Grotto Bay Restaurants

Hilda’s Kitchen boasts modern country fare and an ever-changing menu within the beautiful surrounds of an old Cape Dutch farmhouse. Enjoy hearty soups such as cream of broccoli or corn chowder, fish cakes with dashed with Asian infusions and tasty savoury bakes. Meat lovers wallow in slow roasted pork belly or a rich lamb pie or laid back Old Man’s prego roll with homemade garlic mayonnaise and hand-cut fries is a winner. Wooden floors, high ceilings and graceful charm compliment fine estate wines and hearty cuisine. The service is friendly and attentive, perfect for an easygoing lunch with friends and family.

You can't get more local than the lamb grazing along the country road on the way, or a springbok in the veldt. The herbs and vegetables come from the garden at Trinity Lodge, their guest house in Darling. Debbie and Shaun, who runs the restaurant with her, are a formidable husband and wife team. Both are professionally trained - Shaun at the Johannesburg Hotel School, Debbie at the Cordon Bleu School in Johannesburg and Prue Leith’s in London. Need to know? Open for lunch only - Wednesday to Sunday, Ccosed on Mondays and Tuesdays, closed on Christmas day, New year's day and Good Friday. Dinner by arrangement

Located on West Coast Road, this homemade heaven shares a relaxed and memorable dining experience. A cosy fireplace complimented by aromatic coffees and locally produced wines make for a perfect lunch with family and friends. Kids can let their hair down on the large playground, secured for your relaxation and feed the animals for some extra fun. Share in the passion and love of wine at the winehouse; where selected wines from the farm, Darling cellars and Swartland wineries wet the palate alongside warm slices of homemade bread and fruity jams. Visit Vyge Valley Farm Stall for the farmhouse taste of Darling, off R27 West Coast Road in Jakkalsfontein.

Located on the outskirts of Darling, where grazing cattle and olive groves greet the morning, this 70h olive farm takes the palate on a journey of growing, picking and cold pressing to the savoring delights of sampling these delicious morsels. Enjoy a spring picnic dressed in wild flowers and the delicious flavours of olive jam, olive marmalade, olive bread, pastes complimented by cheese and wine on the farm. Freshly baked bread and the lingering aroma of wood burned oven, creates a memorable journey at Darling Olives in Darling.

Large bay windows open Darling and invite her scenic vistas into every meal. The menu proffers relaxed South African cuisine with tranquil alfresco dining under the African sky amidst lush gardens the perfect setting for romantic interludes. Try the salmon trout served on a potato cake for starters, followed by lamb shanks with cannellini beans and two-nut chocolate torte with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy cooking of the highest standard complimented by fine Darling wines at Trinity Lodge

Housed in a lovely cottage, extended by a small garden scattered with tables and chair, Bistro Seven welcomes country cuisine at its best. Dine indoors warmed by intimate surrounds and crisp blue checked tablecloths before lingering in the cosy bar with a warming nightcap. Try hearty soups, juicy steaks, crisp salads complimented by a small but well partnered wine list at Bistro Seven in Darling.

Boasting a unique mixture of French, Dutch, German and English, Café Mosiac pampers with delicious flavour. Sample an array of coffee’s, cakes, calamari, chips, lasagne, salads and homemade pies alongside lighter meal and snacks. A local watering hole and family rendezvous, Café Mosiac provides a pleasant escape from traditional dining establishments.

Hearty South African cuisine with a traditional twist awaits diners in the cosy comforts of a barn, perfectly located for festive lunches and gracious dinners. Immerse the palate in roasts, seasonal Waterblommetjie stew, boboti and rice, home-made chicken pie, curried Tripe (on request) amongst others, served with a variety of vegetables and fresh farm salads followed by sweet delights. Located on the outskirts of Darling, Lelieblom Farm offers old time favourites around large family tables, perfect for celebrations or gatherings. Take a lazy stroll breathing in the fresh country air after a languid lunch viewing the untouched and tranquil surrounds of Swartland Farm, Darling.

The décor exudes style and comfort, delectable meals and alfresco occasions in the sunlit rose garden. Generous portions of creature comforts such as French toast, beer battered fish and slow roasted oxtail compliments the delicate flavours of locally produced wines. A jungle gym and kiddies menu favours young palates while adults relax over a refreshing glass of wine and intimate meal.

Simoné is nestled within a quite cottage, warmed by crackling winter fires and comfortable ambiance. The chalked up blackboard menu offers gourmet sandwiches, crispy schnitzels, crusty pies and tasty burgers layered with homemade patties. A small wine list hints local and regional wines perfectly balanced to compliment hearty cuisine such as Sunday roast, which included succulent lamb, chicken pie, veg and roast potatoes; slow cooked oxtail, beer battered fish, chicken schnitzel, Simoné's bobotie, and gourmet burgers. Simoné is the perfect Sunday venue, tranquil lunch venue and scrumptious breakfast any occasion dining venue.

Chicory Cheese Café in Mantis Mall, Darling welcomes herself as Darling’s new chic restaurant flavoured by intuitive and seasonal meals. The menu brims with freshly cooked, freshly squeezed, freshly baked and freshly ground goodies with option to dine indoors or alfresco on farm fresh country cuisine. Share in the love of good food at Chicory Cheese Café, Darling.

Dine on roast lamb, veggies and salad concluding the meal with Evita’s famous koeksisters or malva pudding. With bellies full and palates content, submerge yourself in lighthearted ambiance and performance at Evita Se Perron at the old Darling Railway Station.

Located a few hours drive from Cape Town, Darling invites nostalgia immersed in a bygone era and the flourishing orchards of local wine estates. Modern South African cuisine and a touch of European flair work seamlessly in complimenting the outstanding local wines. The Linen Room Restaurant provides an unforgettable taste of picturesque Darling. Booking essential.

Organically grown produce captures the flavours of country cuisine, direct from the garden complimented by intense and bold wines from Cloof estate. The menu entices with butternut ravioli, tossed in burnt sage butter, rocket and pumpkin seeds and shaved parmesan or chicken Caesar salad layered with cos Lettuce, croutons, crispy bacon, Italian cheese and creamy lemon Garlic and anchovy dressing. Round off the meal with a decadent chocolate pudding bursting with liquid chocolate centered pudding. Disccover all this and more at The Cloof Kitchen and wine farm every Tuesday to Sunday.

Set amidst blossoming bougainvilleas that offset colourful yellow, white and blue polka dots, diners experience warm smiles and friendly welcomes. The freshly baked aroma and kaleidoscope of gifts create the perfect setting for hearty breakfasts, languid lunches and sumptuous afternoon teas. Serving light lunches, heavenly baked goodies and the enticing aroma of coffee, The Marmelade Cat is the perfect place for kicking back.

This unique seafood experience proffers a unique theater experience, enjoyed by families, romantics or festivities. Die Melkbosskerm offers a true West Coast feast and hospitality, with mouth-watering delights such as mussels with sauce, smoked and grilled fish, Cape lobster, and many more succulent dishes. Hearty appetites can indulge in potjies with mixed seafood and Waterblommetjie bredie when in season, dunked with fresh home made bread or jams. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a family outing or a bunch of friends chilling, Melkbosskerm is an unforgettable dining experience.

Housed inside a charming cottage on the beach, diners enjoy the views dining alfresco on the deck sampling delicious portions of mussels and a good bottle of wine. The menu wets the appetite with mussels baked with bacon, garlic and blue cheese, or rich crisp calamari tentacles, Cajun-style prawn spring rolls with sweet Thai chilli sauce and fresh line fish. The wine list holds many local and West Coast wines all reasonably priced, alongside generous portions and legendary Sunday lunches. Diners are advised to turn up early on Sundays to avoid waiting around.

The Beach House Grill was opened by Thomas van der Spuy and has become an institution in the area overnight. The Beach House Grill offers an extensive menu with the main emphasis on grills and seafood, complimented by other choices of fine cuisine. House specialties include prime AAA grade matured steaks, mussel soup, cahoona menu and flambe’s. Through the experience of providing top quality fresh food and impeccable service to the locals and foreign tourists, this restaurant has become renowned overnight. With our beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, and our mouth-watering food, we invite you to relax and enjoy your meal with us.

Situated in the heart of Melkbosstrand, Seaside Blues offers fabulous views of Table Bay and a good variety of meals for the entire family. On most weekends there is live entertainment.Need to know? Opening hours: Monday 8:30am - 9:00pm, Tuesday - Saturday 8:30am - 10:00pm, Sunday 8:30am - 9:00pm.

Exuding a continental street café ambiance, with low couches and coffee tables, fancy wall prints and scattered umbrellas on the terrace, Daniella’s is a friendly and relaxed spot. Warm earthy tones and a fireside nook create a cosy coffee experience, complimenting the warm and welcoming décor. Start the day with a hearty breakfast or indulge in popular dishes such as croissants with either smoked salmon and avocado, or ham and cheese fillings and chicken bruschetta served with a honey mustard dressing and German potato salad. The lighter lunch menu caters for quick bites alongside a great selection of cakes, coffees, treats, teas, lattes and milkshakes. Pop into Daniella’s Coffee Shop in Melkbosstrand for some good food and warm hospitality.