Cape Winelands Restaurants

With focus on light meals, freshly made with love this extraordinary spot boasts the best views of Paarl Valley. Volksmond literally means ‘Colloquialism” and this quaint little spot is all about the informality and flowing conversation. The menu brims with homemade food with focus on light meals such as the popular Monument Breakfast, stuffed pancakes, hearty sandwiches and tasty burgers. For those seeking something sweeter, freshly baked scones, cakes and aromatic coffee hits the spot. Pop in and spend the day in idle conversation, enjoying the light meals on offer at Volksmond Coffee and Curio Shop in Paarl.

Warwick Wine Estate is located on the R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch and has become a popular picnic venue. The estate is versatile in that, although it is the perfect romantic spot, it is also child friendly. There are a few picnic areas to choose from. The courtyard has tables and chairs and a shady area where the kids can play. The lawn area is all umbrellas, mattresses and cushions overlooking the dam and lunching in such comfort is almost sinful. There are also picnic pods. Visitors who would like to host a more private party can reserve the “penthouse’ picnic location that is set on the hill, overlooking the stunning scenery of the farm. Expect a quirky, but cleverly packed and delicious picnic basket by award winning chef Bruce Robertson. The boxes and containers are treat to open. Discover the likes of Biltong and Brandy pate, Baguettes wrapped in “Warwick News” newspaper, salads and cold meats and even a helping of Tomato Bredie. A selection from the estate’s wines rounds off the picnic experience. Guests are encouraged to take time for a tasting, and try the lovely wines that Warwick has on offer. Booking is essential.

Located on Waterkloof Wine Estate, this new signature restaurant boasts a 10-meter glass promontory marrying into a flow of sleek state-of-the-art gravitational cellar. Dine against a backdrop of Waterkloof’s amphitheater of vineyards and panoramic views of False Bay on modern French infusions. Fuelled by decades experience attained in some of the finest Michelin star restaurants in France, Grégory Czarnecki calls for an unhurried indulgence on contemporary classics with a modern twist, complemented by the estate’s European style wines.

Wijnhuis is more than just a Stellenbosch eatery, it’s an experience. True to its name, this ‘home of wine’ houses a selection of four hundred wines and, if the cultivar culture isn’t enough to soak up, the restaurant is adjoined to the well known SMAC Art Gallery. Wine, food and art roofed under a 17th century land mark on Church Street makes for a memorable eating out experience. The predominantly Mediterranean menu is not limited to dinner and the restaurant offers meals throughout the day including lighter meals and snacks. Choose to be seated under the oak trees of the Wijnhius’ Street Cafe at lunch or in the upstairs restaurant when part larger crowd. Families with children will also feel at home in the restaurant’s versatile setting and easy going atmosphere. Favourites on the menu include pastas, Kalahari Lamb and venison. A nice touch to the menu is that all Wijnhuis’ seasonal vegetable produce which is grown on the restaurant owner’s farm in Wellington. The wine lounge and shop stocks a range of rare vintage wines and offers an international freighting service for serious collectors – pure indulgence all round for the food and wine lover.

Wilderer Distillery, winner of over 50 of the world’s most prestigious awards, including Grappa of the Year and Double Gold at the World Spirits Festival in Austria. Helmut Wilderer has become a true 'guru' for connoisseurs around the world and personally conducts tastings. Ristorante Pappa Grappa is run by Helmut’s son, Christian, whose passion for fresh seasonal ingredients, is reflected in his traditional German and Italian dishes. Try their homemade pastas, fresh fish or the parmesan feast; eating fresh pasta out of a 20 kg parmesan cheese. Flammkuchen, a pizza speciality from France, remains a must. All-in-all this is world-class grappa and eaux de vie, fantastic fresh food, outstanding service at value for money and a great vibe; a rare combination!

The dramatic décor dressed in red and black is softened by the hanging lanterns, nostalgic of a eatery in Shanghai. The sushi is balanced with the finest ingredients, enjoyed with steaming hot or cold sake. Try the sashimi, nigiri, terkanki or maki for a full rounded experience. There is a small wine list for those who really cannot do without. Wine, Women and Sushi is an authentic and enjoyable dining experience.

Housed inside a beautifully restored Victorian building, dressed in chandeliers, XO Modern Bistro proffers excellent service, large wines by the bottle or glass and temptingly delicious cuisine. The menu boasts contemporary fare such as delicate duck à l’orange served with red cabbage and potato croquettes, rounded off with a decadent desert or a lovely cheese platter.

Set in the lovely Somerset West, Yamas Green Taverna is a superb little gem that exudes a typical Cretan tavern ambiance. Expect tiny tables and chairs scattered throughout and faded photographs with Greek artifacts and a warm and personal touch. Dine on great meze platters laden with tzatziki, taramasalata, hummus, pickled octopus, baby meatballs, skordalia – all rich with garlic and herbs enjoyed with moerish pitas. Move on to lamb, fragrant with lemon and rosemary, served with pita or crunchy potato wedges or indulge in a lovely chicken pita or succulent calamari tentacles or strips. Round off your meal with a bowl of yoghurt and honey or ultra-rich, homemade baklava. Sip on ouzo served in an authentic glass amphora or enjoy wine from the small but well priced wine list.