In the heart of the Cape winelands, a quiet evolution is taking place.
Ōku Asian Eatery — long celebrated for its refined Kaiseki experience — is expanding the way guests engage with its world of Japanese-inspired cuisine. From 1 February 2026, the restaurant introduces an à la carte menu, available alongside its signature Kaiseki offering for both lunch and dinner.
This is not a reinvention. It is an invitation.
An Evolution, Not a Departure
Since opening in 2020 alongside sister restaurant Yama Sushi Emporium, Ōku has built its identity on a clear philosophy:
Technique and flavour are Japanese. Ingredients are local.
Rooted firmly in South African produce, the restaurant has consistently applied ancient Japanese culinary methods to the exceptional ingredients of the Cape winelands.
“The Kaiseki menu remains the heart of the experience,” says Ryan Shell of Ōku. A showcase of the kitchen’s precision and creativity, the Kaiseki offering — including a dedicated vegetarian selection — continues unchanged.
The new à la carte menu is not a shift in identity. It is a widening of access.
“The introduction of an à la carte option now is not a departure, but an invitation – an opening of the door for guests who may want a shorter visit, a lighter meal, or the freedom to return more frequently.”
Dining on Your Own Terms
The à la carte menu sits comfortably alongside the tasting menu, allowing diners to curate their own journey. Guests may select a handful of standout dishes for a relaxed lunch, or build a more expansive meal that still reflects Ōku’s layered flavours and disciplined technique.
The offering begins with Zensai — Asian-style appetisers — and an array of dumpling interpretations.
Highlights include:
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Steamed bread with aubergine chutney, soy kewpie and pak choi kimchi
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Nori cylinders crafted from nori, spring roll pastry, mushroom mousse and pickled mushrooms
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A refreshing cold cucumber broth with cucumber, soy, dashi, sesame, ginger and chilli — ideal for warm summer days
Starters continue the refined narrative:
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Kroonstad beef tartare with sirloin beef, tahini, kewpie, anchovy, kimchi and egg yolk
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“Mongolian Mosaic” featuring Franschhoek’s own Three Streams Trout, served with nori, watermelon, ginger, soy and wasabi pearls
Main courses balance coastal elegance with regional depth:
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Green east coast crayfish with mange tout, sugar snap peas, daikon, green purée, herb oil, yuzu and tom yum
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Locally farmed Steynsburg pork belly, smoked and served with pak choi, Asian dressing, kimchi, bulgogi and crisp crackling
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Smoked miso aubergine for vegetarians, paired with tofu, tamarind, sesame and peanuts
Each dish reflects precision, restraint and a deep respect for ingredient and origin.
A Name Rooted in Strength
Ōku is one of three restaurants in the group, alongside Eleven and Yama Sushi Emporium. Its name — Japanese for oak — symbolises history, spirituality and quiet strength. Like the oak tree, the restaurant’s philosophy is built on longevity, depth and craftsmanship.
These values are echoed in both the décor and the menu, where ancient Japanese techniques intersect seamlessly with South African terroir.
The result is an experience that is refined yet grounded — globally inspired yet unmistakably local.
The Complete Expression
Complementing the cuisine is a considered drinks programme, including tastings of premium sake. For those seeking the most immersive expression of the restaurant’s philosophy, the Kaiseki wine pairing menu remains the pinnacle — a thoughtful harmony between dish and drink.
With Kaiseki now available for both lunch and dinner, and the à la carte menu launching from 1 February, Ōku lowers the barrier to entry while keeping its soul intact.
Whether for a special occasion, a spontaneous midweek dinner or a leisurely lunch in Franschhoek, guests can now engage with Ōku on their own terms.
Contemporary Japanese inspiration. South African terroir. Delivered with clarity, respect and restraint.
Visit Ōku
Ōku and Yama Sushi Emporium are situated at Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek.
Ōku bookings:
Tel: 021 876 2494
Email: reservations@eat-oku.co.za
Website: https://eat-oku.co.za/
Follow EatOku on Facebook and Oku_Eatery on Instagram.
Yama bookings:
Tel: 079 737 1849
Email: reservations@eat-yama.co.za
Website: https://eat-yama.co.za/
Follow YamaEatery on Facebook and Yama_Eatery on Instagram.
