Paarl Restaurants

Flanked by majestic mountain views and rolling manicured gardens, Café Antionette offers a nostalgic dining experience in formal or casual surroundings. The menu offers light meals, South African and International flavours while summer beacons picnics on the sprawling lawns surrounded by fynbos gardens on the slopes of Franschhoek Mountain. Take a tour of the French Huguenot Museum before or after visiting Café Antionette.

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.

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.

Bistro ALLEE BLEUE offers innovative bistro cuisine using local seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from the estate’s gardens and local wine lands. The comprehensive menu boasts typical South African delicacies and top class ALLEE BLEUE wines in a stylish atmosphere brimming with charm. Savour bistro delights and exceptional service at this classic contemporary bistro in Groot Drakenstein.

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.

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.

Eaglevlei Estate in the stunning Stellenbosch winelands is home to The Vineyard Kitchen. Don’t be misled to equate the restaurant’s name with old fashioned farm food. Here patrons are promised a menu that reads like gastronomic adventure. Chef Herbie van Schalkwyk aims to wow guests with food that is created to “satisfy the entire palate at once”. The menu is as daring as it is exciting: a unique interpretation of Traditional South African Cuisine. Expect menu items to the likes of Snoek Bobotie with coconut risotto, apricot cocktail, caramelised banana mash potatoes and chilli jam; or Ostrich steak with sweet potato cake, peppadew puree, walnut and Amarula sauce. Desserts are equally dreamy with Trio of South Africa: a cocktail Milktart, Koeksister ice-cream, caramelised banana and Pinotage Crème Brûlée. Although the Vineyard Kitchen dares one with its latest menu inventions it does not fail to cater more simply for the less adventurous (burgers and tappas) and children (hotdogs with smilely - face chips). The beauty of the farm is a breath-taking back drop and makes The Vineyard Kitchen a great location for marvellous meal.