Stellenbosch Restaurants

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.