Eastern Cape Restaurants

Located in the historic and charming town of Graaff Reinet, the Coldstream Restaurant finds itself ideally set in the shade of Norfolk Pine trees. With the beautiful 130 year old Dutch Reform Church as its neighbour, the restaurant exudes a special ambience of a time gone by. In good weather, lunch on the open terrace is a must to make the most of splendour of the Karoo. The lunch menu has items from the grill as well as lighter meals, cakes and desserts. Dinner at Coldstream leaves patrons spoiled for choice, with the best Karoo Lamb and Ostrich dishes on offer. The menu boasts a host of local specialties as well as dishes that are inspired by International Cuisine. The restaurant also offers a good selection of wines as a compliment to great cuisine. The Coldstream Restaurant is welcomes visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make a reservation for dinner to avoid disappointment.

Die Kliphuis offers more than just guest house accommodation, its restaurant has become ever popular as a favourite eatery to locals and visitors of the Karoo town of Graaff Reinet. The restaurant is housed in a building that has been named a national monument that dates back to the mid 1800’s. With more than one dining area as well as a garden for feasting al fresco style in the summer months, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to seating. In winter the antique fireplaces and candle lit tables spell romance in a very cosy atmosphere. Here guests gather with friends and family anytime of the day. The Chocolate Bliss cake served with coffee as a day time treat has patrons driving from near by towns for their chocolate fix. The dinner menu is traditional South African cuisine with Karoo Lamb with a strawberry mint sauce as a feature along with other favourites such as Bobotie and Potjie Kos. For dessert the Cape Brandy pudding is a must. The restaurant is fully licensed.

One can easily fall in love with the Breede Valley while visiting Opstal Estate’s restaurant near Worcester. Here, fine dining and sweeping views of the stunning surroundings marry to create a memorable eating experience. The restaurant offers an outdoor deck for al fresco dining on sunny days and loads of atmosphere in winter with its cosy fire place. Guests can expect a menu that represents the best of traditional fare from breakfast through to dinner. The lunch menu is light with offerings like Calamari, gourmet sandwiches and salads as well as schnitzel and quiche. Dinner, which the menu refers to as the ‘Main Event’ offers sophistication on a plate. Carnivorous guests will be spoilt for choice between items such as Deboned Leg of Lamb, Roast Pork Fillet and Braised Lamb Shank. The speciality desserts are displayed on the specials board and the restaurant offers a selection of locally sourced wines. The venue also hosts conferences and weddings with cottages for overnight stays.

Pioneers restaurant finds itself in the historic Parsonage Street in the “Gem of the Karoo” – town of Graaff Reinet. Parsonage Street boasts the most national monuments than any other street in South Africa. A dream come true for a foodie with an interest in history. The restaurant itself is housed in a national monument that is part of the history of the town. Guests can choose to be seated in any one of the four dining rooms, on the stoep or outside in the garden. Patrons can appreciate the beauty of the landmarks while delving into Pioneers’ a la carte menu. There is good honest food on offer with a few adventurous dishes to satisfy a more demanding palate. Signature dishes include Baby Beef Bombay, Kudu Schnitzel, Rolled Fillet with banana and ham filling covered with an aromatic curry sauce. Pioneers has become synonymous for a good evening out- hosting Karaoke and Jazz evenings. In summer, the shaded beer garden is an oasis in the Karoo.

Rijks Country House in the Tulbagh winelands of the Western Cape offers guests a fine dining experience that is all about country hospitality and making the most of the beauty of its natural surroundings. The wine estate has three restaurants to choose from, each offering something special. Que sera is the fine dining lounge and offers an la carte menu as well as a buffet breakfast menu while The Iceberg Terrace seats guests outdoors under the pergola for breakfast and light lunches. Both venues boast magnificent views of the vineyards. At night the terrace restaurant’s pergola is adorned with fairy lights and candles providing patrons with a romantic, star gazing dining experience. The Mon Ami dining hall hosts private functions. Rijks offers game, seafood and traditional South African dishes as well as an award winning wine list form its private cellar. Rijks Country House is open for breakfast through to dinner daily. Come with plenty of time to spare for wine tasting.