Stellenbosch Restaurants

Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a beautiful Victorian house in a small, romantic little town. It was situated at number 5 Ryneveld Street - a place we now call home. When conceptualizing our new restaurant, we became aware of the special qualities of the number five. Five is the number of harmony and balance. Five is the number of perfection. Five is the number of senses in the human body - touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Five is the number of basic tastes - sweet, sour, salt, bitter and umami. Our restaurant comprises five rooms namely the dining room, study, library, bedroom and radio lounge. We welcome you to 5 Ryneveld, where we will provide you with an exciting dining experience, stimulating your five senses by exploring the five basic tastes. 5 Ryneveld is a cute and quirky meeting place for those embracing a playful and sophisticated atmosphere. It will be shaped by the friends, family and other warm-hearted people who meet, eat and play there. Welcome home...welcome to 5 Ryneveld.

Stellenbosch’s Kayamandi (an informal settlement area) may not scream location- location- location for restaurant venue, but is home to AmaZink Eatery. The restaurant delivers a novel African eating experience that embraces and simultaneously invests in the local Stellenbosch community. The African theme of the restaurant is seen through to every detail. The décor is bold and loud in colour and service is hearty and friendly. All the traditional fare is unpretentious and prepared on wood burning fires. Even the beer is home brewed. Expect local favourites like pap and wors, but perhaps not quite as rustic as authenticity demands. With Bertus Basson (celebrity chef and co-owner of Overture Restaurant) overseeing the menu, there is a definite contemporary take on the local delicacies. The restaurant offers a wine list that supports farmers in the immediate vicinity. With prominent businessmen investing, AmaZink Eatery forms part of the Ikhaya Trust Centre and is driven to make a contribution to the social uplifting of the area. Inline with the venture’s policy, only locals to Kayamandi are employed at AmaZink.

Apprentice Restaurant, formally known as L’Olive, situated on Stellenbosch’s bustling Andringa Street, is a sought after dining establishment. Home to the Culinary Institute, this restaurant offers food that appeals to the senses. The restaurant is training school for students who have chosen cooking as a career, but patrons would be far off the mark to expect anything less than being plated up food of exceptional quality. Not only is breakfast, lunch and dinner served in style, the décor of the eatery is bright and inviting in a relaxed upmarket manner, however, the best seats remain out of house on the pavement, where guests can soak up the Stellenbosch vibe. The dinner menu is offers a selection of meat dishes from Lamb Rump, Kudu Loin to Quail. Desserts are wickedly decadent with impossible to resist choices like Chocolate Marble Pavlova and Tiramisu with Rum and Espresso. Since the restaurant is a learning arena, the menu also has a glossary of terms (in case the menu is all French to you).

Aristata Restaurant forms part of the Protea Hotel in Technopark Stellenbosch. Expect a full buffet breakfast menu as well as menus for lunch and dinner. Much can be said of the restaurant’s scenic location. It commands splendid views of the picturesque surroundings and has an outdoor deck for sipping sundowners and taking early evening meals. A range of snacks and light meals are also served throughout the day. For those that require some formality, the indoor dining area calls for a smarter dress code in its subtle, yet sophisticated setting. With a menu that offers traditional South African fare, guests can enjoy the overall experience of Aristata. Diners may round off their meal with the best of wine that is sourced locally. The restaurant also makes for an ideal venue, be it for a wedding or a corporate function.

Nestled in the breathtaking Drakenstein Valley, cradled between Franschoek and Paarl, Babel paints a picturesque setting, flanked by mountains and 200 h of vineyard and farmlands. This inspiring setting captures the imagination of ex Elle Deco Editor – Karen Roos, who transformed Babel into a place of inspirational beauty. On summery days, sit outside under the Plain trees soaking up the setting and a hearty Babel Breakfast brimming with fresh juices, homemade muesli, thick and creamy yogurt and local produce from the farm. Cooler days are warmed by the chic and elegant décor set within the glass-enclosed restaurant where the aroma of freshly prepared seasonal dishes wet the appetite. Discover a haven of peace and tranquility, set in beautiful surroundings, and the taste of food inspired by the seasons, prepared straight from the garden onto your plate.

Set in scenic Stellenbosch and fusing both modern and traditional Cape cuisines, Barouche Restaurant is a must-try dining experience.Barouche provides delightful dining whatever the weather, with a terrace overlooking vineyards for warm summer days or a warm and welcoming inside area for the colder wintertime.Serving the finest of South African as well as international cuisine and using the freshest seasonal ingredients, Barouche is a wonderfully versatile and accommodating place to dine.

A venue steeped in history, Basic Bistro is bustling restaurant enjoying a large local following and is a popular stop for tourists and travellers alike. Supported by a dedicated team serving sumptuous fare all day long, this endearing eatery offers a menu that has something for everyone from simple toasted sandwiches to delicious dinners with an Asian twist. The hamburgers are a must-try. As well as these staples, there is a specials board which changes regularly to keep the offerings fresh and new. A great place to stop for a while and rejuvenate, try Basic Bistro, Stellenbosch.

A visit to Bayede! may very well have its visitors shouting just that on their way out: Hail to the King! Set amongst the beauty of the Helderberg mountains with vineyards surrounding, Bayede! boasts a wine cafe that is equally suitable for families and more formal affairs. Families can enjoy a relaxing lunch out on the lawn picnic style while the children stretch their legs or entertain themselves with trout fishing at the dam. The indoor restaurant offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups that require a little more formality. The menu is wholly South African, but with original twists of brilliance. It changes weekly to make the most of fresh local produce, but guests may happily expect a variety of starters, mains and dessert. For starters delve into a classic Caesar Salad where bacon has been replaced with biltong and anchovies for snoek pate. The main courses cater more than adequately for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. And with a chef that is known for his sweet tooth, there’s no getting away without a bite into the decadent dark chocolate-espresso torte with merlot poached pears & cardamom parfait. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines, but patrons are guided with wine and food pairing suggestions on the menu.

Combine contemporary and vibey, add great splashes of colour and a crowd pleasing menu and you have the recipe to what makes Beads restaurant tick. Beads is conveniently situated in the centre of town, making it an easy, if not irresistible, stop for after work drinks and eats. The sultry Stellenbosch summer calls for the French doors to be flung open and tables to be set outside, while winters become rather cosy with fireplaces in every room. The modern fusion style menu is all about variety, catering for all tastes and appetites. Wraps, pastas, Oxtail Potjie and even finger foods (as a complement to the cocktails) are part of the fare. The wines comprise a local selection of which Dalla Cia features prominently. Whether for breakfast with a colleague, lunch with a lover or dinner with friends - Beads extensive menu and upmarket atmosphere has secured itself a place on the restaurant map. And just to prove that they are committed to pleasing just about everyone, Beads also offers a Kids Menu.

Bodega @ Dornier finds itself part of the patchwork of wine farms and vineyards that quilts the hills of Stellenbosch. A little distance from the town centre, Dornier Wine Estate has diversified its hospitality and made the Spanish bodega manner of hosting food and wine at the cellar door its own. Set amongst the manicured vineyards and indigenous fynbos, the restaurant is housed in a historic barn some two hundred years old. The sights and sounds of its splendid natural surroundings exude tranquillity and set the scene for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The menu reflects good, honest farm style food inspired by local, fresh and seasonal produce, so expect changes on the blackboard menu on an almost daily basis. The wine list is dominated by Dornier’s selection of its own wines and compliments the menu while promising an excellent marriage of food and wine. Day time visits also allow for wine tasting.

If it’s an Indian fix that needs satisfying while visiting scenic Stellenbosch, then Bukhara is the obvious choice. Conveniently situated at centre of town, Bukhara is a stylish restaurant that offers a selection of North Indian cuisine. The restaurant chain is consistent with its upmarket and vibey atmosphere. The trade mark open kitchen allows guests to be privy to the making of their meal as well and serves as a source of background entertainment. The menu has a good variety, including South African game options and caters for the carnivores and vegetarians alike. Expect authentic, traditional Indian food: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan and Mango ice cream. The Kashmiri style kebabs cooked over hot coals is a restaurant speciality and a must try. The exotic Indian dining experience is rounded off with a few dishes with interesting flavours to entice the adventurous palate and a notable wine list.

Café Dijon is a pocket of Paris in the heart of Stellenbosch. Ideally located at the centre of town, this quaint eatery is a gem for food lovers who enjoy true French cuisine. Its indoor café is perfectly Parisian in décor and ambience while being seated outside, under ancient oak trees and umbrellas, allows for a relaxed reflection of passers-by on the street in true European style. Expect an impressive and authentic French menu. There are classic hors d’ oeuvres and salads such as Pear, Parma ham and Gorgonzola that are designed to please the palate. The main course selection and restaurant specialties are extended to include regional French dishes to the likes of South West of France Cassoulet. The multi-dimensional menu has an array of asides and desserts and caters well for those who like to round off their eating experience. The combination of true French style and food makes this bistro style establishment a delight any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Celebrate Coffee Shop is located in the center of Stellenbosch. We are conveniently situated in Eikestad Mall, so you can do all your shopping and end it off with a delicious cup of coffee. We have a large variety of delicious meals on our menu, definitely something for everybody to enjoy. Breakfasts, burgers, light lunches and pizzas are some of the options to ease your hunger. In the evenings we offer a full wine list and cocktails. Wednesdays we feature live music. The perfect venue to start a party.

Listed as one of the Top 15 Fabulous Restaurants by Eat Out Magazine, makes Cognito restaurant in Stellenbosch a must try eating establishment. It is sophisticated and all things African with its menu and décor and offers visitors an eating experience that embodies local hospitality. The East and South African inspired menu is as diverse as it is exciting. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional dishes. From nibbles like curry dusted popcorn and starters to full main courses, the menu caters for all supermbly, including children. Patrons are encouraged to enquire as to the latest flavour combinations when it comes to steak and poultry choices as the mains are constantly being reinvented. Wine enthusiasts will also not be disappointed with great regional selection of wines on offer and are encouraged to sign up for the restaurant’s food and wine pairing evenings. The social evenings are geared at having the guests’ imput on new wines and dishes to be included on the menu. Foodies will also not be able to resist the popular Curry Mondays (when all the curries are riduculously discounted to one price).

Col’Cacchio Pizzeria is set at the Simonsplein Centre, a vibrant location at the centre of the university town of Stellenbosch. The eatery offers a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads that is a cut about the rest when it comes to variety and versatility. In keeping with a European feel, the restaurant opens onto a quaint courtyard with a fountain for dining outside on laid back, true Capetonian – style days. The indoor section is inviting with its rust coloured and art filled walls, creating a relaxed atmosphere where good food can be enjoyed to the maximum. Expect a selection of as much as fifty pizzas to choose from, each with their own Italian name and signature crisp thin base. Choices range from the traditional to the gourmet. Col’Cacchio is certainly a treat for the health conscious as many of the menu offerings are endorsed by the heart foundation. Patrons that are allergy sensitive will be suitably impressed with the wheat-free varieties on offer. Furthermore, the restaurant chain is committed to procuring organic ingredients where possible. Popular, rather exotic, menu choices include the Tre Colori with smoked salmon, sour cream and caviar, and the Fantasia with caramelized onion, Brie, and sesame seeds. The restaurant also has an award winning wine list.

Stellenbosch Simonsig Wine Estate boasts the elegant Cuvee restaurant. Located at the one of the starting points of the Stellenbosch wine route, this eatery serves all the best loved South African dishes with plenty of ambiance to set the mood for a good meal out. The restaurant is cosy with its old school Cape Dutch décor and offers a seasonal menu to match. All dishes may be ordered as half or full portions, which suits the undecided who want some of this with some of that. Traditionalists will be soothed with the likes of loin of Kalahari Springbok or flame grilled fillet of beef with roasted vine tomatoes, while others may be tickled by Cape Malay Bobotie samosas with Malmesbury yoghurt and Antoinette Malan’s Muscat jam. Not forgetting that the wine farm is famous for its Méthode Cap Classique (making sparkling wine in the French tradition), be sure to sample some bubbly with starters. The establishment also has an additional area for private functions. The Van Niekerk Room is modern, sleek and sophisticated and accommodates parties of thirty or more.

Do not be misled by the rustic ring to De Volkskombuis’ name. There is nothing even remotely unpolished about this establishment. The restaurant has been around since 1977 and has earned its reputation as a place of fine dining. The Cape Dutch house - that is the restaurant - is a perfect puzzle piece in historic Stellenbosch with its white washed walls and front garden. The restaurant also has its Voorkamer which serves as a private dining room for special occasions, conferences and private parties. Guests will be thrilled to find that although the menu boasts a fresh interpretation of traditional South African cuisine, none of the authenticity of the old favourites like Boland Bobotie, Braised Oxtail and Malva Pudding is lost. Furthermore, the menu has wine suggestions with each dish – a treat for wine and food pairing enthusiasts. Not only does De Volkskombuis promise a gastronomic experience of note, but also an impressive, if not, wildly indulgent, wine and beverage selection that could hold one’s attention for hours. Choose from the best locally and internationally sourced wines of every blend, including sparkling wines and Champagne. A selection of cigars rounds off the restaurant’s offerings. De Volkskombuis is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Set within the deHuguenot Wine Estate, this is fine dining at it’s best. Mountainous views of Groot Drakenstein envelop the senses greeted by a 200-year old giant oak tree. Summers welcome dining on the terrace or balcony on the finest dishes from the enticing menu, while winter warms the palate with a crackling fireplace and hearty dishes prepared the according to the ‘slow food principle’. The interior is dressed in soft hues of grey and large windows capture the natural light making dining at deHuguenot Restaurant and unforgettable one.

At Delaire Graff the breath-taking beauty of the Stellenbosch surroundings serves as a feast for the eyes. Visitors are certain to experience an igniting of the senses whether it is for lunch, under the canopy of oak trees, or for an intimate dinner in the designer interior of the restaurant. The cuisine and general feel of this fine dining establishment is best described as approachable. Delaire Graff has a clean cut elegance, plated and otherwise, which is sophisticatedly understated. The food is fresh and robust with all the emphasis on flavour. While the lunch menu is light, the dinner offerings demonstrate a decadent balance of delicate presentation and bold, vibrant flavours. Expect the menu to change regularly in order to exploit the best of the freshest vegetable, herb, seafood and cheese offerings that the farm and local specialty producers provide. Signature offerings include Crayfish Lasagne with king oyster mushrooms and Pistachio Nougat served with rose geranium ice cream. Dishes are rounded off with a selection of Delaire wines and guests can choose a special food and wine pairing menu. Be sure to take the time for a fabulous wine tasting in the stunning Tasting Lounge.

Delheim wine farm, situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain near Stellenbosch in South Africa, is home to the legendary Spatz Sperling, his family and a tribe of Jack Russells, and has been producing internationally acclaimed wines for sixty years. German gemütlichkeit is the order of the day at this garden restaurant in its stunning setting with a view clear across to Table Mountain in the distance. The restaurant offers a selection of dishes ranging from cheese platters to traditional German and South African food. Eat alfresco on the garden terraces in summer; enjoy delectable, well-prepared comfort food next to a crackling fire in winter. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and tea, and also caters for small private functions. It is child-friendly with a special kiddies menu. Restaurant booking essential, especially on weekends and holidays. Open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 09h00 to 17h00. Closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Situated on the Delheim Wine Farm, Knorhoek Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Paarl.

So popular was Die Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein that the originators were hard pressed to open another in Stellenbosch that quickly became part of the town's student culture. Die Mystic Boer is Stellies favourite alternative and trendy Afrikaans place to hang out with your mates while you listen to cool tunes, grab hearty pub grub and an ice cold beer and perhaps shoot a few rounds of pool.Delightfully kitsch and tongue in cheek, Die Mystic Boer regularly host live performances and the hottest DJ’s spinning the discs. As well as being a pub and gig venue, Die Mystic Boer is a fully functional restaurant that serves a wide variety of meals from pizzas to burritos to ribs and much more.

The health conscious will love 8 Restaurant at Spier Estate in Stellenbosch. With its Farm-to-Table inspired menu and all the focus on wholesome, organic and fresh produce, visitors can indulge in an eating out experience that is guilt free. Not only is the restaurant strictly health orientated, the procurement of the produce is also green all the way. 8 Restaurant has a casual mood that demands relaxation from its patrons. That aspect, combined with the significance of the number 8 in the eatery’s name, adds dimension to one’s perception of the place. The number 8 signifies balance, cycles, harmony, infinity and abundance which is a clear indication of the restaurant’s approach to its food and means of sourcing produce. Visitors to 8 Restaurant can expect exciting combinations of predominantly raw ingredients. All items are natural and organic and geared at optimal nutrition. The signature dish is Chicken Pie that is served with seasonal vegetables and herbs. The establishment is licensed, so enjoying a glass of wine with one’s meal is a sure option, however, one cannot expect to find carbonated drinks on the menu. The restaurant is also has a deli for a bout of healthy shopping.

For something a little more laid back and funky try Fandango Café and Cocktail Bar. Situated right at the pulse of Stellenbosch town centre on Bird Steet, this establishment is a great location for sitting back and soaking up the Stellenbosch vibe while enjoying a bite to eat. Fandango is more than just an eatery. Not only is the café also an internet spot but it also specializes in bicycle rentals – believing that cycling is the best way to appreciate the picturesque quality of the town. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wide menu selection to choose from. Favourites amongst regulars include the Prawn Stir fry and asides such as potato bake keep hungry patrons smiling. The freshly baked puddings are also hard to resist. The wine selection has more then 45 wines to choose from, catering for all preferences. Summer nights at Fandango calls for exotic cocktails and entertainment. Visitors will relish in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazz and Blues evenings. Fandango offers a variety of evening entertainment throughout the year.

The picturesque setting compliments simple and uncomplicated dishes that are full of bold flavours. Classic dishes present fresh and clean tastes, and although simple in appearance, are flavourful with every mouthful. The extensive wine list works effortlessly complimenting the menu. Flavours boast a roaring winter fire, perfect for warming frosty limbs.

Genki Sushi certainly lives up to its name, because the Japanese term ‘genki’ translates to ‘Fine or Great’. This authentic Japanese Sushi restaurant offers its visitors a delicious slice into typical everyday Japanese cuisine while soaking up the Stellenbosch vibe. In keeping with its eastern style, the restaurant is not all table and chairs, though such seating is available outside. The Sushi bar, complete with sushi chefs working alongside the owner of the establishment, is the best seat in the house for a quick bite while marvelling at the art of sushi preparation and negotiating chop sticks, wasabi and soy sauce. More than just sushi, Genki Sushi also offers patrons a great selection of Japanese style tappas and side dishes to the likes of tako sunomono (boiled octopus salad with wakame and cucumber), yakitori and a South African inspired kudu-shi which is thinly sliced kudu meat served with sushi rice. The restaurant also has a small selection of wines to complement its food. Located at the very heart of town activity, Genki Sushi is an ideal spot for a Far East eating experience.

The lighthearted and intimate atmosphere makes an ideal setting for indulging in specialized Japanese and Thai cuisine. Enjoy favourites such as delicious sushi platters, noodles or even something grilled. Alongside sushi and grills, you can try Tempura, satay, Thai, stir-fry and Teppen Yaki. Golden Wheat Japanese Restaurant is a warm and welcoming restaurant located in Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch.

Guardian Peak is essentially a winery - with a restaurant. From entering the farm, following the road through the vineyards and finding the restaurant nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Helderberg Mountain, one will soon buy into the “living the lifestyle” concept that drives this establishment. If it’s modernity that one seeks, then Guardian Peak will certainly meet expectations. The open plan restaurant boasts a demonstration kitchen, allowing guests to experience the energy and synergy that takes place in a professional kitchen. The menu’s contemporary interpretation of ‘wine with food’ pairing (and not the other way round) leaves no room for ignorant choices when it comes to marrying food with drink. The menu, which is seasonal, is wickedly extravagant. Besides a fare of traditional venison and lamb, patrons will be hard pressed not to succumb to temptations of Courgette & Goats cheese soufflé, Roasted Apple and Raisin Pork Belly or Quail Breast stuffed with bacon and sage. Soak up the South African sunshine on the terrace or feel right at home with the warmth of the fireplace in winter, either way Guardian Peak is a great lunch location.

A social spot perfect for sharing and socializing offers expansive lawns shaded by an age old giant Oak. Tapas style dishes make great focal points during conversation as the wine flows and children flock to the sprawling lawns enjoying popular games. Harry-Q.Bar is a relaxing pub dining experience set amidst the beauty and splendor of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.

The breathtaking Banhoek Valley is a home to Zorgvleit Wine Estate. Located on the perimeter of Stellenbosch, this wine estate boasts The Herenhuis restaurant with a historic presence that dates back to 1692 and offers patrons gourmet renditions of traditional South African cuisine. Much of the charm of the establishment is embedded in its history. The homestead of the farm that houses the restaurant has been meticulously restored with every effort to retain the original ceilings structures. This aspect paired with the paintings (specially commissioned to capture the beauty of the farm) creates a particular ambiance that has guests feel transported to a time gone by. Chef Darius van Rensburg and owner Marietjie van der Merwe combined forces to forge a menu that is a fresh interpretation of the traditional. Popular dishes on the summer menu include the crayfish cocktail and the linguine with smoked mountain trout. The wine estate’s deli also caters for traditional picnics to be taken under its oak trees, while Sundays afford family and friends braai (barbeque) picnic options. The restaurant also has a selection of award winning wines from its own farm on offer. Booking for lunch or dinner is recommended.

If one finds oneself meandering through the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch then Hazendal Wine Estate’s Hermitage Restaurant is a good choice for fine food and wine tasting. The dining area of the restaurant has the prefect combination of comfort and sophistication. In winter intimate post dinner drinks and wine tastings can be taken in front of the fire place while the court yard is available on warmer days. The view of the working cellar behind the glass walls adds a hint of modernity to an otherwise classical setting. The painted ceiling and piano is a splendid touch in creating the ambience of the establishment. Hermitage offers patrons a generous slice of South African cuisine with a dollop of Russian flair. Menu items include a Traditional Cape Malay Platter with Bobotie, Chicken Pie and Lamb Curry, Ostrich Carpaccio and Austrian Chocolate Mousse that is infused with an orange liqueur. Hazendal also has a Russian Museum as a place of interest and caters for picnics (includes eats for the kids) on a booking basis.

Break away from the city scenery and settle in for a tranquil breakfast, tea or lunch at Hillcrest Berry Orchards Restaurant. The discovery of this little gem delights patrons who seek a quiet spot with good food made from produce which can be purchased on the way out. Hillcrest is hidden along the scenic Helshoogte pass in Stellenbosch and overlooks the Drakenstein and Jonkershoek mountains. In warm weather meals are best had on the shaded terrace while colder weather calls for the fire to be lit in the farm style restaurant. With the berries being their business, the berry-licious menu does not disappoint. Hillcrest breakfast specialty is a divine combination of its own honey roasted muesli, home-made yoghurt with berry compote along with other traditional options and a grand selection of pastries. While lunch choices are lighter, with menu items such as quiche, pastas and soups, one cannot help but be tickled to taste an interesting home-made gooseberry and ginger ice-cream for dessert. Allergy prone individuals will be happy to discover that their dietary requirements are suitably catered for with options that include wheat and gluten free bread and soya milk alternatives. Hillcrest is also home to a deli where much of the farm’s produce such as breads, jams, fresh or frozen berries and other delicacies may be purchased.

Indochine is an upmarket Asian fusion restaurant found on the Delaire Graff Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. It is the sister restaurant to the more established Delaire Restaurant also located on the farm. The wine estate surroundings and the natural beauty of the Stellenbosch district sets the mood for a delightful dining out experience. The restaurant itself is understatedly modern and sophisticated with leather couches and copper top tables. The open plan design also has a fireplace with couches if one chooses to take pre- dinner drinks. The Asian fusion menu is inspired by local organic ingredients. Food lovers will enjoy the attention to detail from Italian cutlery to the plated art – that is the food. The chef’s interaction with guests about the dishes he has designed, is a personal touch that adds dimension to the dining experience. Menu options include 2, 3, 4 or 5 courses. The wine list offers a good selection of locally and internationally sourced labels, but only Delaire’s wines are offered by the glass. Be sure to take a moment and admire the Cheetah sculptures, by well known sculptor Dylan Lewis, at the entrance.

Java is all about location. Situated at the pulse of Stellenbosch, this spot is ideal for soaking up that special energy that this university town is known for. The laid back and unpretentious atmosphere makes it an accessible lunch or dinner option for those that like easy food. Uncomplicated burgers, pizzas, wraps and sandwiches can be found on the menu and breakfast is served all day. Java cafe also serves up a very decent cup of coffee (living up to its name), which is perfect for those that want to make use of the internet and Wi-Fi terminals.

Another Stellenbosch winery has lured an award winning chef to put its eatery on the culinary map. Chef George Jardine now heads up ‘Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine’ on the Jordan wine Estate. The establishment’s name may be a mouthful which in turn serves as a fairly accurate take on the food too – mouthfuls of deliciousness. Food enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the fine dining experience on offer here. The restaurant offers set menus to choose from, ensuring orchestrated flavours and textures above all else. Guests can opt for two, three or four courses, all with or without specific wine pairings to compliment the dishes. Although the menu is changeable to in order to really get the best out of seasonal produce, one can expect to be tantalized with The duck liver parfait to start. The mains are exciting, with the likes of Penny Verburg’s Suckling Pig Roasted and a lavish baked pudding with Pimm’s Creme Catalan. The wine list is not limited to only Jordan’s Wines, but also has a good local selection and a broad spectrum price range. One is permitted to bring one’s own wine (limited to a single bottle) subject to a corkage fee. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays to Sundays and for dinner Thursdays and Fridays.

La Pineta is a charming eatery nestled in the Stellenbosch wine-lands. With a lovely bit of history attached to it, it’s difficult not to drawn to dine on the restaurant terrace and embrace the relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the old “Louw se Bos” a pine forest where romantic picnics were once the order of the day. It is told that the forest had a very special quality in forging long lasting relationships. A visit to La Pineta is nothing short of captivating Guests will appreciate the versatile menu and unpretentious food on offer. With a range of starters, mains and dessert, La Pineta proves itself capable to catering for all tastes. Menu items include a great selection of starters to the likes of salads and delicacies like Brandy Flambe’ed Chicken Livers and Carpaccio of Beef. Expect traditional favourites for mains: Oxtail, Lamb Shank and Crispy Duck. With mouth watering desserts to complete the meal, patrons will certainly consider a second visit to La Pineta. Wine lovers will be happy to make a choice from the restaurant’s locally sourced wines while the cocktail menu will entice the young at heart.

Lafayette is perfectly placed along the oak lined Andringa Street in Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a cosy, intimate eatery that offers an Italian bistro style food with no shortage of wines to choose from. Lafayette achieves in creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. One has a choice of seating. Dine indoors at winter time in the rustic Italian setting of the restaurant or outside in the courtyard around the open fire on a balmy summer’s evening, either way Lafayette’s intimate setting is all about romance. The Tuscan inspired menu calls for all foods to be home made. Expect extravagant pasta to the likes of ravioli with spinach and ricotta in a blue cheese, bacon and yoghurt sauce. Other dishes include local speciality dishes of tripe, vegetable stew with warm tabouleh, and rich Tuscan style soups. On Thursday evenings guests are treated to an outdoor fire from which the evening’s meals are cooked. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines by the glass as well per bottle.

Le Pommier Restaurant offers the best in country cuisine filled with flavour. Think traditional South African dishes like Bobotie, Chicken Pie as well as the Golden Delicious Gourmet Burger which is Le Pommier’s specialty. Completely child friendly, the restaurant is perfect for leisurely family lunches. It’s refreshing table settings also make it ideal for intimate dinners. Le Pommier Restaurant has added a wine lounge to its list of offerings – an area where you can enjoy wine tasting while enjoying the views of Stellenbosch’s famous Banhoek Valley. This is the ideal place to sit back and watch your favourite sporting events with your friends. The best part is that the wine lounge will continue to make wines from different Banhoek Estates available to you at Cellar door prices, just like in the previous wine shop.

Easily accessible by any account, yet a drive out to Haskell Vineyards’ Long Table Restaurant may feel slightly off the beaten track. In this case, though, it’s more like following the red brick road to a secluded spot where subtle sophistication meets wine estate ambiance. The shaded terrace is the perfect place to soak up the picturesque view of Stellenbosch on a summer’s day, while the indoor fireplace and the Long Table (seats 12) will keep the party quite content in moodier weather. The breakfast menu has an exciting individualist flare and caters for all preferences. Expect to be tantalized by offerings of Breakfast Trifle, Tunisian Adja and French Toast Pockets amongst the traditional. The lunch menu is varied, complete with starters, light meals, mains and dessert. Choices range from simple to sophisticated with Duck and Quail for those who crave something a little different. The wine list is a treat for wine lovers and comprises the farm’s own Dombeya Wines and Haskell Vineyards offerings including the Samara (Double Gold Winner Michelangelo Awards 2008) and the Boulder Road Shiraz (Gold Medal Best in Class Winner - 2008 International Wine and Spirits Awards). Meal portions are generous, offering good value for money. A bonus for those who would like to make lunch more of an outing is the opportunity for wine tasting in the restaurant’s foyer.

Lord Neethling Restaurant is situated in the heart of Neethlingshof Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands. The delicious cuisine and stunning views make for a truly memorable dining experience, combining the very best in South African food and wine. The elegant Lord Neethling Restaurant features spectacular sweeping views over the vineyard and surrounding country from the beautiful outdoor terrace and a warm and relaxed fine dining atmosphere. The setting is simply superb, the food is excellent and the service is friendly. Choose from delightful garden setting of the Palm Terrace which serves a variety of light meals or the Manor House. Built in 1814, the Manor House is now a national monument. The restaurant offers a comprehensive a la carte and light meal menu in the original Manor house, on the veranda in front of the building or in the wine garden under the oak trees.

The Majeka Restaurant forms part Majeka House, a five star Boutique Hotel in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a fairly new establishment and is unashamedly French in feel and character. The intimate dining area, with its chandeliers and piano, leads onto the library, giving the restaurant an enchanting European flair. Flowers from the hotel garden adds a light homely touch. The menu is diverse and offers a Tasting option of two sample dishes per course or the a la carte selection which has five choices per course. The menu also has wine pairing suggestions with each dish. Expect to be tantalised with delicacies such as Seared Springbok Loin and Buttered Kabbeljou for mains. And definitely do not pass on dessert with Millefeuille of chocolate mousse and Pear Crumble with Vanilla Cream that will have one savouring each bite. The wines are predominantly from the Stellenbosch region with Tamboerskloof Syrah and Dalla Cia amongst others. Wines are also available per glass.