Cape Peninsula Restaurants

Set on the western slopes of the beautiful Helderberg mountain is the Avontuur Estate restaurant. The welcoming and relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by a mix of old and new decor as well as a airy terrace complete with pagodas covered in grapevines. For a truly decadent but relaxing environment and a very memorable dining experience, the Avontuur Estate restaurant is the place to be.

Fresh ingredients grace dishes prepared home-style, using the freshest South African ingredients and tried and tested recipes. Balmy summer days extend a warm welcome with a traditional lamb on the spit, served with salads, vegetables and roast potatoes everyday and winters combine a three course meal consisting of starters, mains and desert every Sunday. Spend long lazy afternoons soaking up sun and live music drifting through the air, as the aroma of succulent lamb on the spit wets the appetite complimented by fine wines at Backsberg Restaurant.

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.

With spectacular mountain views across Steenberg vineyards, Constantia Valley and False Bay, Bistro 1682 boasts an interactive dining experience in a setting that flows from open spaces to indigenous gardens surrounded by reflective water features and floating glass bridges. Enjoy a complete multi-sensory experience that entices you to stay and relax savouring every delicious mouthful while refreshing the palate with delectable wines straight from the state-of-the-art Steenberg wine cellar. This 70 seater bistro offers a unique raw bar and counter seating experience alongside their menu with temptingly delicious morsels of raw cuisine such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche and oysters to mention a few. With so much variety and flavour at hand Bistro 1682 captivates the palate with a feast of senses while remaining interesting, healthy and true to the concept of raw food dining. Bistro 1682’s warm and welcoming ambience makes it the perfect place to linger and relax. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery coupled with modern sophistication and delectable food, your visit to Bistro 1682 will see returning again and again and again.

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.

Boschendal Wine Farm offers the perfect solution for a laid back family lunch that doesn’t require having to keep the kids tamed at an indoor table. The establishment’s Le Pique Nique area allows visitors a picnic style lunch with a basket filled with delicious delicacies. With the beauty of Stellenbosch as a backdrop, the wine farm ambience and the ideally shaded area under the fragrant pine trees, a summer’s day picnic lunch is the ideal way to spend time in the Cape wine -lands. The wicker baskets boast a selection of pates, French bread, cold meats, cheese and biscuits. The Boschendal wine list is also available and offers a selection of the farm’s finest wines. And just to ensure that one’s Boschendal picnic experience is absolutely perfect, coffee and dessert are served from the gazebo. The deli also caters for children. The picnic baskets are catered for at a flat rate per head and booking is essential. The estate also has a café (Le Café) and a buffet restaurant (Boschendal Le Restaurant).

Located on the Boschendal Wine Farm in the picturesque wine-lands countryside of Stellenbosch, Boschendal Restaurant offers grand buffet style lunches. The buffet restaurant is housed in the original wine cellar Guests can expect an array of dishes that lean towards French / Cape cuisine. The menu changes every three days which ensures that the restaurant’s exceptional standards on food quality are maintained. As a general rule patrons may look forward to roasts, seafood dishes, imaginative salads and a dessert table that caters for every sweet craving. The farm’s own selection of wines is available to be enjoyed with the restaurant’s offerings. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the farm’s national monument and museum, the Manor House. Booking is essential at this popular venue. The estate also offers deli style picnics (Le Pique Nique) and a café (Le Café) for a more casual eating experience.

Constantia Uitsig's original Cape Dutch Homestead is surrounded by sweeping views of Constantiaberg Mountains and vineyards. Under the expert hand of Head Chef, Clayton Bell, Constanita Uitsig Restaurant has earned an international reputation for a elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, promising a memorable dining experience. Chef Clayton Bell builds on the indelible legacy of chef extraordinaire, Frank Swainston. The menu’s focus remains the robust flavours of Italy with forays into exotic Asia. Clayton believes that consistency is a key factor in the restaurant’s ongoing popularity. “Don’t over-complicate food, and don’t mess with good quality ingredients. I’ve been here for 13 years, and Uitsig is my second family.” This attitude underscores the elegant yet relaxed, convivial atmosphere that keeps so many people returning for another meal in the original Manor House on the estate. It’s also why first-time visitors feel immediately that they’ve come home. Since its launch in 1992, Constantia Uitsig Restaurant has consistently featured in the Top Ten Restaurants of South Africa. Need to know? Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12h30-14h30 Dinner: 19h30-21h30 Closed: Lunch 31 December New Year's Day

Tasty South African cuisine is the order of the day at this picturesque restaurant set within Seidelberg Wine Estate in Paarl.A great range of perfectly prepared classic South African dishes are on offer along with superb wines from the Seidelberg Wine Estate and other popular areas. Wine tasting is a real treat and well worth allowing some for.A stunning location with jaw-dropping views makes for a spectacular dining experience you won’t soon forget.

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.

Dieu Donne restaurant finds itself in Franschhoek, arguably, the culinary capital of the country. The Drakenstein mountain is a magnificent backdrop to the wine farm on which the eatery is located and thus sets the scene for tranquil lunch or dinner. The restaurant is housed in an underground cellar and promises patrons fine dining with its extensive menu and wine pairings from the farm’s own offerings. Dieu Donne is also a popular lunch venue. Guests soak up the best of the summer weather with al fresco style dining on the ground terrace while the lawn (with a sandpit near by to occupy the kids) is available for families who would like to picnic. Blankets are provided and the restaurant has a children’s menu. Dieu Donne delivers a ‘world menu’ which includes French Huguenot Provincial fare, with a unique combination of African, Asian & Mauritian influences. The open planned professional kitchen makes dining an interactive experience and adds to the energy that the restaurant exudes. A point of interest at this location is the micro brewery. Visitors are welcome to taste the beer the farm yields. Wine tasting is also recommended. Dieu Donne is also a prime wedding and function venue.

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.

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.

Dishes are influenced by the seasons and the flavours are evident with each mouthful. Cradled in the Holden Manz Wine Estate, diners enjoy mouth-watering meals alfresco, amidst vines or within the cosy dining room. Meals resemble homemade dishes, created with simplicity and pureness only achieved from harvesting produce in your own garden. All vegetables and fruits are sourced from the estates own garden while additional produce is sourced from local suppliers. Pamper the palate with international cuisine in a relaxed and idyllic setting in the heart of Franschhoek vally.

Freedom Hill Restaurant offers country-style hospitality on its stunning wine estate in the Franschhoek region. With views of the Berg River Valley and Simonsberg Mountains, Freedom Hill has an exquisite back drop for a meal sitting any time of day. Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or sundowners in the late afternoon for a laid back time out. Not limited to lighter meal variations, the restaurant also has a well rounded and complete lunch and dinner menu with starters, mains and pudding. The menu offers a selection of mouth watering canapés as finger food to compliment a social drinks meet (and eat) or as a nibble between meals. The a la carte menu is an explosion of flavours with starters such as Sardine and Mascarpone Cheese Quiche, or Quail Breast with Nougat Salad. The main courses cover a variety of meat dishes as well pasta. Dessert is a decadent affair with the likes of Vanilla and Amarula pan cotta with fresh strawberries or, a chocoholic’s dream: Double Chocolate Mousse with Pistachio Nuts. Be sure to enquire about the daily specials. Not only is Freedom Hill an eatery worth visiting, it is also a wedding and function venue. Personal wine tastings are available to guests.

Lovely views of the farm and mountains combined with good food ensure a sublime indulgence at Genot.Delicious, home-styled and innovative, Genot's kitchen enjoys showcasing the local ingredients of the region, such as snoek, Karoo lamb and several varieties of venison. The menu changes on a weekly basis. If you have a favourite dish, enquire with the chef regarding its availability.Starters include dishes such as Rooikrans-smoked snoek or quiche with apricot chutney and a side salad. Alternatively choose a beef Carpaccio dripping with a rosemary-honey vinaigrette and tomato-rooibos broth.Indulge in a main course of your selection, with options that are carefully divided into seafood, meat and grill options. Your choices include oven baked Kingklip, topped with green pumpkin seeds and fynbos honey, or traditional Cape springbok bobotie with saffron rice and sambals. Or choose from a hearty selection of grilled meats which include sirloin, fillet, kudu and gemsbok, all fairly priced.If you are a vegetarian, Genot provides many options. Why not indulge in delicious risotto cake with chevrin, plum tomatoes, courgettes and red pepper fondue? And do not forget the most important meal of all, namely dessert! Ask for the vanilla pod crème brulee with apricots and an almond koeksister - enough to break the will of any calorie-counter. Need to know? Closed on Mondays, open for lunch only on Sundays.

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.

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.

The Jonkershuis is situated in the historic core of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, overlooking the Constantia Valley Vineyards and with Panoramic views across False Bay. Being situated in one of Cape Town's 'Big 6' destinations allows Jonkershuis to offer groups and individuals more than just a memorable dining experience. Enquire about a trip through the historic Manor House or a Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour of the Groot Constantia Cellars. There are also fantastic views of the Peninsula from the historic Baths high on the estate for those energetic visitors. Relaxed and inviting, dine alfresco overlooking False Bay and Groot Constantia Manor House underneath the oak trees or in the Jonkershuis courtyard under the grape vines. Inside dining is elegant and informal with the double-sided fireplace adding warmth and grandeur during those chilly winter months. Situated next to the main restaurant is a room with two large wood burning fireplaces at each end, a wooden ceiling and stable doors leading to the historic core and wagon courtyard, a perfect spot for groups wishing a more private area or a wine tasting to accompany dinner. Bistro-style dining with a Cape Malay influence characterises the stylish and varied menu. The emphasis is on flavour, using the best local ingredients and fresh produce from boutique suppliers wherever possible. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 22h00, and on Sundays from 09h00 to 16h00. From 15 May to 15 August, the restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday, from 09h00 to 16h00 - the kitchen closes at 16h00 and then serves deserts and cheeseboards from 16h00 to 17h00. For large evening bookings please contact info@jokershuisconstantia.co.za.

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.

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.

MANA restaurant forms part of MANA Guest Cottage Accommodation. The Establishment is ideally located on JC Le Roux, a working sparkling wine farm situated just on the outskirts of historic Stellenbosch. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with spectacular views of the farm’s merlot, pinot noir and cabernet vineyards. The menu offers contemporary fusion cuisine. The restaurant is open Monday - Saturday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and on Sundays for Lunch. Be sure to book ahead for a unique sparkling wine tasting at the JC Le Roux cellar.

Fantastic fusion food is the order of the day at this quaint restaurant in Franschhoek. The menu offers the best that fusion cuisine has to offer with superb salad, meat and seafood options to name a few. The wine list comprises some of the best that Franschhoek valley has to offer and is well-priced. A charming venue for great food in beautiful surroundings, Monneaux Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Sprawling lawns and gardens invites alfresco dining under an old Oak tree and roaring log fires warm frosty limbs dining on hearty country cuisine. Nestled on the Morgenhof Wine Farm, the setting captures the senses and essence of the wine lands. The menu invites a la carte lunches and afternoon teas brimming with seasonal produce and lighter options such as salads. Dine in the garden under the age-old Oak tree or within glass walled restaurant dressed in vines, warmed by the winter sunshine and fireplace at the Morgenhof Restaurant in Stellenbosch.

Pierneef a la Motte Restaurant’s name is inspired by the great South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957). Along with being able to view a collection of paintings by the legend in the restaurant, patrons can embark on a reminiscent culinary journey that explores the best of traditional Cape Winelands’ cuisine. The restaurant setting is very much Cape Dutch with a contemporary spin. The emphasis on oak furnishings along with glass vases marries the beauty of the outdoor scenery perfectly, thereby creating a relaxed and subtly sophisticated ambience. The menu is nothing short of a history lesson in the development of local traditional cooking. Expect to find the best traditional fare that is unashamedly South African. Menu items include starters of Boerbok terrine or the Koningsbrood soup. Mains serve up Pomegranate glazed Smoked Pork Belly and Impala Neck. And for dessert who can resist the Brandy Chocolate Pudding? The wine list is extensive and offers a full selection of the farm’s own as well as other overseas brands. One can indulge in a food and wine pairing at the Tasting Centre. The restaurant also has a children’s menu.

The classic European style cuisine embraces simplistic dining flanked by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque dam and vineyards. Additional dining rooms offer intimate or romantic dining choices while the menu seduces with signature favourites. Dishes include classics like Orange Cured Salmon and Chalmar Beef Fillet (succulent piece of grain-fed South African Chalmer Beef) served with a herb crust and red wine jus. Expect five star services and fine wine at Raphael’s in Stellenbosch.

The interior is a Pandora’s box, filled with surprises and dining areas brimming with character and inspiration. Stylish table settings and a restored wine cellar makes for an unforgettable dining experience or alfresco in the charming garden setting. The a la carte menu offers classic choices such as Oxtail, Lamb Shanks or Bobotie, while offering cosmopolitan choices such as pizzas, pasta and salads. Decadent deserts tempt the palate with choices such as Gooseberry Cheesecake or Pistachio Crème Brulee. Discover a culinary gem on Vredenheim Estate in Stellenbosch.

Satiate your gastronomic cravings at the new River Garden Deli and Eatery on Lourensford Wine Estate. They offer early bird breakfasts from 08:00 and serve lunch until 15:30. For the not so hungry, enjoy cakes and treats, bowls of home baked rusks or a scrumptious picnic under the shade of old oak trees. Just browsing? Stop at the deli to taste some award winning Healey's mature cheddar and have a chuckle at Frans Groenewald's art work on display against the walls. Kids can work off some energy in the play area; produce works of art on a wall sized black board and choose something from the lovely kids menu – try the bonsai burger.

If an art rich dining room with a cosy fireplace entices for a French inspired dinner or a shady terrace on a gorgeous Stellenbosch wine farm sounds like just the spot for a summer’s lunch, then Rozendal is has “pick me!” written all over it. The restaurant is housed in the wine farm’s 150 year old Manor House. Here guests can sit back and appreciate the canvassed walls of the dining hall while sipping wine near the fire place in winter. Warm summer days call for outdoor seating which offers wine farm beauty and tranquillity. The menu is best described as having a firm French Provencal basis as well as a focus on all things natural. Guests can enjoy the best of local, organic and, where possible, free range ingredients in the dishes designed for the set menu. There are three or four courses on offer. All meals begin with a treat: an aperitif of the farm’s internationally acclaimed Rozendal Drinking Vinegar. The farm’s unfiltered Bordeaux Blend wine comes highly recommended and reservations for lunch or dinner are essential.

This exceptional setting caters for sophistication where diners soak up stature, style and socialize with high flyers. Situated in the exclusive Val die Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Sabrage Restaurant and Bar the ultimate wine land destination and place to be and be seen.

Seasons is a contemporary restaurant located in the Wellington winelands at Diemersfontein Estate. The restaurant boasts breathtaking views of the Paarl mountain ranges and well known landmark, Paarl Rock. Guests to Diemersfontein can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Seasons. The second storey balcony is the ideal spot for a casual brunch or lunch while enjoying the beauty of the Estate’s surroundings. The summer and winter menu is influenced by the availability of the freshest seasonal produce. Popular menu items include Prawn and Avocado Tortellini, Lamb Knuckles or lighter options like the Roasted Garlic and Goats Cheese Risotto. And who can resist trying the Espresso Creme Brule or Toffee Springrolls with a dark rum syrup for pudding? The restaurant’s wine list supports the best on offer of surrounding regions. Snack platters cater for those who visit the estate for wine tasting. Guests also have the option of enjoying the estate’s stunning setting to the full with a gourmet picnic.

Housed in a quaint and beautiful cottage set at the bottom of the estate, Sofia’s depicts a nostalgic rural Italy ambiance. Dine within the characterful interior on deliciously chewy ciabatta mopped up the estate’s rich and fruity award-winning olive oil. Then sample the antipasto with ingredients sourced from the farm. For starters try the classic Niçoise salad or green asparagus soup served with an asparagus flan. For main courses try butter-soft lamb medallions or pan-fried trout with salmon tortellini and braised fennel. Desserts are sinfully delicious serving classics such as stone fruit crumble with pepper ice cream. Enjoy a classic bistro lunch or dinner within the stunning interior or alfresco on the stoep wrapped in grape vines.

Housed inside a historic Cape Dutch homestead, perched on the banks of Earste River, Spier Hotel Restaurant is a comfortable and inviting establishment flanked by garden views, sprawling lawns and the Helderberg Mountain range. The interior pampers with elegant surrounds, large white leather banquet seating and wooden tables contrasted by lime green hues. Whether sitting down for a languid lunch, or seeking relaxation in the lounge bar, or sipping sundowners on the shady terrace, Spier Hotel Restaurant will seduce and meet your expectations promising an unforgettable dining experience.

One of South Africa's top restaurants, Terroir opened its doors in 2004 and over the years has become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands, placing Stellenbosch prominently on the culinary map. The restaurant is located on Kleine Zalze, a family owned wine farm that has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally thanks in particular to its award-winning chenin blanc and shiraz. Set under historic oak trees with views over the De Zalze golf course and surrounding gardens and vineyards, the atmosphere is both refined and relaxed. It’s the perfect environment in which to enjoy a fine meal matched to excellent wines. The unpretentious ambience and dressed-down décor belie multi award-winning chef Michael Broughton’s rigorously disciplined approach to food. Classic pairings and intense depth of flavour characterize the chalkboard menu of ‘deceptively simple’ dishes influenced by what’s in season and, where possible, the use of locally grown fresh produce. Care and emphasis is placed on matching the food to specific wines produced at Kleine Zalze, in the Stellenbosch region and further afield. Terroir’s ongoing success has brought with it a string of prestigious awards, including the Eat Out Johnny Walker ‘Restaurant of the Year 2006’, Eat Out ‘Service Excellence Award 2006’, Eat Out ‘Top 10 Restaurant’ 2005 and 2006, Dine (Wine magazine) ‘Top 10 Restaurant’ in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Best of Wine Capitals of the World South African Wine Tourism Restaurant of the Year 2006 and Honours at the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards.

The Guinea Fowl Restaurant is located on the Stellenbosch wine route on Saxenburg farm , one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. It is renowned for its seafood, game and guinea fowl specialties. Visitors can delve into an extensive menu that caters for light, informal lunches to a full a la carte menu for occasion dining all while soaking up the ambiance that the farm effortlessly offers. Taking lunch on the vine covered terrace in summer, while watching the kids being taken for a ride (literally) on the farm’s minature horse will please young families, while adult parties and couples will love the fine dining experience that the restaurant offers. The menu is a feast for fish lovers, who have the assurance that the chef himself selected the daily catch. The Guinea Fowl also prides itself in its presentation staying true its belief that dining should satisfy the senses. Not to be forgotten in winter, the indoor setting, centred around the glowing fireplace, is perfect for long sips from the exclusive Saxenburg wine list. The Guinea Fowl makes for a fantastic venue for hosting corporate functions in its lapa, while its romantic vineyards set the scene for weddings.