Tulbagh Restaurants

Manley Food and Wine Lodge finds itself part and parcel of the picturesque Tulbagh village, a winelands town that is becoming ever popular as a food and wine destination in the Western Cape. Manley’s Cape Dutch setting exudes the kind of welcome that is synonymous with country hospitality. The newly renovated Manor House delivers a cosy ambience with its Oregon pine ceilings and exposed thatch work while the friendly service reminds one that food is all about people. The restaurant promises hearty, honest and unpretentious food. The focus is on fresh local ingredients and not so much on frilly presentation. There are delicious full English breakfasts with freshly baked breads on offer as well as divine whey fed pork for dinner. Manley’s is adamant about delivering really good food all round since the staff and owners are quite proud to state that they indulge in their own food first and foremost.

For authentic Boland hospitality and the best of traditional Cape Cuisine, Paddagang Restaurant in Tulbagh is a must try. The restaurant is located in the town’s historic Church Street. The Cape Dutch building and manicured garden charms one into feeling that one is revisiting a time gone by. In keeping with the Cape Dutch setting, the restaurant is laid out with yellow wood furniture. In winter the two fireplaces create a warm ambience while dining in the court yard is a must in summer. The menu represents traditional Cape Boland fare with all the long lost favourites such as Bobotie, Smoorsnoek and Waterblommetjie bredie. Paddagang supports a host of local wines but also two gems from it’s own “padda” label: Paddarotti and Brulpadda. Paddagang can be hired as a function venue.

Pielow’s restaurant is a gem of fine dining located in the quaint town of Tulbagh. This intimate and elegant eatery promises guests fine food in a stunning setting. The restaurant forms part of the Oude Herberg guest house. Its tiny dining room exudes ambience with its quiet sophistication. In the summer the courtyard offers the best seating for a late evening of food and drink with friends, or an afternoon bite while watching the town’s rugby team in action. The contemporary menu incorporates the best local produce that can be sourced. Popular dishes include the roast pork with caramelised apples and the rack of lamb with home-made mint sauce. The list is vast with a great selection of local wines. Guests can also enjoy the fact that the restaurant has its very own patch of vineyard and bottles its own home groen shiraz and sauvignon blanc under the Pielow’s label.

Readers Restaurant is located in Tulbagh’s historic Church Street. Here patrons are delighted by the fine food on offer. The Curious Cats gift shop, that is housed with the eatery, gives Readers a quirky edge that is enough reason to return. The lime washed Cape Dutch Style stead sets the scene for the genuine Cape hospitality that is synonymous with Readers. In keeping with the Cape Dutch feel, the restaurant boasts wooden floors and crisp white table cloths on solid wooden furniture, all the elements for fine dining. Chef Carol Collins presents an exciting menu which offers traditional fare with a fresh interpretation. Signature dishes include the Springbok fillet with a Gooseberry and Amarula sauce and the Lamb Strudel. The Trio of ice-cream dessert is ever popular with exciting (if not a crazy) flavours such as curry and balsamic. The wine list supports the best of the Tulbagh region. Cat lovers will spend plenty of time post pudding inspecting the feline paraphernalia in the gift shop section of the restaurant.

Rijks Country House in the Tulbagh winelands of the Western Cape offers guests a fine dining experience that is all about country hospitality and making the most of the beauty of its natural surroundings. The wine estate has three restaurants to choose from, each offering something special. Que sera is the fine dining lounge and offers an la carte menu as well as a buffet breakfast menu while The Iceberg Terrace seats guests outdoors under the pergola for breakfast and light lunches. Both venues boast magnificent views of the vineyards. At night the terrace restaurant’s pergola is adorned with fairy lights and candles providing patrons with a romantic, star gazing dining experience. The Mon Ami dining hall hosts private functions. Rijks offers game, seafood and traditional South African dishes as well as an award winning wine list form its private cellar. Rijks Country House is open for breakfast through to dinner daily. Come with plenty of time to spare for wine tasting.

Waverly Hills promises the freshest, finest and where possible, organic ingredients in all their South African inspired country cuisine. Located just outside of Tulbagh, Waverly Hills’ boasts splendid views of the valley. Here guests can indulge in views of the farm’s vineyards and olive orchards while enjoying al fresco dining on the patio. In winter the restaurant has a blazing fire place to keep visitors comfortable and cosy. A mother and daughter team heads up the kitchen and delights patrons with menu items that range from starters like Yoghurt-cheese-bacon bundles drizzled with olive tapenade dressing and Best Biltong Pate. The mains on offer cater for all palates from items such as Red Curry, Rump steak and Chicken stuffed with sundried tomato and feta wrapped in bacon. The restaurant also offers a must try food and wine pairing which comprises five mezze bites with five organic wines.