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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Imibala lends a helping hand to children donating their profits from the restaurant to helping children go to school. Dining at Imibala makes a difference to a child and your waistline - as their irresistible cakes and home baked goods tempt you to indulge. The menu secures delicious dishes and the lingering aromas of the oven-roasted chicken in yoghurt curry sauce served with a tomato, avocado and coriander salsa. Try the fresh pear, walnuts and Parma ham if you are watching your waistline and indulge in a little wine from the simple wine list. Imibala is delicious and fresh, a refreshing choice for breakfast or lunch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a continental culinary journey at The Goatshed on Fairview Wine Estate. A superb spot to take it easy and relax as you sample the continental delights that this Mediterranean-style eatery has to offer. Wholesome food in hearty portions like chicken pie and lamb curry. The cheese platter is a must-try. A wine list is tailored towards the Estate’s own range but does include bottles from other areas too. Scenic surroundings make for a wonderful setting and children especially will find the resident goats very entertaining. A relaxing dining experience to make the most of, try The Goatshed.

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.

Located on the beautiful wine estate at Rhebokskloof, The Victorian serves superb traditional cuisine as well as delights from much further afield. Enjoy sumptuous international and traditional fare like Thai fishcakes and kudu fillet whilst relaxing in tranquil surroundings. Lush lawns, grand trees and an endearing small lake can be enjoyed from the terrace when the weather is warm. The winelist features bottles from the wine estate itself and diners are welcome to have a wine-tasting session before eating to ensure that the perfect bottle is selected to accompany the meal. Relax and enjoy true country hospitality and delicious cuisine at this scenic venue.

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.

Franschhoek, the French pocket of the Cape Winelands, has become renowned as the culinary capital of South Africa, so it’s not surprising to find oneself in a gem of an eatery like Topsi & Co. A scrawled daily menu on paper set on an easel, the antique silver salt and pepper pots, the water jugs, the fresh flowers and the open kitchen will make one feel right at home as if in a great aunt’s kitchen. And then there is food: hearty, comforting and exciting. Expect traditional fare that has been reinvented with flair. The menu changes daily to make the most of the fresh seasonal produce. Menu items include homemade Springbok sausage with chilli jelly and Warthog loin with mustard seed onion gravy with cabbage and samp. A firm, delectable favourite remains the white mold cheese and figs stuffed with walnuts, poached in red wine with citron. The restaurant does not sell wine, but visitors are invited to bring their own. Guests are encouraged to walk into the kitchen and check out what’s cooking. Alternatively, sit back and take it all in: the delightful smells from the stove, the clatter of pots and the chatter from the parrot – just like at aunty’s house.

The menu proffers a mixture of contemporary Cape cuisine enjoyed alongside a backdrop of Devon Valley and Helderberg. The natural beauty sets the stage for an idyllic and relaxed experience dining on tasty lunches and light meals or a kick-start breakfast Unwind the day away at the Vineyard Terrace in Stellenbosch.