Jonkershoek Restaurants

Indochine is an upmarket Asian fusion restaurant found on the Delaire Graff Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. It is the sister restaurant to the more established Delaire Restaurant also located on the farm. The wine estate surroundings and the natural beauty of the Stellenbosch district sets the mood for a delightful dining out experience. The restaurant itself is understatedly modern and sophisticated with leather couches and copper top tables. The open plan design also has a fireplace with couches if one chooses to take pre- dinner drinks. The Asian fusion menu is inspired by local organic ingredients. Food lovers will enjoy the attention to detail from Italian cutlery to the plated art – that is the food. The chef’s interaction with guests about the dishes he has designed, is a personal touch that adds dimension to the dining experience. Menu options include 2, 3, 4 or 5 courses. The wine list offers a good selection of locally and internationally sourced labels, but only Delaire’s wines are offered by the glass. Be sure to take a moment and admire the Cheetah sculptures, by well known sculptor Dylan Lewis, at the entrance.

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.

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.

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.

Set within the deHuguenot Wine Estate, this is fine dining at it’s best. Mountainous views of Groot Drakenstein envelop the senses greeted by a 200-year old giant oak tree. Summers welcome dining on the terrace or balcony on the finest dishes from the enticing menu, while winter warms the palate with a crackling fireplace and hearty dishes prepared the according to the ‘slow food principle’. The interior is dressed in soft hues of grey and large windows capture the natural light making dining at deHuguenot Restaurant and unforgettable one.

A social spot perfect for sharing and socializing offers expansive lawns shaded by an age old giant Oak. Tapas style dishes make great focal points during conversation as the wine flows and children flock to the sprawling lawns enjoying popular games. Harry-Q.Bar is a relaxing pub dining experience set amidst the beauty and splendor of the Stellenbosch Wine Route.

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.

Break away from the city scenery and settle in for a tranquil breakfast, tea or lunch at Hillcrest Berry Orchards Restaurant. The discovery of this little gem delights patrons who seek a quiet spot with good food made from produce which can be purchased on the way out. Hillcrest is hidden along the scenic Helshoogte pass in Stellenbosch and overlooks the Drakenstein and Jonkershoek mountains. In warm weather meals are best had on the shaded terrace while colder weather calls for the fire to be lit in the farm style restaurant. With the berries being their business, the berry-licious menu does not disappoint. Hillcrest breakfast specialty is a divine combination of its own honey roasted muesli, home-made yoghurt with berry compote along with other traditional options and a grand selection of pastries. While lunch choices are lighter, with menu items such as quiche, pastas and soups, one cannot help but be tickled to taste an interesting home-made gooseberry and ginger ice-cream for dessert. Allergy prone individuals will be happy to discover that their dietary requirements are suitably catered for with options that include wheat and gluten free bread and soya milk alternatives. Hillcrest is also home to a deli where much of the farm’s produce such as breads, jams, fresh or frozen berries and other delicacies may be purchased.

Tokara Wine Estate already has a place on the map with its renowned Tokara fine dining restaurant, but now also caters for a casual eating out experience with its DeliCatEssen. The deli’s café style (and slightly cat obsessed) restaurant hosts breakfast and lunch. The wine estate is located in the Helshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and overlooks the splendour of False Bay, Table Mountain, and the Simonsberg Mountains. The laid back atmosphere makes it easy to unwind and with the children duly occupied with the outdoor play section and table activities like colouring in, parents really can delve into the menu and chillax. Expect traditional deli fare: Tokara’s own olive oils, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, preserves, pastries, cakes and quiches. The breakfast menu delivers a health breakfast, coconut bread and jam, scrambled egg and bacon and baked egg and spinach. And for the kiddies? Corn flakes or scrambled egg. With the emphasis on fresh, local, organic, preservative-free farm produce one can look forward to hearty unpretentious food. The menu has a quirky element and follows through on the Cat theme with anecdotes to the likes of: Has the Cat got your tongue? The restaurant also offers a buffet lunch on Sundays.

The breathtaking Banhoek Valley is a home to Zorgvleit Wine Estate. Located on the perimeter of Stellenbosch, this wine estate boasts The Herenhuis restaurant with a historic presence that dates back to 1692 and offers patrons gourmet renditions of traditional South African cuisine. Much of the charm of the establishment is embedded in its history. The homestead of the farm that houses the restaurant has been meticulously restored with every effort to retain the original ceilings structures. This aspect paired with the paintings (specially commissioned to capture the beauty of the farm) creates a particular ambiance that has guests feel transported to a time gone by. Chef Darius van Rensburg and owner Marietjie van der Merwe combined forces to forge a menu that is a fresh interpretation of the traditional. Popular dishes on the summer menu include the crayfish cocktail and the linguine with smoked mountain trout. The wine estate’s deli also caters for traditional picnics to be taken under its oak trees, while Sundays afford family and friends braai (barbeque) picnic options. The restaurant also has a selection of award winning wines from its own farm on offer. Booking for lunch or dinner is recommended.

Bodega @ Dornier finds itself part of the patchwork of wine farms and vineyards that quilts the hills of Stellenbosch. A little distance from the town centre, Dornier Wine Estate has diversified its hospitality and made the Spanish bodega manner of hosting food and wine at the cellar door its own. Set amongst the manicured vineyards and indigenous fynbos, the restaurant is housed in a historic barn some two hundred years old. The sights and sounds of its splendid natural surroundings exude tranquillity and set the scene for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The menu reflects good, honest farm style food inspired by local, fresh and seasonal produce, so expect changes on the blackboard menu on an almost daily basis. The wine list is dominated by Dornier’s selection of its own wines and compliments the menu while promising an excellent marriage of food and wine. Day time visits also allow for wine tasting.

The Majeka Restaurant forms part Majeka House, a five star Boutique Hotel in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a fairly new establishment and is unashamedly French in feel and character. The intimate dining area, with its chandeliers and piano, leads onto the library, giving the restaurant an enchanting European flair. Flowers from the hotel garden adds a light homely touch. The menu is diverse and offers a Tasting option of two sample dishes per course or the a la carte selection which has five choices per course. The menu also has wine pairing suggestions with each dish. Expect to be tantalised with delicacies such as Seared Springbok Loin and Buttered Kabbeljou for mains. And definitely do not pass on dessert with Millefeuille of chocolate mousse and Pear Crumble with Vanilla Cream that will have one savouring each bite. The wines are predominantly from the Stellenbosch region with Tamboerskloof Syrah and Dalla Cia amongst others. Wines are also available per glass.

Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a beautiful Victorian house in a small, romantic little town. It was situated at number 5 Ryneveld Street - a place we now call home. When conceptualizing our new restaurant, we became aware of the special qualities of the number five. Five is the number of harmony and balance. Five is the number of perfection. Five is the number of senses in the human body - touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Five is the number of basic tastes - sweet, sour, salt, bitter and umami. Our restaurant comprises five rooms namely the dining room, study, library, bedroom and radio lounge. We welcome you to 5 Ryneveld, where we will provide you with an exciting dining experience, stimulating your five senses by exploring the five basic tastes. 5 Ryneveld is a cute and quirky meeting place for those embracing a playful and sophisticated atmosphere. It will be shaped by the friends, family and other warm-hearted people who meet, eat and play there. Welcome home...welcome to 5 Ryneveld.

Combine contemporary and vibey, add great splashes of colour and a crowd pleasing menu and you have the recipe to what makes Beads restaurant tick. Beads is conveniently situated in the centre of town, making it an easy, if not irresistible, stop for after work drinks and eats. The sultry Stellenbosch summer calls for the French doors to be flung open and tables to be set outside, while winters become rather cosy with fireplaces in every room. The modern fusion style menu is all about variety, catering for all tastes and appetites. Wraps, pastas, Oxtail Potjie and even finger foods (as a complement to the cocktails) are part of the fare. The wines comprise a local selection of which Dalla Cia features prominently. Whether for breakfast with a colleague, lunch with a lover or dinner with friends - Beads extensive menu and upmarket atmosphere has secured itself a place on the restaurant map. And just to prove that they are committed to pleasing just about everyone, Beads also offers a Kids Menu.

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.

Tucking into a delicatessen style breakfast, brunch or lunch at Nook Eatery is nothing short of a home coming for foodies that eat for pleasure. Located in the centre of Stellenbosch, the cafe resembles a kitchen -‘nook’ style dining area to set the tone for a laid back bite to eat. The breakfast menu offers wholesome choices with homemade granola, fruit options, smoothies and yoghurts for the healthy minded while the coconut bread served with mascarpone and honey or nutella will tempt those that prefer cake for breakfast. Expect a gourmet sandwich selection at lunch along with soup of the day and the usual lunch time fare as well as homemade pastries and sweet things. Nook Eatery a definite daily stop for a quick pastry or breakfast, not forgetting Wednesday nights (only) when pizzas in mouth watering varieties take over the menu.

A venue steeped in history, Basic Bistro is bustling restaurant enjoying a large local following and is a popular stop for tourists and travellers alike. Supported by a dedicated team serving sumptuous fare all day long, this endearing eatery offers a menu that has something for everyone from simple toasted sandwiches to delicious dinners with an Asian twist. The hamburgers are a must-try. As well as these staples, there is a specials board which changes regularly to keep the offerings fresh and new. A great place to stop for a while and rejuvenate, try Basic Bistro, Stellenbosch.

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.

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.

This French eatery is ideally situated on the lovely tree lined Ryneveld Street in Stellenbosch. Housed in the ‘Skuinshius’ along with a coffee and décor shop, Restaurant Christophe seems to have carved itself a permanent corner in a town that is fast becoming a culinary capital in the Western Cape. The restaurant consists of two rooms. The front dining area is small space with just a few settings for those who prefer a quiet space while the second room is much larger and can be considered as the main dining area. The mood of the place is perfectly created with sedated elegance in crisp white linen, splashes of colour and wine barrel chairs. Fresh flowers add a personal feel to the setting. The menu, a typed sheet on a clipboard, may seem understated and in sharp contrast to the bright, elegant setting. Dishes are simple and true to French Bitro style cuisine, with the focus on fresh ingredients and clean presentation. The starter selection is small, but covers all bases from Foie Gras to Quail Salad. Mains include a choice in fish, steak and duck. The desserts are light but designed to round off the meal. Native Frenchman Chef Christophe Dehosse made a name for himself at Joostenberg Deli before opening Restaurant Christophe in Stellenbosch.