Stellenbosch Restaurants

Apprentice Restaurant, formally known as L’Olive, situated on Stellenbosch’s bustling Andringa Street, is a sought after dining establishment. Home to the Culinary Institute, this restaurant offers food that appeals to the senses. The restaurant is training school for students who have chosen cooking as a career, but patrons would be far off the mark to expect anything less than being plated up food of exceptional quality. Not only is breakfast, lunch and dinner served in style, the décor of the eatery is bright and inviting in a relaxed upmarket manner, however, the best seats remain out of house on the pavement, where guests can soak up the Stellenbosch vibe. The dinner menu is offers a selection of meat dishes from Lamb Rump, Kudu Loin to Quail. Desserts are wickedly decadent with impossible to resist choices like Chocolate Marble Pavlova and Tiramisu with Rum and Espresso. Since the restaurant is a learning arena, the menu also has a glossary of terms (in case the menu is all French to you).

Aristata Restaurant forms part of the Protea Hotel in Technopark Stellenbosch. Expect a full buffet breakfast menu as well as menus for lunch and dinner. Much can be said of the restaurant’s scenic location. It commands splendid views of the picturesque surroundings and has an outdoor deck for sipping sundowners and taking early evening meals. A range of snacks and light meals are also served throughout the day. For those that require some formality, the indoor dining area calls for a smarter dress code in its subtle, yet sophisticated setting. With a menu that offers traditional South African fare, guests can enjoy the overall experience of Aristata. Diners may round off their meal with the best of wine that is sourced locally. The restaurant also makes for an ideal venue, be it for a wedding or a corporate function.

Nestled in the breathtaking Drakenstein Valley, cradled between Franschoek and Paarl, Babel paints a picturesque setting, flanked by mountains and 200 h of vineyard and farmlands. This inspiring setting captures the imagination of ex Elle Deco Editor – Karen Roos, who transformed Babel into a place of inspirational beauty. On summery days, sit outside under the Plain trees soaking up the setting and a hearty Babel Breakfast brimming with fresh juices, homemade muesli, thick and creamy yogurt and local produce from the farm. Cooler days are warmed by the chic and elegant décor set within the glass-enclosed restaurant where the aroma of freshly prepared seasonal dishes wet the appetite. Discover a haven of peace and tranquility, set in beautiful surroundings, and the taste of food inspired by the seasons, prepared straight from the garden onto your plate.

If it’s an Indian fix that needs satisfying while visiting scenic Stellenbosch, then Bukhara is the obvious choice. Conveniently situated at centre of town, Bukhara is a stylish restaurant that offers a selection of North Indian cuisine. The restaurant chain is consistent with its upmarket and vibey atmosphere. The trade mark open kitchen allows guests to be privy to the making of their meal as well and serves as a source of background entertainment. The menu has a good variety, including South African game options and caters for the carnivores and vegetarians alike. Expect authentic, traditional Indian food: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan and Mango ice cream. The Kashmiri style kebabs cooked over hot coals is a restaurant speciality and a must try. The exotic Indian dining experience is rounded off with a few dishes with interesting flavours to entice the adventurous palate and a notable wine list.

Listed as one of the Top 15 Fabulous Restaurants by Eat Out Magazine, makes Cognito restaurant in Stellenbosch a must try eating establishment. It is sophisticated and all things African with its menu and décor and offers visitors an eating experience that embodies local hospitality. The East and South African inspired menu is as diverse as it is exciting. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional dishes. From nibbles like curry dusted popcorn and starters to full main courses, the menu caters for all supermbly, including children. Patrons are encouraged to enquire as to the latest flavour combinations when it comes to steak and poultry choices as the mains are constantly being reinvented. Wine enthusiasts will also not be disappointed with great regional selection of wines on offer and are encouraged to sign up for the restaurant’s food and wine pairing evenings. The social evenings are geared at having the guests’ imput on new wines and dishes to be included on the menu. Foodies will also not be able to resist the popular Curry Mondays (when all the curries are riduculously discounted to one price).

Stellenbosch Simonsig Wine Estate boasts the elegant Cuvee restaurant. Located at the one of the starting points of the Stellenbosch wine route, this eatery serves all the best loved South African dishes with plenty of ambiance to set the mood for a good meal out. The restaurant is cosy with its old school Cape Dutch décor and offers a seasonal menu to match. All dishes may be ordered as half or full portions, which suits the undecided who want some of this with some of that. Traditionalists will be soothed with the likes of loin of Kalahari Springbok or flame grilled fillet of beef with roasted vine tomatoes, while others may be tickled by Cape Malay Bobotie samosas with Malmesbury yoghurt and Antoinette Malan’s Muscat jam. Not forgetting that the wine farm is famous for its Méthode Cap Classique (making sparkling wine in the French tradition), be sure to sample some bubbly with starters. The establishment also has an additional area for private functions. The Van Niekerk Room is modern, sleek and sophisticated and accommodates parties of thirty or more.

Do not be misled by the rustic ring to De Volkskombuis’ name. There is nothing even remotely unpolished about this establishment. The restaurant has been around since 1977 and has earned its reputation as a place of fine dining. The Cape Dutch house - that is the restaurant - is a perfect puzzle piece in historic Stellenbosch with its white washed walls and front garden. The restaurant also has its Voorkamer which serves as a private dining room for special occasions, conferences and private parties. Guests will be thrilled to find that although the menu boasts a fresh interpretation of traditional South African cuisine, none of the authenticity of the old favourites like Boland Bobotie, Braised Oxtail and Malva Pudding is lost. Furthermore, the menu has wine suggestions with each dish – a treat for wine and food pairing enthusiasts. Not only does De Volkskombuis promise a gastronomic experience of note, but also an impressive, if not, wildly indulgent, wine and beverage selection that could hold one’s attention for hours. Choose from the best locally and internationally sourced wines of every blend, including sparkling wines and Champagne. A selection of cigars rounds off the restaurant’s offerings. De Volkskombuis is open daily for lunch and dinner.

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.

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.

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.

Another Stellenbosch winery has lured an award winning chef to put its eatery on the culinary map. Chef George Jardine now heads up ‘Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine’ on the Jordan wine Estate. The establishment’s name may be a mouthful which in turn serves as a fairly accurate take on the food too – mouthfuls of deliciousness. Food enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the fine dining experience on offer here. The restaurant offers set menus to choose from, ensuring orchestrated flavours and textures above all else. Guests can opt for two, three or four courses, all with or without specific wine pairings to compliment the dishes. Although the menu is changeable to in order to really get the best out of seasonal produce, one can expect to be tantalized with The duck liver parfait to start. The mains are exciting, with the likes of Penny Verburg’s Suckling Pig Roasted and a lavish baked pudding with Pimm’s Creme Catalan. The wine list is not limited to only Jordan’s Wines, but also has a good local selection and a broad spectrum price range. One is permitted to bring one’s own wine (limited to a single bottle) subject to a corkage fee. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays to Sundays and for dinner Thursdays and Fridays.

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.

In its name, Overture Restaurant alludes to “An introduction to great things”. This exquisite eating establishment is set on the equally breathtaking wine farm, Hidden Valley, in the quaint Stellenbosch countryside. The menu is small and select, if not subject to change daily, to make the most of local seasonal produce. With award winning chef Bertus Basson running the show, patrons will certainly feel indulged in the culinary experience the restaurant offers. The menu caters for the sophisticated palate with dishes to the likes of Duck Liver Parfait (to start), Confit Lamb Shoulder or Silverfish (for mains) and Date and Rum Souffle for dessert. All menu items are paired and complimented with wines selected from the farm. For the foodies who eat to be swept away by the flow of flavours (not mention the eating with the eyes), Overture offers 3, 4 and 5 course menus (with or without wine). Feel free to take the advice of the in house sommelier, should one be undecided about wine choices. Overture has been listed as one of Eat Out Magazine’s Top Ten Restaurants for the past two years.

The classic European style cuisine embraces simplistic dining flanked by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque dam and vineyards. Additional dining rooms offer intimate or romantic dining choices while the menu seduces with signature favourites. Dishes include classics like Orange Cured Salmon and Chalmar Beef Fillet (succulent piece of grain-fed South African Chalmer Beef) served with a herb crust and red wine jus. Expect five star services and fine wine at Raphael’s in 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.

The Restaurant at Clos Malverne achieves a laid back country feel while being an upmarket establishment. It provides its patrons with the three essential ingredients to any eating out experience: an unpretentious ambiance, a stunning location and sophisticated gastronomy. The restaurant is a new addition to the wine estate, but has already impressed with its obvious focus on hospitality and fantastic globally inspired food. Visitors will be hard pressed to choose from the menu’s extensive offerings. Start with a Chicken, Asparagus and Citrus salad which is delicately rounded off with a pistachio dressing or the Tempura Prawns. For mains, meat lovers can go all out on the Grilled Fillet, with a selection of exciting sauces to choose from. Other traditional fare includes Oxtail, Lamb Curry and Lamb Shank. All dishes have wine suggestions and pairings from Clos Malverne’s own vineyards and are properly rounded off with a dessert menu. The trio of Crème Brulee is quite irresistible while the Chocolate Fondant will satisfy the chocoholic. The restaurant receives patrons on select evenings, so calling ahead is advised.

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.

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.

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.

Stellenbosch is almost synonymous with good wine and it's no surprise that this is where Ernie Els has chosen to open his brand new restaurant, The Big Easy, named after the man himself. The Big Easy is situated in the historical oak tree lined Dorp Street inside an elegant Cape Dutch-style house called La Gratitude. Built in 1798, this grande old lady is a combination of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture and has been tastefully renovated to provide the home for Ernie Els’s new signature eating spot. Here you can enjoy the finest cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients inlaid-back luxury with a hint of history.The Big Easy Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a wide selection of more than 170 fine wines from the Stellenbosch region to complement their superlative food. In addition, new discoveries from the local wine industry will please the most discerning connoisseur. The most exciting news is that patrons will be able to enjoy wines from the cellars of the owners, at a cost that does not bear additional mark-ups.

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.

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.