace between the two.

The valley connects them all. Menus celebrate the region with seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced produce, thoughtfully paired with wines from the estates a few minutes down the road.

Eleven Nations, One Table

Heritage, flavour and
hospitality unite

Heritage, flavour
and hospitality
unite

At Zimbali Lodge, Eleven Tribes celebrates South Africa’s eleven cultural legacies through thoughtful cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant flavours. Rooted in heritage, storytelling and hospitality, the dining experience brings together tradition and contemporary creativity in a setting where every meal becomes a shared moment.

Signature Dining At The Lodge

Hours: 9:00 am – 16:00pm

Dine with flair

Start Their Day With
Elegance And Flair

Start Their Day
With Elegance
And Flair

The lodge’s signature dining experience is inspired by South Africa’s eleven cultural legacies. Eleven Tribes serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining locally sourced ingredients with considered South African flavours and contemporary culinary techniques.

From relaxed mornings to memorable evening meals, guests are invited to experience a dining journey shaped by culture, connection and the spirit of the country.

Trophy Bar

A Toast to Coastal
Moments

A Toast
to Coastal
Moments

Set beside the rim-flow pool, Trophy Bar offers a relaxed setting for coastal moments. Enjoy a refreshing G&T, handcrafted cocktail, fine wine or a light meal while taking in views across the estate and glimpses of the Indian Ocean.

Open for breakfast and lunch, it is a natural gathering place to pause, unwind and enjoy the rhythm of Zimbali.

Dining Experiences

Discover Dining Experiences to Suit Every Taste at Zimbali Lodge

At the edge of forest and ocean, Eleven Tribes Restaurant at Zimbali Lodge is more than a place to dine, it is a place to connect.

Inspired by South Africa’s eleven cultural legacies, each representing a living culture, the restaurant brings heritage to life through flavour, ritual and storytelling. Every course reflects a journey of ancestry and artistry, celebrating the ingredients, traditions and techniques that shape the country’s diverse culinary identity.

Guests are welcomed with the ceremonial Flame of Welcome before embarking on a dining experience that honours each tribe’s culinary heritage, crafted with reverence, thoughtfully presented and shared with warmth.

Here, diversity becomes a celebration, and every dish tells a story of connection, culture and belonging.

Located In Kwazulu-Natal

Find Us

Situated within the sought-after Zimbali Coastal Estate on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, Zimbali Lodge offers a relaxed coastal escape beneath the forest canopy overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Just minutes from Ballito and approximately 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, the lodge combines convenient access with the privacy and natural beauty of its coastal surroundings.

Creating magic with Chef Kyle & his team

The culinary direction behind Sauvage, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

DINING EXPERIENCES

Dining Across Dream Hotels & Resorts

From garden-inspired fine dining in Franschhoek to beachfront bistros and relaxed lodge-style meals, each Dream Hotels & Resorts venue is crafted to reflect its surroundings, pairing local flavours with elegant ambiance and warm hospitality.

HIGH TEA

High Tea Corner, with delicate Sweetness

Just R375 per person from Friday to Sunday between 13h00 – 16h00

Join us for Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa’s High Tea, and be spoilt with a tiered platter of hand-selected, delicate sweets and mouth-watering savoury canapes. To sip Cap Classique and indulge in delicious treats.

Bookings are essential and must be made 48hrs prior to arrival – to make a booking please click below or email reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za

A GLIMPSE AT THE SAUVAGE MENU

Cuisine Inspired by the Garden

STARTERS

EMBERS IN THE BRASSICA

R145

A wedge of local cabbage roasted over the coals until sweet and smoky, served with blue cheese “snow” and a creamy chestnut paste.

FOREST-QUIET TARTLET

R175

A buttery tartlet filled with foraged pine-ring mushrooms and topped with a light bone marrow mousse and biltong powder.

KAROO ASH & DARK ROAST

R195

Tender ostrich carpaccio rubbed with coffee and ash, served with salt-baked beetroot and a peppery watercress sauce.

TIDAL POOL, KEI APPLE & LEMONGRASS AIR

R200

Fresh crayfish and steamed clams, zesty Kei apple gel, light lemongrass foam, crispy sea lettuce for a bit of crunch.

MAIN DISHES

WINTER POT, SLOW FIRE

R345

Slow-braised beef cheek roulade with crisp baby potatoes, buttered brussels sprouts, citrus gremolata, and umami bubbles.

KAROO TIME & AMASI

R325

Dry-aged Bonsmara fillet confied in herbed butter, served on creamy sorghum-infused “risotto” with a splash of fermented amasi sauce and parmesan shavings.

COALS, WATERBLOMMETJIE & VERBENA MIST

R335

Coal-grilled Line-fish with a fresh waterblommetjie pesto and “chewy,” dashi rice cakes to soak up the lemon verbena froth.

VENISON IN A PINOTAGE SHADOW

R365

Hearty venison loin crusted in local herbs, paired with a smoky potato pavé and a rich Pinotage-berry jus.

DESSERTS

VELD CONSTELLATIONS

R145

Raspberry meringue spikes and homemade blackberry and cardamon ice-cream, with an array of hazelnut textures, macerated strawberries, & gooseberry gel.

BOEBER & ROSEWATER REVERIE

R135

Spiced cream based on the traditional Cape Malay winter drink, topped with rose-water jelly and toasted almonds.

SMOKE IN THE VINEYARD, FIG IN THE GLASS

R145

Chocolate delice with a hint of vineyard smoke, with brandied figs and walnut praline.

BOLAND HONEY THREADS

R135

Koeksister-style doughnut strips served with a bowl of warm Rooibos-infused salted caramel for dipping.

DINING EXPERIENCES

Find that dining experience you are looking for at one of our Hotels

Finfoot Lake Reserve - Dinaledi Boma Experience

Zimbali Lodge - Eleven Tribes Restaurant

Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape - Lighthouse Restaurant

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort - Kloof Restaurant

Little Switzerland - Drakensburger

The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel - Faces Restaurant

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa - Sauvage Restaurant

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa - Beach

FAQ

Do I need to book a table at Eleven Tribes?

Booking is advised, particularly at dinner and over weekends. You can reserve through the widget on this page or call the restaurant directly at Zimbali Lodge & Spa on +27 (0)32 001 0550.

Can I eat at Zimbali Lodge if I am not staying there?

Yes. Eleven Tribes is open to day visitors as well as to lodge guests. Bear in mind that Zimbali Coastal Estate is gated, so let the restaurant know you are coming and they will arrange your access at the gate.

What kind of food does Eleven Tribes serve?

South African cooking built around the country’s eleven cultural legacies, using indigenous produce, coastal catch and veld provenance, with contemporary technique. The meal opens with the ceremonial Flame of Welcome.

Are halaal meals available?

Yes, on request. Reception needs a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before arrival. Menus may contain allergens and pork, so it is worth speaking to your server as well.

Where can I eat by the pool?

The Trophy Bar and Deck sits alongside the rim-flow pool and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the bar open through to late. It is the easiest option for a light plate without leaving the water.

Do the self-catering units include meals?

No. Self-catering rates are room-only and the Presidential Suites have a full kitchenette. Restaurant bookings can be made at reception and charged to your account.

CONNECT

We would love to hear from you. Make a reservation.

Please fill out all of the fields below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. All information will be kept confidential.

The Culinary Capital of South Africa

The Culinary Capital of South Africa

Book Your Stay

Every Meal Shaped by the Region

Eleven Nations, One Table

Heritage, flavour and hospitality unite

Heritage, flavour and hospitality unite

Signature Dining At The Lodge

Start Their Day With Elegance And Flair

Start Their Day With Elegance And Flair

Trophy Bar

A Toast to Coastal Moments

A Toast to Coastal Moments

Discover Dining Experiences to Suit Every Taste at Zimbali Lodge

Find Us

Creating magic with Chef Kyle & his team

Dining Across Dream Hotels & Resorts

High Tea Corner, with delicate Sweetness

Cuisine Inspired by the Garden

STARTERS

Purple Corn Tostada

R95

Bruno's Scribble

R95

Fresh Oysters Dozen

R120

Wild Mushroom Arancini

R118

MAIN DISHES

Crispy Skin Chicken

R275

Flank Steak

R215

Ebony Fillet Steak

R205

Fish & Chips

R220

DESSERTS

Salted Caramel Tart

R85

Warm Apple Cake

R85

Basque Cheesecake

R85

Classic Tiramisù

R95

STARTERS

EMBERS IN THE BRASSICA

R145

FOREST-QUIET TARTLET

R175

KAROO ASH & DARK ROAST

R195

TIDAL POOL, KEI APPLE & LEMONGRASS AIR

R200

MAIN DISHES

WINTER POT, SLOW FIRE

R345

KAROO TIME & AMASI

R325

COALS, WATERBLOMMETJIE & VERBENA MIST

R335

VENISON IN A PINOTAGE SHADOW

R365

DESSERTS

VELD CONSTELLATIONS

R145

BOEBER & ROSEWATER REVERIE

R135

SMOKE IN THE VINEYARD, FIG IN THE GLASS

R145

BOLAND HONEY THREADS

R135

Find that dining experience you are looking for at one of our Hotels

Finfoot Lake Reserve - Dinaledi Boma Experience

Zimbali Lodge - Eleven Tribes Restaurant

Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape - Lighthouse Restaurant

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort - Kloof Restaurant

Little Switzerland - Drakensburger

The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel - Faces Restaurant

The Culinary Capital
of South Africa

The Culinary
Capital of South
Africa

Heritage, flavour and
hospitality unite

Heritage, flavour
and hospitality
unite

Start Their Day With
Elegance And Flair

Start Their Day
With Elegance
And Flair

A Toast to Coastal
Moments

A Toast
to Coastal
Moments