Cape Winelands 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.

Set deep in the stunning countryside of Helderberg is 96 Winery Road. The main menu is updated four times a year, while the seasonal menu changes much more frequently, nearly every day. A very impressive wine list, comprising around 250 wines leave diners truly spoilt for choice.

Located along Dirkie Uys Street, Al Dente is your traditional trattoria. A delightful venue offering the usual Italian delights tossed with the welcoming aroma of homemade sauces and crusty pizzas. Fresh pasta takes centre stage accompanied by a small wine list and imported Italian blends too. Popular dishes such as steaming Napolitano pasta speaks volumes yet remains simple with distinctive flavours and heaps of fresh ingredients. The deli offers homemade pasta, cured meats and imported Italian ingredients.

Superb Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the best that Italian fare has to offer is the order of the day at Allora, Franschhoek. A cosy interior makes this spot a great venue for colder weather and when the sun is shining, a courtyard area accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. A superb spot to enjoy a culinary journey to the Med, give Allora Ristorante a try.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Bistro ALLEE BLEUE offers innovative bistro cuisine using local seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from the estate’s gardens and local wine lands. The comprehensive menu boasts typical South African delicacies and top class ALLEE BLEUE wines in a stylish atmosphere brimming with charm. Savour bistro delights and exceptional service at this classic contemporary bistro in Groot Drakenstein.

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).

A great spot for summer lunches. Situated on Môreson wine farm, Bread & Wine is named one of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa (Eat Out 2006 & 2007). Neil Jewell makes and sells wonderful chacuterie (sausages and cured meats) from the shop.Sit under umbrellas looking over the orange tree orchards and eat wonderful food in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.Need to know? Open in summer for lunch from 12h00 - 15h00 Wednesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. At other times always enquire ahead.

Set in a rustic old farmhouse and with superb views from every side is the Buena Vista Social Cafe, Somerset West. Diners may also choose to eat outside in a pretty hacienda-style area. The cuisine is primarily Cuban with tantalising tapas and a wine list that perfectly accompanies the dishes. For a wonderful Cuban dining experience in cosy and welcoming surroundings, Buena Vista Social Cafe excels!

Flanked by majestic mountain views and rolling manicured gardens, Café Antionette offers a nostalgic dining experience in formal or casual surroundings. The menu offers light meals, South African and International flavours while summer beacons picnics on the sprawling lawns surrounded by fynbos gardens on the slopes of Franschhoek Mountain. Take a tour of the French Huguenot Museum before or after visiting Café Antionette.

The perfect setting for a long and lazy lunch, Cafe Bon Bon offers a sumptuous slice of country life with wonderful food and fine wine. Set within a barn dating back 200 years, the surroundings are authentic and endearingly rustic. Experience warm country hospitality from the friendly and knowledgeable team who will happily assist you with your selection. Feel truly welcomed at this charming country bistro and enjoy a sumptuous feast of delicious country fare.

Enjoy excellent South African cuisine and a warm welcome at Topsi and Co. A brilliantly friendly and unpretentious spot in Franschhoek, diners can enjoy both classic and unique creations with South African cuisine in mind. Taditional meets modern in a delicious fusion of new and old dishes that have been expertly designed by the talented team behind the scenes. A casual and relaxed place, Topsi’s is decked out with endearing antiques, making diners feel more like they are eating at someone’s home rather than a popular restaurant.

Cradled by magnificent surroundings, Café Traumerei is situated opposite the Town Hall along the Main Road. The interior inspires nostalgia, with original wooden flooring and a crackling winter fireplace. Summers beacons dining alfresco, where scenic vistas compliment a quick cup of coffee or a light meal from the contemporary menu.

For true Mediterranean cooking in a relaxing and laid back setting on the outskirts of Somerset West, Capelands Restaurant provides. Making use of only the freshest ingredients, including herbs and vegetables from the Restaurant’s own gardens, patrons can be assured of the most flavoursome meals from the well-planned menu. With a delicious selection of vegetarian meals as well as a healthy selection of childrens’ meals, everyone has been carefully considered. A good selection of both local and international wines are on offer to perfectly accompany the dishes of choice. With spectacular views to enjoy as you sample the delicious offerings, Capelands Restaurant is the perfect spot for a relaxing dining experience.

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.

The setting leans towards up market styling with a touch of classic contemporary and Asian influenced dishes. Tables dressed in red and white tablecloths and neatly wrapped cutlery set the stage for delicious starters such as spiced calamari followed by Asian braised lamb shank and decadent chocolate tart cardamom ice cream with pear. The hardboard menu proffers various dishes and specials including lighter meals such as gourmet sandwiches. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from the expansive wine list and soak up the bistro style setting at Chez d’Or.

This 100% black owned restaurant immerses the palate in custom cuisine and cultural diversity. Offering African delicacies, this establishment shows an attractive exterior and interior dressed in artistic creations collaborated by local artists. Located adjacent to Mbekweni shopping centre, Chippa’s Restaurant is a welcoming break from everyday dining.

Nestled within the Noble Hill Wine Estate, amidst working vineyards and the majestic Simonsberg Mountain, Cosecha harvests Latin delight using fresh local ingredients. Dishes embrace a mix of contemporary and traditional Latin flavours and proffers daily specials enjoyed with fine wine and idyllic scenery. Discover seasonal flavours and farm fresh flavours at Cosecha Restaurant in Paarl.

Situated on Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, Cotage Fromage is world-class country bistro and deli experience, complementing the excellent Vrede en Lust wines with light, sophisticated and delicious cuisine.This Mediterranean style restaurant is run by Matthew Gordon, noted caterer Duncan Doherty and baker Jean-Pierre Smith. The emphasis is on healthy food made with the freshest ingredients.A bakery and a deli stocked with local and specialty cheeses, olives and cured meats serves the restaurant and offers visitors the chance to buy fresh country goods for their own kitchens.Enjoy breakfast or a leisurely lunch in the heart of the Winelands. Visitors can taste and buy Vrede en Lust's award-winning wines, play a game of Petanque or Boules on the two competition sized courts, go for a peaceful stroll among the vineyards ortake a more energetic bike ride up into the forests to take in the spectacular view of the Franschhoek Valley.Need to know? Open 7 days a week from 8am till 5pm from 1 September to 31 May. From 1 June to 31 August the Cotage is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Live entertainment on Sunday afternoons.

The Country Kitchen has been dubbed Tuscan and Mediterranean in style. Located in the wine tasting facility of Mont Rochelle vineyards, the restaurant offers relaxed dining, with a slant on Mediterranean fare. This is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch or cosy dinner. The décor is rustic, from authentic wooden tables to potted herbs, huge candelabra and a cosy fireplace.It might only be a few minutes drive from town but this restaurant is a world apart when it comes to soaking up the sights and sounds of the Winelands. Wine tasting can be conducted at restaurant tables – a perfect way to see which wine goes best with dishes ordered.Alternatively for those wanting more fresh air and relaxation, pick up a picnic basket at the Country Kitchen and take a stroll through the vineyards to the dam, into the rose garden or to the shade of an oak tree and make yourself comfortable. Unpack your basket of delights, a cold bottle of wine, lay back, relax and watch the horse riders meandering along the vineyard paths on their way to enjoying a wine tasting and cellar tour at Mont Rochelle.Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (Last seating at 18:00)Dinner Monday and Tuesday at 19:00 (Last seating at 20:30)Closed Wednesday to Sunday for dinner.

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.

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.

For sumptuous South African and Bistro-style fare, Die Eethuis is well worth a try!Separate lunch and dinner menus make for an exciting range of offerings which go perfectly with a well-priced wine list that includes a champagne selection with bottles from both the local area and further afield.A quaint courtyard provides a brilliant spot for dining al fresco when the weather is warm. The interior is modern and showcases some intriguing artwork.An unassuming and brilliant spot for tasty South African cuisine, try Die Eethuis, 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 Dutch East Restaurant finds its home in the historic French Hugenot settlement town of Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Easily one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa, Franschhoek has also earned the reputation of being the culinary capital of the country. The Dutch East, with its fusion of traditional Dutch and eastern influence offerings, stands out as a unique eatery in a predominantly French cuisine environment. The restaurant is relaxed and upmarket. The earthy interior manages to achieve a clean, minimalist simplicity in its décor that is stylish and inviting. High A-frame ceilings, red bricked walls and chandeliers set the mood. The menu aims to present food that is both appetizing to the taste buds and appealing on the eye. With the restaurant philosophy of maintaining and complimenting the true flavour of the main ingredient of the dish by preparing it fresh and simply, Dutch East certainly plates up dishes that are a flavoursome feast for the senses. Menu options include the likes of Seared Tuna with black sesame halva and a soy emulsion with whipped mango for starters, Lamb Shoulder with spinach cream, crackling and corn bites for mains and Fried Milk Tart with whipped cream and berry compote for dessert.

Enjoy contemporary dining in beautiful surroundings by the Lourens river and next to the long-standing Vergelegen and Morgenster Wine Estates at D’vine Restaurant.Spend some time on the terrace in the garden or in the bright and spacious conservatory or have a cosy dinner in one the wonderful dining rooms.The unique a la carte menu has been carefully planned, combining local tastes with exotic flavours and is accompanied by a wine list comprising the best selection the Western Cape offers.Superb, attentive service adds the finishing touch to a wonderful dining experience.

Try the Elephant and Barrel for good old English pub fare in a friendly setting in Franschhoek.Featuring classic meals like bangers and mash and pies, the team behind this quaint spot really knows what classic pub fare is about. Hearty meals satisfy and true to form, imported beers flow like water. There is also a nice selection of wines for those who don’t fancy a pint.A terrace makes for a great area to relax in on warmer days and when the weather is more like it usually is in England, the cosy interior will keep patrons warm.Experience the best that old English pub fare has to offer at the Elephant and Barrel.

Ideally positioned on Main Road, Essence Restaurant and Coffee Bar welcomes languid coffee breaks, quick lunches and lazy days reading the paper. Popular with locals and tourists, this little haven boasts gorgeous mountain views and alfresco dining on a shady deck overlooking a trickling stream. The interior is cosy and balanced, with elegant décor statements and the aroma of delicious LILLY coffee. Pop in for a coffee or start the morning with a hearty breakfast such as the Farmhouse or the more elegant scrambled eggs served with Franshhchoek smoked trout, capers and onion. Sweet palates can indulge in waffles with bacon, brie and fig drenched in maple syrup! Lunch options vary from rump strips, onions, tomato, rocket and mustard, or Asian inspired salads such as roast duck with bean thread and peanut sauce. The menu features some traditional favourites such as Bobotie with yellow rice and Lamb curry with sambals. Coffee breaks compliment the heavenly cheesecake or light-hearted lemon meringue, and teatime remains a treat with old-fashioned scones and strawberry jam.

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.

Brimming with homemade preserves, baked goods, hearty pies and classic and unusual items, the emporium caters for all palates. Small tables adorned with 1930’s European art compliment the black and white checkered flooring, contrasted by a striking Egyptian crystal chandelier. Intoxicate with senses with freshly baked breads, cakes, and tarts or sit down and enjoy a filling sandwich or platter with a cup of deluxe coffee or freshly squeezed fruit juice.

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.

Located on the edge of the village and considered a favourite watering hole, the pub and grill is the hub of the village and the relaxed and informal setting makes it a family affair. Children are well entertained with a large play area while adults indulge in hearty pub fare, ice-cold draughts and big screen sports. Friday’s plays host to live music, pushing up the tempo late into the night while ice-cold rounds make way for hearty grills and pub dishes.

Fyndraai is an exciting restaurant with a local twist, on the Solms-Delta wine estate outside Franschhoek. The food, like its adventurous wines, lives up to the Solms-Delta claim of being proudly Hiervandaan (‘from this place’).You not only walk into history in the 325-year-old wine farm restaurant, you walk OVER it. The glass floor covers the archaeological substructure of a 1740 wine cellar.The innovative menu further combines historical ingredients with contemporary tastes. Seasonal menus with daily specials break away from the Franschhoek norm, with food that is “anything but french”. Instead, Fyndraai explores genuine Cape culinary traditions: European, Asian and African. This truly is ‘food of origin’. Enjoy your meal paired with the equally innovative Solms wines that range from the serious and highly rated through unusual to light-hearted quaffers. There’s something for all palates and pockets - by the bottle and the glass. And yes, there is a glossary translating the unfamiliar local names for foreign visitors.Picnic throughout the year in the farm’s enchanting riverside forest. Appetising fresh baskets are available, with delicious vegetarian options.Booking for parties of more than 10 essential and set menus available for groups.Solms-Delta  is the perfect place for a day out in the country. Make sure you include Wine tasting and a visit to the farm Museum van de Caab too - admission to both is free.Fyndraai is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10.00am to 6.00pm; Sundays and Mondays 10.00am to 5.00pm. Drinks and snacks will be available from 10.00am to 12.00noon, following which lunch will be served.