Every so often, you stumble across a restaurant that feels less like a meal and more like a journey. For me, that experience came recently at Ōku, a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant tucked along the main road of Franschhoek. Known for its elegant simplicity and thoughtful approach to dining, Ōku pays homage to the rich traditions of Asian cuisine while shining a light on local, seasonal ingredients from the Cape.
Walking into Ōku, one is immediately struck by the serene, understated interiors—a nod to traditional Asian culture where elegance and minimalism reign. It sets the stage for what’s to come: a dining experience that is both refined and deeply comforting.
The staff, passionate and attentive, bring warmth and knowledge to every table, making you feel instantly welcome.
Ōku offers two dining experiences: an intricate 15-course Kaiseki journey, which showcases Japanese culinary artistry through a series of beautifully plated small dishes, or a more concise 4-course à la carte menu. On my visit, my friend Debra and I opted for the latter, and each course was a perfect balance of flavour, texture, and presentation.
The evening began with an otoshi (appetizers) kindly sent by the chef. They included a tom yum broth, Wagyu hoisin beef spring roll cones with yuzu crème, chilli dashi gel, togarashi and spring onion, and a miso aubergine with radish and sweet sour gel.
For our first course, Debra opted for the Beef Broth—rich, warming and layered with brisket, edamame, chilli dashi, daikon, and a standout Japanese marrow toast.
I chose the Tuna Tataki, delicately paired with avocado, wasabi mousse, ponzu, sesame, and ginger—light, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
From there, the Ebi Nishu stole the spotlight: a silky chawanmushi served with shiitake, caviar, crispy prawn, apple, celery, and ponzu. It was one of those dishes that lingers in your memory long after the meal.
The Norwegian Salmon followed, paired with udon noodles, charred corn, red chilli, and a coconut miso dashi that felt indulgent yet balanced.
The Lamb Belly, which Debra enjoyed, was melt-in-your-mouth perfection—served with miso rice purée, baby carrots, carrot kimchi, and a glossy black garlic jus.
And then came dessert: Chokorētomūsu, a dark chocolate mousse infused with citrus notes of orange, lemon, and lime, lifted with fresh basil. It was the perfect finale—decadent but refreshing.
What impressed me most about Ōku is its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant sources fish, meat, and vegetables locally whenever possible, treating each ingredient with the utmost care and respect. With vegetarian and vegan options, and a menu that refreshes every two weeks, Ōku ensures that every visit feels like a new discovery.
To pair with your meal, the wine list celebrates local wineries from Franschhoek and surrounds, while their selection of cocktails and house-made sake adds another layer of authenticity and creativity to the experience.
A shoutout must go to Makoto Craft Sake, proudly made right here in Cape Town. I can’t claim to be a connoisseur when it comes to Sake, but I’ve enjoyed quite a few varieties over the years. I have to admit, this one was the best.
Ōku isn’t just dinner—it’s an exploration of flavour, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for a celebratory night out or simply want to immerse yourself in something extraordinary, this restaurant deserves a place at the very top of your list.
Ōku is open Monday – Sunday for both lunch and dinner.
To book, call +27 21 023 4695 OR email reservations@eat-oku.co.za
