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.

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.

Delheim wine farm, situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain near Stellenbosch in South Africa, is home to the legendary Spatz Sperling, his family and a tribe of Jack Russells, and has been producing internationally acclaimed wines for sixty years. German gemütlichkeit is the order of the day at this garden restaurant in its stunning setting with a view clear across to Table Mountain in the distance. The restaurant offers a selection of dishes ranging from cheese platters to traditional German and South African food. Eat alfresco on the garden terraces in summer; enjoy delectable, well-prepared comfort food next to a crackling fire in winter. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and tea, and also caters for small private functions. It is child-friendly with a special kiddies menu. Restaurant booking essential, especially on weekends and holidays. Open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 09h00 to 17h00. Closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. Situated on the Delheim Wine Farm, Knorhoek Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Paarl.

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.

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.

Guardian Peak is essentially a winery - with a restaurant. From entering the farm, following the road through the vineyards and finding the restaurant nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Helderberg Mountain, one will soon buy into the “living the lifestyle” concept that drives this establishment. If it’s modernity that one seeks, then Guardian Peak will certainly meet expectations. The open plan restaurant boasts a demonstration kitchen, allowing guests to experience the energy and synergy that takes place in a professional kitchen. The menu’s contemporary interpretation of ‘wine with food’ pairing (and not the other way round) leaves no room for ignorant choices when it comes to marrying food with drink. The menu, which is seasonal, is wickedly extravagant. Besides a fare of traditional venison and lamb, patrons will be hard pressed not to succumb to temptations of Courgette & Goats cheese soufflé, Roasted Apple and Raisin Pork Belly or Quail Breast stuffed with bacon and sage. Soak up the South African sunshine on the terrace or feel right at home with the warmth of the fireplace in winter, either way Guardian Peak is a great lunch location.

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.

If one finds oneself meandering through the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch then Hazendal Wine Estate’s Hermitage Restaurant is a good choice for fine food and wine tasting. The dining area of the restaurant has the prefect combination of comfort and sophistication. In winter intimate post dinner drinks and wine tastings can be taken in front of the fire place while the court yard is available on warmer days. The view of the working cellar behind the glass walls adds a hint of modernity to an otherwise classical setting. The painted ceiling and piano is a splendid touch in creating the ambience of the establishment. Hermitage offers patrons a generous slice of South African cuisine with a dollop of Russian flair. Menu items include a Traditional Cape Malay Platter with Bobotie, Chicken Pie and Lamb Curry, Ostrich Carpaccio and Austrian Chocolate Mousse that is infused with an orange liqueur. Hazendal also has a Russian Museum as a place of interest and caters for picnics (includes eats for the kids) on a booking basis.

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.

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.

Easily accessible by any account, yet a drive out to Haskell Vineyards’ Long Table Restaurant may feel slightly off the beaten track. In this case, though, it’s more like following the red brick road to a secluded spot where subtle sophistication meets wine estate ambiance. The shaded terrace is the perfect place to soak up the picturesque view of Stellenbosch on a summer’s day, while the indoor fireplace and the Long Table (seats 12) will keep the party quite content in moodier weather. The breakfast menu has an exciting individualist flare and caters for all preferences. Expect to be tantalized by offerings of Breakfast Trifle, Tunisian Adja and French Toast Pockets amongst the traditional. The lunch menu is varied, complete with starters, light meals, mains and dessert. Choices range from simple to sophisticated with Duck and Quail for those who crave something a little different. The wine list is a treat for wine lovers and comprises the farm’s own Dombeya Wines and Haskell Vineyards offerings including the Samara (Double Gold Winner Michelangelo Awards 2008) and the Boulder Road Shiraz (Gold Medal Best in Class Winner - 2008 International Wine and Spirits Awards). Meal portions are generous, offering good value for money. A bonus for those who would like to make lunch more of an outing is the opportunity for wine tasting in the restaurant’s foyer.

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.

MANA restaurant forms part of MANA Guest Cottage Accommodation. The Establishment is ideally located on JC Le Roux, a working sparkling wine farm situated just on the outskirts of historic Stellenbosch. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with spectacular views of the farm’s merlot, pinot noir and cabernet vineyards. The menu offers contemporary fusion cuisine. The restaurant is open Monday - Saturday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and on Sundays for Lunch. Be sure to book ahead for a unique sparkling wine tasting at the JC Le Roux cellar.

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 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 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.

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.

One of South Africa's top restaurants, Terroir opened its doors in 2004 and over the years has become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands, placing Stellenbosch prominently on the culinary map. The restaurant is located on Kleine Zalze, a family owned wine farm that has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally thanks in particular to its award-winning chenin blanc and shiraz. Set under historic oak trees with views over the De Zalze golf course and surrounding gardens and vineyards, the atmosphere is both refined and relaxed. It’s the perfect environment in which to enjoy a fine meal matched to excellent wines. The unpretentious ambience and dressed-down décor belie multi award-winning chef Michael Broughton’s rigorously disciplined approach to food. Classic pairings and intense depth of flavour characterize the chalkboard menu of ‘deceptively simple’ dishes influenced by what’s in season and, where possible, the use of locally grown fresh produce. Care and emphasis is placed on matching the food to specific wines produced at Kleine Zalze, in the Stellenbosch region and further afield. Terroir’s ongoing success has brought with it a string of prestigious awards, including the Eat Out Johnny Walker ‘Restaurant of the Year 2006’, Eat Out ‘Service Excellence Award 2006’, Eat Out ‘Top 10 Restaurant’ 2005 and 2006, Dine (Wine magazine) ‘Top 10 Restaurant’ in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Best of Wine Capitals of the World South African Wine Tourism Restaurant of the Year 2006 and Honours at the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Restaurant Awards.

The Guinea Fowl Restaurant is located on the Stellenbosch wine route on Saxenburg farm , one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. It is renowned for its seafood, game and guinea fowl specialties. Visitors can delve into an extensive menu that caters for light, informal lunches to a full a la carte menu for occasion dining all while soaking up the ambiance that the farm effortlessly offers. Taking lunch on the vine covered terrace in summer, while watching the kids being taken for a ride (literally) on the farm’s minature horse will please young families, while adult parties and couples will love the fine dining experience that the restaurant offers. The menu is a feast for fish lovers, who have the assurance that the chef himself selected the daily catch. The Guinea Fowl also prides itself in its presentation staying true its belief that dining should satisfy the senses. Not to be forgotten in winter, the indoor setting, centred around the glowing fireplace, is perfect for long sips from the exclusive Saxenburg wine list. The Guinea Fowl makes for a fantastic venue for hosting corporate functions in its lapa, while its romantic vineyards set the scene for weddings.

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.

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.

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.

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.