Cape Winelands Restaurants

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.

Col’Cacchio Pizzeria is set at the Simonsplein Centre, a vibrant location at the centre of the university town of Stellenbosch. The eatery offers a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads that is a cut about the rest when it comes to variety and versatility. In keeping with a European feel, the restaurant opens onto a quaint courtyard with a fountain for dining outside on laid back, true Capetonian – style days. The indoor section is inviting with its rust coloured and art filled walls, creating a relaxed atmosphere where good food can be enjoyed to the maximum. Expect a selection of as much as fifty pizzas to choose from, each with their own Italian name and signature crisp thin base. Choices range from the traditional to the gourmet. Col’Cacchio is certainly a treat for the health conscious as many of the menu offerings are endorsed by the heart foundation. Patrons that are allergy sensitive will be suitably impressed with the wheat-free varieties on offer. Furthermore, the restaurant chain is committed to procuring organic ingredients where possible. Popular, rather exotic, menu choices include the Tre Colori with smoked salmon, sour cream and caviar, and the Fantasia with caramelized onion, Brie, and sesame seeds. The restaurant also has an award winning wine list.

Java is all about location. Situated at the pulse of Stellenbosch, this spot is ideal for soaking up that special energy that this university town is known for. The laid back and unpretentious atmosphere makes it an accessible lunch or dinner option for those that like easy food. Uncomplicated burgers, pizzas, wraps and sandwiches can be found on the menu and breakfast is served all day. Java cafe also serves up a very decent cup of coffee (living up to its name), which is perfect for those that want to make use of the internet and Wi-Fi terminals.

Mamma Roma, an Italian eatery chain, can now also be found in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. Located at Stellenbosch Square and overlooking the vineyards makes for an authentic Italian setting which is relaxed. The interior has a double volume ceiling and stone walls to create a country house feel, while the mural feature enhances the European character of the establishment. The crisp white linen sets off the dark wooded furnishings in simple sophistication. Add to that, the fantastic views that the restaurant offers- it has all the makings for the perfect mood, be it for a light lunch or a quiet dinner for two. The menu is extensive with plenty pasta dishes that range from sausage to seafood. On its own, the seafood selection is impressive with firm favourites such as the Fritto Misto which is a combination of Kingklip, Calamari and Prawns. Other house specialties which come highly recommended include the Rack of Lamb and the Baby Beef. Mamma Roma can also be found in Newlands and Steenberg.