Western Cape Restaurants

This upmarket grill room offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a vibrant, classy environment. An extensive range of wines, fine cocktails and drinks work effortlessly alongside the menu and melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes puts this premier dining experience in a league of its own. For the most succulent and superb beef, always cooked at 1800º Fahrenheit, 1800° is the place to be. This is the ideal setting for that all-important business meeting or for discerning patrons in search of a refined meal and professional service. The beef and other meats are grass and grain fed and carefully matured to ensure the finest flavour and the most tender cuts. 1800° prides itself on innovative thinking, superb service and exceptional presentation.

Nurtured through painstaking restoration in a building dating back to 1902, the character breathers throughout the space, leading into several inter leading rooms, heightened by high ceilings and parquet flooring to create a statement that exudes elegant grandeur. The jaw dropping surrounds and sophisticated menu is aimed at the more refined palate offering choices such as cheese soufflé served with herbs and mustard cream, Duck served with a traditional orange sauce. The restaurant shares space with a bookshop and art gallery showcasing the most exquisite art. Browse masterpieces before indulging in fine cuisine at 6 Spin Street and experience fine dining at its best.

A restaurant that boasts superb dishes that showcase the sumptuous but simple flavours of Italy, 96 Keerom is the place to be for a memorable taste of the Med. An atmosphere of simple sophistication runs throughout the restaurant. The staff are friendly and tend to diners needs without being intrusive and are happy to advise on selections to suit. A great wine selection rounds off the superb offerings for a truly satisfying Italian dining experience.

Nestled within the scenic Garden Route lies Admirals Buffet Restaurant, a culinary delight aimed to please the most discerning palates. Offering tranquil views onto a golf estate dressed in lush carpets and comfortable seating, patrons can relax in the quaint and private nooks and crannies while feasting on delicious starters, stews, bakes and old time classics. Enjoy hearty roasts, grills and stir-fry selections brimming with steaming vegetables before conquering the delectable desert section oozing indulgent peppermint tarty chocolate mouse, moist malva puddings or trifle drenched with red maple syrup. Admirals Buffet Restaurant embraces innovative buffet dining with comfort and style flattered by the scenic Garden route and rolling green hills.

Original paintings adorn olive coloured walls, heightened by a bamboo ceiling and iron candelabras. The roaring fireplace adds warmth and homely ambiance during winter and the outdoor leafy setting embraces summer and spring. The menu touches upon Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, Thai and South African fusion. Think lamb shank and chicken pie, tom yum soup and Moroccan couscous salad. A standard wine list and boutique wines compliment the flavours and ambiance at this delightful eatery in Mowbray.

Superb Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the best that Italian fare has to offer is the order of the day at Allora, Franschhoek. A cosy interior makes this spot a great venue for colder weather and when the sun is shining, a courtyard area accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. A superb spot to enjoy a culinary journey to the Med, give Allora Ristorante a try.

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.

Located in Greenways five start boutique hotel, Ashtons restaurant offers innovative dining in beautiful cosy wood panelled dining room or al-fresco on the veranda overlooking elegantly manicured gardens. Serving only the freshest South African ingredients from the stylish and internationally standard kitchen, Ashtons revitalises the fine dining experience with affordable prices, while retaining the elegant allure of five star boutique dining.

Along Chapman’s Peak’s curves and bends, out of sight and nestled in secluded splendor, the Atlantic Restaurant wines and dines in what is arguably the most beautiful location in Cape Town. Resting in the lush Milkwood forest, with views spanning across Hout Bay, the ocean and Sentinel Peak, diners soak up the tranquil atmosphere soothed by lapping waves and seasonal breaching Whales. The décor whispers elegance and sumptuous luxury, set in the natural wonders of land and sea. The menu pamper with a myriad of dishes such as ratatouille with buffalo mozzarella and pesto, roasted pepper soup that captures every spice and flavour, and a blissful yellowtail with leek cream sauce. Atlantic Restaurant captures the beauty, elegance and un-spoilt setting that will make dining at this establishment an unforgettable experience.

Exuding a contemporary and relaxed ambiance soothed by easy listening music and beautiful sunsets, Azure Restaurant caters with decadence and fine dining fusion cuisine. The international menu proudly influences South African flavours, with reputation as one of the first restaurants to introduce fnybos cooking (use of natural wild vegetation). Dine alfresco for a magical and breathtaking dinner sampling the finest cuisine such as signature dishes - 12A Roast Duck or the Biltong and Peppadew Tart served with cucumber ribbon salad. Soak up the colourful sunset over a bottle of wine and delightfully sweet dessert of fynbos honey bavarois or Bea's baked cheesecake. Alongside alfresco dining, Azure offers a unique dinner and movie nights featuring recent and classic movies in the hotel’s private cinema. For a night of indulgence, try their five course dinners, complete with all the trimmings and wine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinners, Azure Restaurant proffers indulgence with a view in luxurious surrounds.

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.

Bahia Dos Vaqueiros beacons recognition as Mossel Bay’s premier restaurant lit by the sparkling lights of Mossel Bay and cradled by the shores of Outenqua Mountains. Offering locally grown fresh produce cooked with opulence beneath The Fantasy of the Discovery of the World ceiling known as the largest fresco ceiling in the Southern Cape, dining at Bahia Dos Vaquerious captures the imagination with pure sophistication. Delight in iconic wines housed in the walk in cellar or international brandies, whiskies and beers alongside fusion choices of first class meals at the Bahia Dos Vaquerious in the Diaz Strand Hotel.

Balducci’s Ristorante is nestled in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Famous for its sublime food, attentive service, understated formality and fabulous view of Cape Town's working harbour and Table Mountain, Balducci’s prides itself with its fine food and extensive international award winning wine list. The ethos at Balducc’s is to provide outstanding food that is simple, clean and delicious, using traditional Italian recipes that have been modernised. Dishes are prepared using only the best ingredients, with passion and contemporary creative flair. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, there is also an Africa twist with dishes such as ostrich lasagne and carpaccio of venison. There is something for everyone, from gourmet pizzas to traditional Osso Buco, from biltong salad to freshly shucked oysters, as well as a Sushi Bar, where only the finest, freshest fish is served to a discerning clientele. Diners looking for something a little lighter flock to Balducci’s for the award winning 180g Karan beef rump and sirloin burger, served on a freshly toasted roll with thick cut chips. This is the ultimate in gourmet burgers! Crisp linen, an award winning wine list and outstanding food with a sophisticated ambience makes Balducci's an absolute must for fabulous eating experience.

The Bascule Bar is Cape Town’s whisky bar supreme. With over 400 whiskeys on the menu and a huge variety of some of the best wines South Africa has to offer patrons are spoilt for choice. The food menu is simple, elegant and delicious, with the menu’s emphasis on a gastro pub theme. Situated on the edge of the marina in Cape Town’s Waterfront where the international yachts are moored, the Bascule Bar is where trendy whisky and wine lovers gather. Vibrant and bustling, it is the ideal place for a light lunch – patrons can sit out on the water’s edge and take in the sunshine. By night the Bascule bar becomes a hub of sophisticated elegance where wine and whisky flow, and all the beautiful people of Cape Town come out to play. The gastro pub menu consists of snacks and tapas, with specialities that include goat’s cheese peppadew poppers with saffron aioli and salt and pepper squid with sweet chilli mayonnaise. Main meals are traditional pub fare with a modern twist – Cape Grace fish and chips, seared tuna burger with avocado salsa and sweet potato wedges and beef burger with sweet pepper relish, emmenthal cheese, crispy onions and French fries. Bascule Bar patrons enjoy the finer things, but appreciate the simple style of this unique spot in Cape Town's harbour.

Perfection is the name of the game at one of Cape Town’s hottest dining venues.Situated close to the V&A Waterfront in a stunning 100 year-old red brick building with contemporary interior decor, Beluga is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s favoured hot spots.Innovative ingredient combinations and inspiring flavours in generous quantities make for a superbly satisfying meal.Impeccable service enhances the dining experience even further.A suspended wine cellar offers diners the perfect accompaniment to their carefully selected dishes. A fantastic cocktail bar features a wide selection of exciting drinks, and a warm and welcoming cafe section with an enclosed courtyard offers coffee and light meals.With exquisite food, superb service and a fantastic choice of wines and cocktails, your experience at Beluga will be one to remember and repeat!

Authentic and exotic, Bhandaris wraps your palate in warming spices with complex layers of colours and taste. Dishes are thoughtfully presented then served in traditional porcelain pots touched with flavourful textures, colours and spices. Distinctly Indian, yet elegant and true to the unique exotic flavours and spices only found in India. The owners import key ingredients straight from India ensuring your taste buds experience authentic Indian cuisine. Once immersed your taste buds are transported to the lively streets and cultural potpourri of India. Visitors are encouraged to become one with the experience by eating small portions with their hands and to share the taste and abundance of flavours with company. Bhandaris offers a relaxed and social atmosphere frequented by celebrities and locals alike where you can wet your appetite with an aromatic starter of mussels topped in an onion, tomato and masala sauce followed by a fragrant tender lamb simmered in a blend of Indian spices, yoghurt, tomato and onion with a choice of basmati rice and naan bread. The delicate aromas and taste are well complemented by a soothing Pistachio ice cream rounded off by a incredible kahwa tea made with secret Indian herbs. Bhandaris is a treasure trove steeped in ancient North Indian cuisine inspired by the tranquil beauty and flavour of their mysterious culture.

With spectacular mountain views across Steenberg vineyards, Constantia Valley and False Bay, Bistro 1682 boasts an interactive dining experience in a setting that flows from open spaces to indigenous gardens surrounded by reflective water features and floating glass bridges. Enjoy a complete multi-sensory experience that entices you to stay and relax savouring every delicious mouthful while refreshing the palate with delectable wines straight from the state-of-the-art Steenberg wine cellar. This 70 seater bistro offers a unique raw bar and counter seating experience alongside their menu with temptingly delicious morsels of raw cuisine such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche and oysters to mention a few. With so much variety and flavour at hand Bistro 1682 captivates the palate with a feast of senses while remaining interesting, healthy and true to the concept of raw food dining. Bistro 1682’s warm and welcoming ambience makes it the perfect place to linger and relax. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery coupled with modern sophistication and delectable food, your visit to Bistro 1682 will see returning again and again and again.

The menu leans towards fusion and Asian dishes alongside an interesting take on pub inspired dishes served with a beer of the day. The décor exudes modern black and white gothic effects, photographs and dripping candles and live jazz. Try a hanger steak or ale steamed mussels complimented by a fine glass of wine or crisp beer, tapas or a hearty fish stew. Blakes Bar entices the senses and wraps the palate in tasty, statement dishes and bold décor.

Cape Town’s newest hotspot, Blonde, sister restaurant to Beluga and Sevruga is no doubt one of the most popular restaurants in Cape Town. Open evenings only seating 120 guests, Blonde caters for fine dining with a small a la Carte menu offering seasonal delights. The interior is pampered, lavish and ultra plush. From the seductive interior of the bar and lounge, the couches covered in rich fabrics, the gorgeous wooden floors and high ceilings to the crisp white linen, designer chairs, beautiful staircase and romantic balcony. Blonde entices and captivates in every way.

An iconic venue in fashionable Camps Bay, Blues restaurant and bar has solidified world-class status and with good reason. The layout encourages patrons to relax, with an open-plan lounge and bar and sophisticated decor. A great place to unwind as you watch the waves crash against a white sandy beach while sipping a cocktail or enjoying a delicious meal.

Sumptuous global cuisine awaits you at this upmarket venue set within a beautiful old manor old house at Paarl Rock. Enjoy succulent crayfish, tender veal fillets and decadent desserts, all in wonderful culinary creations full of flavour and using the finest ingredients. Select your wines from an award-winning list full of the best that South Africa has to offer. Flawlessly professional service adds the finishing touch to a sophisticated and elegant dining experience.

Bravo lounge is situated in the Garden Route Casino and is a trendy and stylish bar-lounge serving both food and drinks. This upmarket dining option caters for groups of up to 200 people and often hosts local entertainers like Elvis Blue, Heinz Winkler and Charlize Berg, just to name a few. The Bravo lounge is also a great venue to enjoy a light lunch, whilst surfing the internet utilizing their free Wi-Fi facilities.

Housed in the building where the city once banked gold, this vintage gem boasts breathtaking décor heightened by vaulted ceilings, dark lacquered wooden floors and striking original chandeliers. Expect to be wined and dined in timeless style warmed by roaring fireplaces and the sultry sounds of swing jazz. The menu caters decadence-a classic gastronomic voyage sampling firm favourites, hearty portions and spicy flavours. Try favourites such as deep fried Camembert with figs, rocket and nuts for starters, Springbok carpaccio and roquefort snails. Mains brim with choices such as grilled calamari, carpetbagger steak (filled with mussels) or the Brio burger and Crayfish Thermidor. Experience the return of vintage glamour at Brio 1893 located along Adderly Street for a truly out of this era dining experience.

With a motto like “Life’s too short for bad food.” B’s Steak House in the seaside town of Hermanus certainly lives up to its claim. B’s has won and been runners up for the Steak House of the Year Award (1999, 2000 and 2001). So, what to expect? Steak prepared to perfection. The relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant has a ‘Sante Fe’ feel with its orange and blue colour scheme which is enhanced by the solid wooden furnishings and airy double volume ceiling. The loft area creates a relaxed post pudding space for guests to linger a little longer and indulge in a good brandy and a Cuban cigar. And then there’s the steak. With a descriptive chart to guide on preference of preparation, one can be guaranteed that B’s will go to great lengths provide its patrons with steak as they like it. Firm menu favourites include the Chateaubriand and Carpetbagger. Not only does B’s offer the very best steaks, but as an essential compliment to any steak meal, its wine list is also award winning (Diners Club award). Visitors also do not have to go home empty handed. Meat products such as steak, wors and biltong as well as a range of sauces can now be purchased from the restaurant’s new butchery counter.

Simply stunning views and a fabulous three to five course menu accompanied by great wines have earned Buitenverwachting Restaurant the position as one of Cape Town’s finest for many years. Relaxed and elegant, traditional and contemporary, it lives up to the meaning of its name “Beyond Expectations”. Chef Edgar passionately invents innovative dishes to entice his patrons to an incredible and sensual dining adventure. A la carte and set menus are daily available for lunch. The menus change often and offer sophisticated fare, using only the finest produce sourced locally and internationally. During the summer months you can indulge in a pre-booked summer picnic basket served under the trees in the beautiful gardens. So sit back and savour Edgar’s ambrosial dishes with a glass or two of the Cape’s finest. An extensive wine list comprising the very best of Buitenverwachting, the Constantia Region, the Cape Winelands, as well as selected international wines compliments the outstanding cuisine. Opening hours Monday to Saturday from November to Easter: Lunch is served from 12:00 – 15:00 Dinner is served from 18:30 – 22:00 Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday from Easter to October: Lunch is served from 12:00 – 14:00 Dinner is served from 19:00 – 21:30 Credit cards: AmEx, DC, MC, V.

With a backdrop of Table Mountain and Robin Island, and miles of sandy beaches, Beach Bistro Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in the setting sun and mouth-watering cuisine. From delicious buffet breakfasts laden with fresh fruits, pastries and continental offerings to light lunches on the terrace enjoyed next to the sparkling pool. The menu explodes with choice starting with breakfasts, salads, toasties, pizza, burgers and Beach Bistro baskets for lighter meals and the full a la carte dinner tempts with traditional local cuisine. Try the Karoo lamb chops, potjie, bobotie, a succulent steak or fresh line fish or frolic in contemporary European dishes with a hint of Mediterranean influence. The extensive wine list alongside decadent dessert of chocolate gateaux fresh fruit and ice cream or cheese platter rounded off with a port or cognac completes the experience. Indulge in true Cape hospitality with a romantic dinner for two or celebrate something special with friends and family at Beach Bistro Restaurant in Milnerton.

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.

Acclaimed for ingeniously prepared local seafood specialties, the Café Gannet Restaurant is Mossel Bay's seafood house. Coastal oysters, black mussels and Mossel Bay Sole are delivered daily from the harbour to make a delectable and varied a la carte menu, which includes pizza, salads, meat dishes, light lunches and Rainbow Cuisine.Enjoy a relaxing afternoon followed by cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Cafe Gannet is a great treat, bound to please the most discerning palate. It’s also very trendy, so bookings are recommended. Open 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm.

With sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, perched right on the waters edge, Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant offers any occasion dining in a fine and elegant setting. Award winning chefs create masterpieces of fine cuisine, while diners relax and enjoy the beautiful setting and mouth-watering cuisine. Located along Beach Road in Mouille Point, Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant is a must-try for discerning palates.

For true Mediterranean cooking in a relaxing and laid back setting on the outskirts of Somerset West, Capelands Restaurant provides. Making use of only the freshest ingredients, including herbs and vegetables from the Restaurant’s own gardens, patrons can be assured of the most flavoursome meals from the well-planned menu. With a delicious selection of vegetarian meals as well as a healthy selection of childrens’ meals, everyone has been carefully considered. A good selection of both local and international wines are on offer to perfectly accompany the dishes of choice. With spectacular views to enjoy as you sample the delicious offerings, Capelands Restaurant is the perfect spot for a relaxing dining experience.

Superb attention to detail and exquisite creativity with flavours are two of the reasons to take some time out and pay a visit to Carne SA. Much of the meat comes from the restaurant owner’s own farm so diners can be assured of superb quality and freshness. Brilliant staff are on hand to help you make a selection and advise on a good wine to suit from the wide selection on offer. A meat-lover’s must, Carne SA is a dining experience you’ll want to come back for.

Boasting great views of False Bay, Steenberg Mountains and the vineyards, Catharina’s Restaurant follows through with breathtaking surrounds evident in the rich and sophisticated interior. The décor speaks global with a twist of African charm blended and inspired by local talent and raw materials wrapped in earthy rich colours. Expect contemporary South African cuisine with a touch of sophistication and an award winning wine list. Sunday’s soothes the palate with fantastic fare and live Jazz. Catharina’s Restaurant is an unforgettable dining experience situated on one of the Capes oldest farms, awarded with the American Express Platinum Award 2009 and Diners Club Award Excellence Wine list 2008.

Located along upper Long Street, this Spanish inspired restaurant exudes a warm welcoming ambiance set with warm brick walls, soft lighting and religious icons that adorn the walls. Tapas is the order of the day, enjoyed in perfectly sized portions try the octopus, mussel, clam and tortilla tapas or the grilled oysters drenched with olive oil and garlic, or the rabbit stew complimented by a glass of sangria, concluded by saffron ice cream for dessert. The clever décor and stylish interior, including delicious tapas makes Ultima Tapa the ideal place for dinner indulgence.

Owner and chef Cheyne seduces with a modern, chic and cool approach to cooking that caters for simple and relaxed palates. Mega stars like Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Eric Clapton have savoured Cheyne’s delights and now regular foodies flock to enjoy the flavours from the kitchen style restaurant. Located along Bree Street, Cheyne’s redefines dining with simplicity and coolness.

Rated as one of the top 10 restaurants in the Garden Route, Cinnamon Boutique Restaurant offers the best of culinary delights, freshly prepared in a spacious and intimate setting exclusively designed. Relax while enjoying the tropical surroundings and elegant setting before setting off on a culinary journey freshly prepared from the Ala Carte menu partnered with a complimenting wine from the extensive wine lists chosen exclusively to compliment your choice of food. Begin your meal with Smoked Salmon with Potato Rosti and black pepper Crème Fraiche followed by fresh Line Fish of the day with sesame seed tiger prawns or a Springbok Babootie with Saffron Basmati rice and roasted vegetables. Wrapped in a sumptuous setting dressed in warming paprika red walls and heightened by high back chairs, contrasting silver cutlery, fine crystal glasses and the tranquil surrounds of the gardens, diners can peruse in a choice of delectable food and extensive wine list. Relax and enjoy the serene ambience sipping a soothing cognac or coffee on the patio or in one of the exclusive lounge areas before heading home from a magical dining experience at Cinnamon Boutique Restaurant.

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).

Constantia Uitsig's original Cape Dutch Homestead is surrounded by sweeping views of Constantiaberg Mountains and vineyards. Under the expert hand of Head Chef, Clayton Bell, Constanita Uitsig Restaurant has earned an international reputation for a elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, promising a memorable dining experience. Chef Clayton Bell builds on the indelible legacy of chef extraordinaire, Frank Swainston. The menu’s focus remains the robust flavours of Italy with forays into exotic Asia. Clayton believes that consistency is a key factor in the restaurant’s ongoing popularity. “Don’t over-complicate food, and don’t mess with good quality ingredients. I’ve been here for 13 years, and Uitsig is my second family.” This attitude underscores the elegant yet relaxed, convivial atmosphere that keeps so many people returning for another meal in the original Manor House on the estate. It’s also why first-time visitors feel immediately that they’ve come home. Since its launch in 1992, Constantia Uitsig Restaurant has consistently featured in the Top Ten Restaurants of South Africa. Need to know? Open 7 days a week Lunch: 12h30-14h30 Dinner: 19h30-21h30 Closed: Lunch 31 December New Year's Day

Situated on Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, Cotage Fromage is world-class country bistro and deli experience, complementing the excellent Vrede en Lust wines with light, sophisticated and delicious cuisine.This Mediterranean style restaurant is run by Matthew Gordon, noted caterer Duncan Doherty and baker Jean-Pierre Smith. The emphasis is on healthy food made with the freshest ingredients.A bakery and a deli stocked with local and specialty cheeses, olives and cured meats serves the restaurant and offers visitors the chance to buy fresh country goods for their own kitchens.Enjoy breakfast or a leisurely lunch in the heart of the Winelands. Visitors can taste and buy Vrede en Lust's award-winning wines, play a game of Petanque or Boules on the two competition sized courts, go for a peaceful stroll among the vineyards ortake a more energetic bike ride up into the forests to take in the spectacular view of the Franschhoek Valley.Need to know? Open 7 days a week from 8am till 5pm from 1 September to 31 May. From 1 June to 31 August the Cotage is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Live entertainment on Sunday afternoons.

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.