Cape Winelands Restaurants

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.

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.

Located in the breath taking beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands Boschendal Wine Estate offers its visitors Le Café for a laid back breakfast or lunch venue. The eatery is housed in the original slave quarters of the farm. Enjoy a light summer lunch or tea time treat in the cool that the canopy of ancient oak trees provide. Parents will appreciate the lawn as a place of play (amongst the ducks) for the children. In winter guests will feel right at home indoors in front the cosy fireplace. The restaurant has a change of menu at winter, when warm bredies and Bobotie are called for. The summer offerings include home-made lemonade and the best scones. Other menu items include omelets, Quesidillas, salads, and quiche. Desserts range from cheese cakes to Ice –cream Sundays and Pavlova. The restaurant also has a selection of Boschendal’s finest wines to round off lunch. The estate also offers deli style picnics (Le Pique Nique) and houses 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This bistro affair captures the best of the nature and flavours from the kitchen into a well-rounded dining experience. The glass conservatory flows out on the alfresco style terrace flanked by panoramic views of the valley in the nurturing atmosphere of the working orchard. The open plan kitchen invites a culinary performance dining indoors and the terrace cradled by fruit trees embraces the great outdoors.

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 Restaurant at Clos Malverne achieves a laid back country feel while being an upmarket establishment. It provides its patrons with the three essential ingredients to any eating out experience: an unpretentious ambiance, a stunning location and sophisticated gastronomy. The restaurant is a new addition to the wine estate, but has already impressed with its obvious focus on hospitality and fantastic globally inspired food. Visitors will be hard pressed to choose from the menu’s extensive offerings. Start with a Chicken, Asparagus and Citrus salad which is delicately rounded off with a pistachio dressing or the Tempura Prawns. For mains, meat lovers can go all out on the Grilled Fillet, with a selection of exciting sauces to choose from. Other traditional fare includes Oxtail, Lamb Curry and Lamb Shank. All dishes have wine suggestions and pairings from Clos Malverne’s own vineyards and are properly rounded off with a dessert menu. The trio of Crème Brulee is quite irresistible while the Chocolate Fondant will satisfy the chocoholic. The restaurant receives patrons on select evenings, so calling ahead is advised.

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.

For that authentic Irish pub experience give The Brazen Head a try. Situated in the historic university town of Stellenbosch, this local hang out delivers hearty pub grub as well as a lively atmosphere. Expect a warm hospitable atmosphere, that the Irish refer to as ‘Craic’ is duplicated here with furniture, décor and subtle background music that will have one feel instantly transported to a Dublin Pub. The pub cum restaurant offers good old Irish food along with traditional South African fare to cater to the palate of its patrons. Specialty drinks that add a stamp of authenticity include Guinness and Kilkenny, famous Irish whiskeys like Tullamore Dew and Jameson's along with Bailey's. The Brazen Head also offers great lunch specials, Sunday Roasts and a big screen TV for sport fanatics. The venue also hosts corporate events.

The Fishmonger, a restaurant that specializes in the best available seafood, is located at the pulse of the historic town of Stellenbosch. At the corner of Plein and Van Ryneveld streets, this eatery offers a vibey, Mediterranean atmosphere with the best seats in the house being out of house – on the pavement. Seafood lovers will find the menu a catch. With items such as oysters, linefish in a cream sauce with mushrooms and mozzarella, as well as seafood soup and variety of mixed platters to choose from (that include queen prawns and calamari) there can be no complaints. Those with a sweet tooth will also be happy to try the Crème Brulee on the dessert menu. The restaurant also has a good selection of local wines to compliment the seafood cuisine. Reserving a table is essential at this popular venue.

The Lanzerac Hotel and Wine Estate is home to the elegant Governor’s Hall Restaurant. The estate restaurant is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and fringed with vineyards against the breathtaking backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains. Governor’s Hall is a fine dining establishment with many personalities. The main restaurant is formal and stately, while the Terrace and The Lady Anne Courtyard is the perfect choice for an outdoor, al fresco luncheon. The restaurant’s menu is managed by well known executive chef Stephen Fraser who promises guests meals nothing short of culinary excellence. There is also a an informal bar called the Taphuis that is perfect for after work drinks. And for those who would like to round off their meal with whiskey and a cigar, the Esquire Cigar and Whiskey Lounge is a must.

Beyerskloof Wine Estate is located in the picturesque wine valley of Stellenbosch. The Wine Estate has firmly established itself as one of the best Pinotage producers in the country, making wine lovers happy all round. Now foodies can also join the club and visit the estate for a relaxed breakfast or lunch at the Red Leaf Restaurant. The bistro style eatery is casual and family friendly. The red and white interior is unpretentious and allows guests to soak up the fantastic view of the farm’s vineyards and unwind while delighting in the menu. The menu, like the wine farm, is preoccupied with Pinotage. Be sure to try items such as the Pinotage Burger, Pinotage Salami and even Pinotage Frozen Yoghurt. There is also a choice of grills, sandwiches, curries and salads to choose from. Wine lovers can compliment their meal with a choice of six versions of Beyerskloof’s signature Pinotage to round things off. The restaurant is also open for breakfast.

Lunch might be over when the distant orange-pink mountains change hue. But that doesn't mean you have to leave.Take a seat on a sunny wooden deck that reaches right into the vines of Rickety Bridge Wine Estate. Sip a glassful of crisp estate wine and redefine the concept of a picnic in the Summer. Every gourmet parcel unwraps new delights. The Restaurant in the Vines offers a unique dining experience, sit on the deck or laze on the lawn in the heart of the vineyard and enjoy a Cape inspired gourmet picnic.In winter, the fare is hot and hearty - home-cooked soups, traditional curries and casseroles.Children also have a menu to keep them satisfied.Every creation from the team of expert chefs is given extra zest by the striking splendour of the setting.Rickety Bridge is an enchanting Franschhoek wine estate that earns its place in the Cape's cuisine capital. Taste their celebrated wines on leather fireside couches. Stay over in one of the luxurious Manor House rooms, embraced in two centuries of history, and discover one certainty. During every moment spent on this side of the bridge, you won't want to be anywhere else in the world.Need to know? Opening Times:Monday - Sunday 11:00 - 16:30.

Eaglevlei Estate in the stunning Stellenbosch winelands is home to The Vineyard Kitchen. Don’t be misled to equate the restaurant’s name with old fashioned farm food. Here patrons are promised a menu that reads like gastronomic adventure. Chef Herbie van Schalkwyk aims to wow guests with food that is created to “satisfy the entire palate at once”. The menu is as daring as it is exciting: a unique interpretation of Traditional South African Cuisine. Expect menu items to the likes of Snoek Bobotie with coconut risotto, apricot cocktail, caramelised banana mash potatoes and chilli jam; or Ostrich steak with sweet potato cake, peppadew puree, walnut and Amarula sauce. Desserts are equally dreamy with Trio of South Africa: a cocktail Milktart, Koeksister ice-cream, caramelised banana and Pinotage Crème Brûlée. Although the Vineyard Kitchen dares one with its latest menu inventions it does not fail to cater more simply for the less adventurous (burgers and tappas) and children (hotdogs with smilely - face chips). The beauty of the farm is a breath-taking back drop and makes The Vineyard Kitchen a great location for marvellous meal.

It’s difficult not to hold one’s breath when travelling along the spectacular Helshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and it’s harder still not to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the view that Tokara Wine Estate offers. It’s here that Tokara Restaurant finds itself perfectly placed. There is no question why this fine dining establishment is considered a flag ship restaurant of the winelands. The spacious stone, steel and glass buildings overlook the valley. The best seats to totally indulge in the view are on the restaurant’s wooden deck. Visitors will be thoroughly entertained by the restaurant’s transparent show kitchen. Witness the Tokara team whip up some of the finest food in the country. The Tokara eating experience is nothing short of fine dining. Dishes may be described as flavours that are layered with the focus being on unlocking the true flavour and texture of the main ingredient. The signature dish: Trio of Trout is Franco – Japanese inspired and is a good accumulation of chef Carsten’s own culinary journey. Expect plates of precision and exciting frills such as beetroot foam, olive oil custard and pistachio puree. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of the signature dishes that are paired with either Tokara’s finest wines or a selection that reflects the Cape region.

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.

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!