Stellenbosch Restaurants

A visit to Bayede! may very well have its visitors shouting just that on their way out: Hail to the King! Set amongst the beauty of the Helderberg mountains with vineyards surrounding, Bayede! boasts a wine cafe that is equally suitable for families and more formal affairs. Families can enjoy a relaxing lunch out on the lawn picnic style while the children stretch their legs or entertain themselves with trout fishing at the dam. The indoor restaurant offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups that require a little more formality. The menu is wholly South African, but with original twists of brilliance. It changes weekly to make the most of fresh local produce, but guests may happily expect a variety of starters, mains and dessert. For starters delve into a classic Caesar Salad where bacon has been replaced with biltong and anchovies for snoek pate. The main courses cater more than adequately for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. And with a chef that is known for his sweet tooth, there’s no getting away without a bite into the decadent dark chocolate-espresso torte with merlot poached pears & cardamom parfait. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines, but patrons are guided with wine and food pairing suggestions on the menu.

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.

So popular was Die Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein that the originators were hard pressed to open another in Stellenbosch that quickly became part of the town's student culture. Die Mystic Boer is Stellies favourite alternative and trendy Afrikaans place to hang out with your mates while you listen to cool tunes, grab hearty pub grub and an ice cold beer and perhaps shoot a few rounds of pool.Delightfully kitsch and tongue in cheek, Die Mystic Boer regularly host live performances and the hottest DJ’s spinning the discs. As well as being a pub and gig venue, Die Mystic Boer is a fully functional restaurant that serves a wide variety of meals from pizzas to burritos to ribs and much more.

The picturesque setting compliments simple and uncomplicated dishes that are full of bold flavours. Classic dishes present fresh and clean tastes, and although simple in appearance, are flavourful with every mouthful. The extensive wine list works effortlessly complimenting the menu. Flavours boast a roaring winter fire, perfect for warming frosty limbs.

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.

Le Pommier Restaurant offers the best in country cuisine filled with flavour. Think traditional South African dishes like Bobotie, Chicken Pie as well as the Golden Delicious Gourmet Burger which is Le Pommier’s specialty. Completely child friendly, the restaurant is perfect for leisurely family lunches. It’s refreshing table settings also make it ideal for intimate dinners. Le Pommier Restaurant has added a wine lounge to its list of offerings – an area where you can enjoy wine tasting while enjoying the views of Stellenbosch’s famous Banhoek Valley. This is the ideal place to sit back and watch your favourite sporting events with your friends. The best part is that the wine lounge will continue to make wines from different Banhoek Estates available to you at Cellar door prices, just like in the previous wine shop.

Lord Neethling Restaurant is situated in the heart of Neethlingshof Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands. The delicious cuisine and stunning views make for a truly memorable dining experience, combining the very best in South African food and wine. The elegant Lord Neethling Restaurant features spectacular sweeping views over the vineyard and surrounding country from the beautiful outdoor terrace and a warm and relaxed fine dining atmosphere. The setting is simply superb, the food is excellent and the service is friendly. Choose from delightful garden setting of the Palm Terrace which serves a variety of light meals or the Manor House. Built in 1814, the Manor House is now a national monument. The restaurant offers a comprehensive a la carte and light meal menu in the original Manor house, on the veranda in front of the building or in the wine garden under the oak trees.

Sprawling lawns and gardens invites alfresco dining under an old Oak tree and roaring log fires warm frosty limbs dining on hearty country cuisine. Nestled on the Morgenhof Wine Farm, the setting captures the senses and essence of the wine lands. The menu invites a la carte lunches and afternoon teas brimming with seasonal produce and lighter options such as salads. Dine in the garden under the age-old Oak tree or within glass walled restaurant dressed in vines, warmed by the winter sunshine and fireplace at the Morgenhof Restaurant in Stellenbosch.

The interior is a Pandora’s box, filled with surprises and dining areas brimming with character and inspiration. Stylish table settings and a restored wine cellar makes for an unforgettable dining experience or alfresco in the charming garden setting. The a la carte menu offers classic choices such as Oxtail, Lamb Shanks or Bobotie, while offering cosmopolitan choices such as pizzas, pasta and salads. Decadent deserts tempt the palate with choices such as Gooseberry Cheesecake or Pistachio Crème Brulee. Discover a culinary gem on Vredenheim Estate in Stellenbosch.

Housed inside a historic Cape Dutch homestead, perched on the banks of Earste River, Spier Hotel Restaurant is a comfortable and inviting establishment flanked by garden views, sprawling lawns and the Helderberg Mountain range. The interior pampers with elegant surrounds, large white leather banquet seating and wooden tables contrasted by lime green hues. Whether sitting down for a languid lunch, or seeking relaxation in the lounge bar, or sipping sundowners on the shady terrace, Spier Hotel Restaurant will seduce and meet your expectations promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Located on the Welmoed Wine Farm, The Duck Pond satisfies the palate with hearty cuisine and lighter meals brimming with fresh ingredients. Whether dining indoors or on the sprawling lawns alfresco, the menu will cater light and healthy meals and fine Welgemoed wines.

The Only One restaurant is situated at the entrance of Hartenberg Wine Estate on the Stellenbosch Bottelary wine route. This pleasant eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers visitors country hospitality in a tranquil setting. Choose the cosy interior with two fire places in winter to keep warm while tucking into the restaurant’s special winter menu. Not only does The Only One provide traditional cuisine, one can also savour a glass or two of the estate’s award winning merlot or shiraz. Sunny days certainly call for an outdoor breakfast or lunch on the deck overlooking the pond. The breakfast and lunch menu deliver all the usual favourites: English Breakfasts, Burgers, Salads and the like. The deck is a particularly good spot of families with young children as the enclosed outdoor play area is near by. In the evenings the deck area is also a popular place for sipping sundowners. The restaurant also caters for small weddings and corporate functions.

Beyerskloof Wine Estate is located in the picturesque wine valley of Stellenbosch. The Wine Estate has firmly established itself as one of the best Pinotage producers in the country, making wine lovers happy all round. Now foodies can also join the club and visit the estate for a relaxed breakfast or lunch at the Red Leaf Restaurant. The bistro style eatery is casual and family friendly. The red and white interior is unpretentious and allows guests to soak up the fantastic view of the farm’s vineyards and unwind while delighting in the menu. The menu, like the wine farm, is preoccupied with Pinotage. Be sure to try items such as the Pinotage Burger, Pinotage Salami and even Pinotage Frozen Yoghurt. There is also a choice of grills, sandwiches, curries and salads to choose from. Wine lovers can compliment their meal with a choice of six versions of Beyerskloof’s signature Pinotage to round things off. The restaurant is also open for breakfast.

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.

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.