Cape Winelands Restaurants

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An incredibly popular spot, especially for a sumptuous Sunday lunch, the Goederust Farm Kitchen is a quaint and scenic spot to relax and enjoy delicious South African cuisine. The decor matches the charming agricultural feel of the venue with tools and old lamps strewn around. Beautiful gardens surround the restaurant with lush green colours and a farm stall offers a variety of treats to take home with you. Try Goederust Farm Kitchen for a true taste of the country with warm hospitality to match.

If one finds oneself meandering through the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch then Hazendal Wine Estate’s Hermitage Restaurant is a good choice for fine food and wine tasting. The dining area of the restaurant has the prefect combination of comfort and sophistication. In winter intimate post dinner drinks and wine tastings can be taken in front of the fire place while the court yard is available on warmer days. The view of the working cellar behind the glass walls adds a hint of modernity to an otherwise classical setting. The painted ceiling and piano is a splendid touch in creating the ambience of the establishment. Hermitage offers patrons a generous slice of South African cuisine with a dollop of Russian flair. Menu items include a Traditional Cape Malay Platter with Bobotie, Chicken Pie and Lamb Curry, Ostrich Carpaccio and Austrian Chocolate Mousse that is infused with an orange liqueur. Hazendal also has a Russian Museum as a place of interest and caters for picnics (includes eats for the kids) on a booking basis.

This friendly Franschhoek family restaurant makes everyone feel right at home. Here you can sample true South African dishes (a rarity in Franschhoek's restaurants who mostly serve 'French' cuisine) and check out photos of Franschhoek in bygone days. Join them for breakfast, lunch & supper.

Le Pommier Restaurant offers the best in country cuisine filled with flavour. Think traditional South African dishes like Bobotie, Chicken Pie as well as the Golden Delicious Gourmet Burger which is Le Pommier’s specialty. Completely child friendly, the restaurant is perfect for leisurely family lunches. It’s refreshing table settings also make it ideal for intimate dinners. Le Pommier Restaurant has added a wine lounge to its list of offerings – an area where you can enjoy wine tasting while enjoying the views of Stellenbosch’s famous Banhoek Valley. This is the ideal place to sit back and watch your favourite sporting events with your friends. The best part is that the wine lounge will continue to make wines from different Banhoek Estates available to you at Cellar door prices, just like in the previous wine shop.

A ride out into the picturesque Bainskloof area near Wellington calls for a long lazy stop at Linda’s Kitchen. Here guests are promised the best country style cuisine in a cosy environment. The outdoor deck seating is all about the view. With the mountain range as backdrop and the Witte river in close proximity, the Bainskloof Corner Lodge is an ideal setting for that gourmet country meal. Head chef Linda Trautman’s signature dish is the slow cooked Lamb neck in red wine sauce served with sautéed broccoli and fine green beans and steamed basmati rice. The perfection in this dish lies in the fact that it is slow cooked over a wood burning fire. The restaurant has a local wine list that supports the Bainskloof region.

Lord Neethling Restaurant is situated in the heart of Neethlingshof Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands. The delicious cuisine and stunning views make for a truly memorable dining experience, combining the very best in South African food and wine. The elegant Lord Neethling Restaurant features spectacular sweeping views over the vineyard and surrounding country from the beautiful outdoor terrace and a warm and relaxed fine dining atmosphere. The setting is simply superb, the food is excellent and the service is friendly. Choose from delightful garden setting of the Palm Terrace which serves a variety of light meals or the Manor House. Built in 1814, the Manor House is now a national monument. The restaurant offers a comprehensive a la carte and light meal menu in the original Manor house, on the veranda in front of the building or in the wine garden under the oak trees.

The menu brims with traditional dishes, boasting extensive choices of South African cuisine with hints of Cape Malay and International flavours. Dine alfresco in the vine covered garden exploring the unique flavours and warm hospitality, alongside a discerning wine list at Restaurant 1802.

Perched on the edge of Franschhoek valley, along the banks of the Berg River, Riverside Restaurant is the ideal family location. Dine alfresco under shady trees enclosed in indigenous forests on delicious meals such as ‘Potjie Kos’ or lighter meals such as open sandwiches or salads. Breathtaking views of Groot Drakenstein Mountains and Wemmer Mountains make an ideal backdrop for a picnic.

Oude Wellington’s charm is hard to resist. Ideally situated on a working brandy distillery in the Cape Boland, the restaurant offers great dining that reflects the best of cape hospitality. In winter the thatched restaurant offers a cosy setting with fire places while warm summer days call for meals to be enjoyed under the oak tress with views of the vineyards. The country menu offers traditional fare with a contemporary twist that incorporates the freshest seasonal ingredients. Divine starter choices to the likes of Biltong soup and Snails in Phyllo on Tzatziki await guests. Mains on offers include rare delicacies like Rabbit casserole as well as old traditional favourites like slow roasted Lamb Shank. The wine list comprises wines from the Oude Wellington Estate as well as prized potted brandy and Grappa.

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.

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.