When you see the title French Toast, you probably think of the famous, delicious breakfast of actual French toast. Which is a fair assumption amongst this sort of case, except this is more than about the breakfast. This is about the wonderful, colourful and delightful café/restaurant that I went to for the first time, quite literally called “French Toast,” or “Little Paris.”

Located in the heart of Hartbeespoort Dam, French Toast was used previously as a film set for the movie called French Toast, which is now open to the public as a restaurant. Bustling with people on a warm Saturday afternoon, this little bistro is perfect for a mini getaway on the weekend. A peaceful place with so much vibrancy and good energy that wraps around you like a warm blanket.

My aunt and I were visiting Hartbeespoort for other reasons and the day before I suggested we go for lunch somewhere whilst we were done there, but we hadn’t decided on where we would go until we were in Harties. Whilst I ran to a shop to buy some water, my aunt checked on the maps on a possible location for lunch. When I got back to the car, she mentioned a place called French Toast. I was a bit doubtful at first and automatically assumed that all they sold was French toast and that it would be like any ordinary café or restaurant we walked into, but I was completely blown away when we arrived.

My aunt failed to mention that it was once a movie set and briefly mentioned a miniature Eiffel tower which could not even be seen from the roads. Nevertheless, we made our way there and the parking lot was absolutely packed and I could see a little gift shop called Butterfly Blu or something along those lines which we unfortunately didn’t have the time to go into. There was also a large backdrop image of a European street by the parking lot where many people were having their picture taken.

As we entered into the bistro, I immediately fell in love with the place. The open umbrellas hanging from the ceiling were bursting with vibrant colours, the walls with French designs spoke another language and the energy is incomparable. As someone who has been to Europe time and time again, who has walked through many streets of Europe and loved every second of it, it almost felt like I took a step back in time. I was reminded of my glory travel days, wandering around the little towns, my only problem in my off time being deciding on where to go to eat for lunch or dinner.

It felt like a lot of time, care and love was poured into the bistro and I felt glad to have inwardly acknowledged that. We had a lovely waitress seat us at a table closer to the back wall, where my aunt and I could happily people watch in peace. The service provided was excellent, so warm, welcoming and friendly (which I hate to say is generally uncommon in South African or Joburg restaurants) which ignited the experience even more.

The menu was plentiful and obviously included actual French toast options and many sandwiches and just too many divine looking desserts. I ended up ordering a sandwich with mozzarella and basil pesto and something else which I cannot remember, along with a side of chips. I was so excited for dessert and was wondering if I should have just skipped to getting something sweet, but I wanted the whole experience. My sandwich was filling and flavourful, as was my strawberry daiquiri that I ordered with it. My aunt ordered a chicken salad which also appeared largely filling and appealing; she couldn’t finish it, there was so much.

In the end I ordered a croissant to take away because I was unfortunately too full to eat anything else, and I ended up going on a walk before we left. My aunt went to her car to smoke whilst I wandered around taking a few pics and clips to spread news about this sweet, little place. We were there for about an hour or hour and a half, but I could have spent the entirety of the afternoon there. Unfortunately the place was also crawling with couples, but then I remembered I couldn’t be mad because Paris is the city of love, essentially.

I wandered around and saw another, smaller, backdrop of a street with a little Vespa (I think) as well as more colourful umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. Of course, I walked near the Eiffel tower, which was (naturally) crowded with people trying to take photos of each other. The love lock bridge was also a stand out, as well as the dam that was behind it. I was truly so surprised to have come across such a delightful establishment in South Africa and am pleased to recommend this to anyone who visits Hartbeespoort Dam.

I was sad to leave, but not as sad as I was happy about the discovery of the place. I had a great time with my aunt and wished my mother could have been with us, but at least I felt inspired to take her then when she finally returns home. It is such a cute place to spend your time with family and friends there and definitely worth a visit. Perfect for afternoon cocktails you’re your friend group (if you are lucky enough to have one).

Such an adorable establishment which I am definitely going to go back to whenever I get a chance. Lovely day, amazing experience, 5 star service and an unforgettable time, all thanks to the French Toast bistro!