Stellenbosch Restaurants

Café Dijon is a pocket of Paris in the heart of Stellenbosch. Ideally located at the centre of town, this quaint eatery is a gem for food lovers who enjoy true French cuisine. Its indoor café is perfectly Parisian in décor and ambience while being seated outside, under ancient oak trees and umbrellas, allows for a relaxed reflection of passers-by on the street in true European style. Expect an impressive and authentic French menu. There are classic hors d’ oeuvres and salads such as Pear, Parma ham and Gorgonzola that are designed to please the palate. The main course selection and restaurant specialties are extended to include regional French dishes to the likes of South West of France Cassoulet. The multi-dimensional menu has an array of asides and desserts and caters well for those who like to round off their eating experience. The combination of true French style and food makes this bistro style establishment a delight any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The health conscious will love 8 Restaurant at Spier Estate in Stellenbosch. With its Farm-to-Table inspired menu and all the focus on wholesome, organic and fresh produce, visitors can indulge in an eating out experience that is guilt free. Not only is the restaurant strictly health orientated, the procurement of the produce is also green all the way. 8 Restaurant has a casual mood that demands relaxation from its patrons. That aspect, combined with the significance of the number 8 in the eatery’s name, adds dimension to one’s perception of the place. The number 8 signifies balance, cycles, harmony, infinity and abundance which is a clear indication of the restaurant’s approach to its food and means of sourcing produce. Visitors to 8 Restaurant can expect exciting combinations of predominantly raw ingredients. All items are natural and organic and geared at optimal nutrition. The signature dish is Chicken Pie that is served with seasonal vegetables and herbs. The establishment is licensed, so enjoying a glass of wine with one’s meal is a sure option, however, one cannot expect to find carbonated drinks on the menu. The restaurant is also has a deli for a bout of healthy shopping.

For something a little more laid back and funky try Fandango Café and Cocktail Bar. Situated right at the pulse of Stellenbosch town centre on Bird Steet, this establishment is a great location for sitting back and soaking up the Stellenbosch vibe while enjoying a bite to eat. Fandango is more than just an eatery. Not only is the café also an internet spot but it also specializes in bicycle rentals – believing that cycling is the best way to appreciate the picturesque quality of the town. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wide menu selection to choose from. Favourites amongst regulars include the Prawn Stir fry and asides such as potato bake keep hungry patrons smiling. The freshly baked puddings are also hard to resist. The wine selection has more then 45 wines to choose from, catering for all preferences. Summer nights at Fandango calls for exotic cocktails and entertainment. Visitors will relish in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazz and Blues evenings. Fandango offers a variety of evening entertainment throughout the year.

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.

A lime washed farm house is home to The Blue Orange, a popular coffee shop along the historic and scenic Dorp Street in Stellenbosch. Serving breakfast and lunch, this cup of java spot is an oasis of tranquillity in the central hub of the town. In summer, sitting in the shady front garden, watching the people on the street while sipping cappuccino and glancing at the daily newspaper is a soul satisfying experience. The inside restaurant is cosy with its wooden floors and freshly baked and coffee aromas which makes it an obvious choice in colder weather. The menu is focused on lighter meals with a great selection of breakfast and sandwich choices. The cakes and pastries are a must try. The Blue Orange also has a deli, with an array of breads, meats and cakes for purchase. The fascinating little gift shop is definitely worth a browse on the way out.

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.