Western Cape Restaurants

This lovely bistro with large tranquil tea garden is situated in the heart of Bredasdorp. Enjoy breakfast and light lunches in a warm atmosphere as well as delicious home-baked pastries and desserts. Dinner is served on reservation on weekends with a change in menu every weekend.

A venue steeped in history, Basic Bistro is bustling restaurant enjoying a large local following and is a popular stop for tourists and travellers alike. Supported by a dedicated team serving sumptuous fare all day long, this endearing eatery offers a menu that has something for everyone from simple toasted sandwiches to delicious dinners with an Asian twist. The hamburgers are a must-try. As well as these staples, there is a specials board which changes regularly to keep the offerings fresh and new. A great place to stop for a while and rejuvenate, try Basic Bistro, Stellenbosch.

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.

Perched along the shimmering shores of Lake Pleasant Living, enjoying far-reaching views and cooling breezes, Bistro on the Lake slows down the palate and conversation with delectable cuisine and breathtaking views for a lingering awe inspiring dining experience. Offering an array of seafood and contemporary dishes overlooking the lake, patrons can indulge in superb food complimented by unobtrusive service and good wine with the occasional silence broken by fish eagle. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast, lingering lunch or romantic dinner, Bistro on the Lake seduces the senses with mouth-watering cuisine, languid dining and friendly service immersed in a tranquil setting that captures the essence of relaxation.

Housed in a lovely cottage, extended by a small garden scattered with tables and chair, Bistro Seven welcomes country cuisine at its best. Dine indoors warmed by intimate surrounds and crisp blue checked tablecloths before lingering in the cosy bar with a warming nightcap. Try hearty soups, juicy steaks, crisp salads complimented by a small but well partnered wine list at Bistro Seven in Darling.

Enjoy a variety of sumptuous dishes at this stylish and internationally-acclaimed restaurant. Booking is essential. An extensive wine list to accompany the extensive offerings is a pleasure and features both local and international wines. Superb attention has been paid to the decor with a palette of black and white and bold, modern shapes and patterns. Friendly and attentive service assures a brilliant dining experience to repeat time and again.

Think pizza! Generously topped with a multitude of choices or hearty burgers and succulent fish and chips. Bustling with activity on Sunday especially, the grass-covered lawns strewn with sun worshippers enjoy spectacular views and tasty meals. The prize winning wine list offers extensive wine and beer choices perfectly suited to enjoy alfresco or along themed dinner nights.

Freshly baked on the premises daily and with an assortment of jams and other accompaniments, Bodega do Vinho is a delight for the tastebuds. An enticing aroma of coffee and freshly baked fare make for a truly inviting atmosphere that puts diners at ease and encourages relaxation. To help with the escape from the hustle and bustle, outside is a children’s play area that is also dog-friendly so the parents can really enjoy their leisure time at Bodega do Vinho.

An unfussy menu inspired by the famed grill rooms of cultural centres such as Paris, New York and Chicago, offers prime meat cuts, half free range chicken, seafood and pasta dishes. Staples include the mussels (served steamed in white wine, mascarpone cheese, garlic and herbs), prawn cocktail (a pre-nouvelle cuisine classic served with avocado all year round), macaroni and cheese pot (a more-ish must), lamb cutlets (served with mushy peas), Bouillabaisse (classic French seafood soup) and crème brûlée (a perpetual crowd-pleaser).

Located in the breath taking beauty of the Stellenbosch winelands Boschendal Wine Estate offers its visitors Le Café for a laid back breakfast or lunch venue. The eatery is housed in the original slave quarters of the farm. Enjoy a light summer lunch or tea time treat in the cool that the canopy of ancient oak trees provide. Parents will appreciate the lawn as a place of play (amongst the ducks) for the children. In winter guests will feel right at home indoors in front the cosy fireplace. The restaurant has a change of menu at winter, when warm bredies and Bobotie are called for. The summer offerings include home-made lemonade and the best scones. Other menu items include omelets, Quesidillas, salads, and quiche. Desserts range from cheese cakes to Ice –cream Sundays and Pavlova. The restaurant also has a selection of Boschendal’s finest wines to round off lunch. The estate also offers deli style picnics (Le Pique Nique) and houses a buffet restaurant (Boschendal Le Restaurant).

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.

Slightly quirky and romantic, Café Delicieux can be found in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. Serving delicious salads and real comfort food, sumptuous breakfasts, high teas and lunches, diners enjoy perusing the delicious a la carte menu. Try their delicious salads with chicken, penne and roasted baby tomatoes, open gourmet sandwiches with fillet and rocket and fragrant range of China teas, some scented with rose petals and delectable home-made cakes.

Discover home cooking with a contemporary twist enjoying magnificent views over Table Mountain. Nestled along the tree-lined Dunkley Square, Cafe Harambee secures a menu brimming with home cooked comfort food. Try the oven-baked meatballs on crunchy green bean with onion mash or chicken, gammon and port pie. The paprika crumbed calf's liver with a red onion, sour cherry and Teriyaki sauce remains a big seller. Light meals include a beetroot and goat's cheese salad or Cajun chicken salad or choose from a Carpaccio or smoked salmon trout sandwich. Indulge yourself with a smoothly sensual cream cheese and lemon chilled cake or delightfully decadent chocolate mousse torte with sour cherry dessert and conclude this yum factor dining experience with a sweeping sunset over Lions Head. Dine within the light indoor ambiance or enjoy the casual outdoor deck dining alfresco.

Beautifully stylish, Café Max entices with mouth-watering home cooked meals using the freshest ingredients complimented by a small-handpicked cocktail list and classic wine list suitable for all palates and pockets. The interior is refined, contrasted by traditional black and white marble tiles and splash here and there of silver and pink. Dine within the calming interior or enjoy the charming alfresco setting on the lavender lined terrace.

The beautiful garden setting flanked by breathtaking panoramic views sets the stage for a warm and charming experience immersed in flavours of yesteryear. Superb traditional fare spills off the menu, embracing the simplicity of food in a relaxed farm stall setting. Dishes touch upon French and Mediterranean flavours with a classical Italian influence and offer selections such as fresh salads, lamb shank and the best fillet steaks. Indulge your sweet side with sinfully decadent lemon ricotta cheesecake and chocolate fondant.

Cafe Roux at Noordhoek centres around family, friends, wonderful wine and delicious food.Situated in stunning surrounds at the bottom of the stunning Chapman’s Peak and with stunning mountain views, this family-run cafe offers a laid-back dining experience with excellent service.The layout is welcoming with trendy, contemporary influences. The closed off al fresco area is a great spot for dining when the weather permits. Tables are shaded by an intriguing Bedouin tent and there is a sheltered courtyard for more formal dining.Inside the restaurant, the ambience is laid-back and has country influences in the decor. There is a dedicated children’s menu to keep the little ones happy. The seasonal selection of dishes on the a la carte menu is simple and uses local ingredients when possible. There are also daily specials written on the chalkboard, comprising superb South African food with Cafe Roux’s own twist.A great dining experience in every way awaits you at Cafe Roux, Noordhoek.

Nestled in a tranquil setting with a backdrop of Fish Hoek Mountains and False Bay Breakfast remains a traditional affair, with small and large fry ups kick starting the day and the a la carte menu boast some delicious dishes. Try the West Coast Mussels served in a wine and garlic sauce or feast on the Chef's Daily Menu, fresh line fish or Carl's steak stack. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in relaxed ambiance is Carl’s at Clovelly Country Club.

In beautiful country surrounds, set amongst oak trees on the shores of Knysna’s famous lagoon is Caroline’s Bistro. Sustainable, locally-sourced food is used as much as possible, as are local suppliers, keeping the offerings fresh and flavourful. The menus are seasonal and therefore change regularly so the choices are kept as fresh as the ingredients that create them!

Dine on the terrace heightened by bright yellow vitra tub chairs on the terrace or succumb to the cool and toned black leather upholstery interior inside bathed in copper leaf and rich walnut wall paneling. The menu brims with moerish pastas, juicy steaks, pan-fried line fish and heavenly pastries and cakes. Soak up some fine contemporary cuisine and a relaxed setting at Cascades on the Promenade in Sea Point.

Easily located within the scenic Garden Route and famously known by locals as the place to enjoy made to order, thin crispy pizzas straight from the traditional wood-fired oven with wheat free bases available. Dine on outdoor terrace or within the large garden on balmy summer days choosing from an array of delicious pastas, potatoe bakes, salads and voluptuously filled pita breads. Leave enough space for decadent deserts and smouldering coffees for a pleasant, well-rounded day out.

The setting leans towards up market styling with a touch of classic contemporary and Asian influenced dishes. Tables dressed in red and white tablecloths and neatly wrapped cutlery set the stage for delicious starters such as spiced calamari followed by Asian braised lamb shank and decadent chocolate tart cardamom ice cream with pear. The hardboard menu proffers various dishes and specials including lighter meals such as gourmet sandwiches. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from the expansive wine list and soak up the bistro style setting at Chez d’Or.

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.

For sumptuous South African and Bistro-style fare, Die Eethuis is well worth a try!Separate lunch and dinner menus make for an exciting range of offerings which go perfectly with a well-priced wine list that includes a champagne selection with bottles from both the local area and further afield.A quaint courtyard provides a brilliant spot for dining al fresco when the weather is warm. The interior is modern and showcases some intriguing artwork.An unassuming and brilliant spot for tasty South African cuisine, try Die Eethuis, Paarl.

Nestled within the cosy Chelsea Village, Dutch Restaurant delights the palate with delicious bistro fare and continental cuisine. The menu takes the palate on a journey through the Netherlands offering a myriad of choices from secret Dutch recipes. Try the homemade crumbed organic beef kroketten on rye bread and the rich pea soup with smoked sausage. The fresh, uncomplicated ambiance works well with the Kartel Ghost chairs and tables, contrasted by charcoal walls and black and white photographs brightened with splashes of orange. The Dutch Restaurant is an intimate and authentic eatery in the cosy Chelsea Village.

For something a little more laid back and funky try Fandango Café and Cocktail Bar. Situated right at the pulse of Stellenbosch town centre on Bird Steet, this establishment is a great location for sitting back and soaking up the Stellenbosch vibe while enjoying a bite to eat. Fandango is more than just an eatery. Not only is the café also an internet spot but it also specializes in bicycle rentals – believing that cycling is the best way to appreciate the picturesque quality of the town. The café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wide menu selection to choose from. Favourites amongst regulars include the Prawn Stir fry and asides such as potato bake keep hungry patrons smiling. The freshly baked puddings are also hard to resist. The wine selection has more then 45 wines to choose from, catering for all preferences. Summer nights at Fandango calls for exotic cocktails and entertainment. Visitors will relish in the relaxed atmosphere of the Jazz and Blues evenings. Fandango offers a variety of evening entertainment throughout the year.

Boasting versatile cuisine influenced by European / Swiss dishes, Fat Susi’s Bistro offers something new to visitors looking for authentic Bistro food. With ever- changing specials and reasonable prices, this long-standing bistro has become a hot spot with locals and tourists alike. Discover home roasted coffee, delectable cakes and mouth-watering selections of freshly made food imported and local at Fat Susi’s Bistro on Main Street.

Nestled in the lovely Starke Ayres Garden Centre, Fraiche Ayres calms the mind with lush vegetation and tranquil ambiance Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu serves an array of sumptuous meals, light lunches and heavenly baked delights. Daily spreads offer alternate dining to traditional meals such as toasted cheese and tomato sandwich, salmon pasta or traditional fish-and-chips in golden crispy batter. Recently awarded SA Rosetta Award Service for Excellence, this charming bistro pampers with a no-nonsense menu and delightful surrounds.

Freedom Hill Restaurant offers country-style hospitality on its stunning wine estate in the Franschhoek region. With views of the Berg River Valley and Simonsberg Mountains, Freedom Hill has an exquisite back drop for a meal sitting any time of day. Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or sundowners in the late afternoon for a laid back time out. Not limited to lighter meal variations, the restaurant also has a well rounded and complete lunch and dinner menu with starters, mains and pudding. The menu offers a selection of mouth watering canapés as finger food to compliment a social drinks meet (and eat) or as a nibble between meals. The a la carte menu is an explosion of flavours with starters such as Sardine and Mascarpone Cheese Quiche, or Quail Breast with Nougat Salad. The main courses cover a variety of meat dishes as well pasta. Dessert is a decadent affair with the likes of Vanilla and Amarula pan cotta with fresh strawberries or, a chocoholic’s dream: Double Chocolate Mousse with Pistachio Nuts. Be sure to enquire about the daily specials. Not only is Freedom Hill an eatery worth visiting, it is also a wedding and function venue. Personal wine tastings are available to guests.

île de païn - Island of Bread is something of an oasis, even amoungst the plethora of good eateries in Knysna. When Liezie Mulder and Markus Farbinger together with a small, young team opened the doors of île de païn in 2002, it was as though they tapped into something so treasured by the collective consciousness, that the appeal was indeed universal.They built a wood fired oven and baked large, dark loaves of Companio bread for the nearby farmers market. Soon after, Liezie put a small menu together to complement the bread. Today the bread “complements” Liezie’s food breakfast and lunch take centre stage at île de païn. She draws from her love of local ingredients and utilizes her international experience and training to create menu‘s that are thoughtful, simple and unique for everyday enjoyment. The wine list changes as often as the menu and receives equal attention and care. The desserts on display are for the finale or to take home for a postponed indulgence. On your way out you remember to take along a loaf (locals reserve one or two before sitting down) and some of the specialties as a gift to yourself or those near to your heart. Their annual gastronomic trips around the globe will ensure that île de païn will keep on going for years to come.Need to know? Tuesday till Saturday: 8am to 3pm; Breakfast 8am to 11am; Lunch 11:30am to 3pm; Sunday: 9am to 13:30 breakfast and lunch menu all day. Closed on Mondays.

Large wine barrels coax with casual blackboards showcasing the menu offering anything and everything from French to pastas, curry, confit duck and affordable wines. Dine alfresco taking in the bustling main road, heated during the winter or inside dressed with rustic décor, shabby walls and intimate corners. The menu offers a fixed price 3 course meal, affordably priced and a decadent desert to round off the meal. Pop into La Boheme and surprise yourself with tantalizing dishes and affordable prices on Main Road, Sea Point.

The menu is fresh and flavoursome serving up sumptuous and hearty food you can relate too. From healthy homemade buffet style breakfasts and lunches to deliciously wholesome iced smoothies, this bistro has become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Savour the taste of perfectly roasted chicken or a succulent piece of steak with a pile of frites and mayo alongside a refreshing glass of wine in this ‘friendly, warm and vibrant heart of Hout Bay'. The interior is smooth and elegant with rich wooden tables, contrasting orchids and chairs giving it that home away from home feel. Inspirational quotes grace the blackboards suspended from exposed beams enhancing the ambience with a touch of feel good purpose. The food is freshly prepared, seasonal and organic. La Cuccina is open from Tuesday to Sunday for early breakfast until 5pm.

This bistro affair captures the best of the nature and flavours from the kitchen into a well-rounded dining experience. The glass conservatory flows out on the alfresco style terrace flanked by panoramic views of the valley in the nurturing atmosphere of the working orchard. The open plan kitchen invites a culinary performance dining indoors and the terrace cradled by fruit trees embraces the great outdoors.

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.

Mariana's delightful award winning 'Best Country Restaurant' has homely tables set on the patio overlooking her herb and vegetable garden and the awesome mountainous backdrop. Enjoy the view while savouring Mariana's mouthwatering dishes. Mariana contributes a monthly column to the Woolworths TASTE magazine, and produces delicious home preserves for the deli. Bookings are essential 028 341 0272 Open Fri, Sat & Sun 9am - 4pm Licensed Take lots of cash so that you can stock up - there are no credit card facilities.

A restaurant that offers Oemf: Outstanding Excellence More Frequently. This “eethuis” (eating house), located in a small business park off Dorp Street Stellenbosch, delivers genuine, wholesome food that calls for seconds. The restaurant is has a Victorian elegance with its wooden floors, solid wood furnishings and feminine touches. The sound of bird chatter in the background adds a certain homely charm to the place. It is a restaurant with many faces. Not only is it a relaxed spot for local office workers to grab a bite or a coffee, but it is also an alternative to take-away dinners. The wholesome, home-style cooked meals may be collected on pre order to be taken home and enjoyed. What a pleasure! The menu changes on a weekly basis and regular visitors are kept one step ahead by having the menu emailed to them on Mondays. Besides the regular menu items, there is also a range of snack like options to compliment after work drinks at the bar. And if what one is after is not the menu? Patrons are at liberty to request dishes to satisfy in- the- moment cravings. Thursdays are Malay inspired with curries, samoosas, and other favourites. Oemf Eethuis is a one stop, all stop spot that hits the spot every time.

Orchid Café meets shopping and leisurely conversation tucked away inside the Homework clothing store. Scrubbed kitchen tables, sparking chandeliers, French grey café chairs and pink candy striped cushions against brick face walls set the stage for a home-style dining experience with a touch of elegance. The small seasonal menu prompts free-range and organic produce, all locally sourced and blended to create mouth-watering creations such as muffins baked in terracotta pots to French toast made fresh bouncy white bread and fluffy all-day omelettes. Indulge in baked cakes, tarts and buns, all home made including luscious carrot cakes, vanilla bean biscuits, baked cheesecake, baby almond pear tarts, cream cheese cupcakes, lemon meringue tartlets and fresh buttermilk scones served with whipped cream and real strawberry jam. Orchid Café is a charming, unique and feminine eatery, blessed with simple food and ‘home-away-from-home’ setting. Perfect for an indulgent day out.

A magical haven brimming with freshly baked treats, Our Place charms with an alfresco tea garden lit by mystical fairy lights suspended from a tree and lanterns dimly lighting the skyline. Exuding an old world ambiance with a touch of enchantment, diners relax and soak up the refreshing surrounds enjoying mouthfuls of pleasure ranging from cakes, light lunches and even entertainment for the little ones.

Savour the delicious array of classic and contemporary French cuisine at Pastis. Nestled in Groot Constantia of the Constantia Valley, Pastis is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a scrumptious meal and a glass of wine.Decorated in 1920's Art Nouveau, brasserie style and bedecked with vintage French posters and traditional gingham tablecloths, the Pastis dining room is comfortable and inviting. Wooden French doors open out onto a lavender lined garden patio where you can enjoy café culture while soaking in the sunshine. The mouth-watering French menu, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service will make you feel at home. Relax while your children are kept busy with their special children’s activity box.Watch the big game or challenge your friends to a game of chess in the bar. Complete with a fireplace, the bar area is ideal for romantic winter evenings with a glass of wine selected from the Cape vineyards. Or indulge in the flavours of France, by trying one of the imported French wines and champagne.Need to know? Open seven days a week from 08:30am until late.

Set in a beautifully restored manor house, this elegant venue is a great spot for fine dining and fantastic views.Enjoy impeccable service as you sample the best of traditional cuisine. A stunning setting with the option of a veranda to truly take in the mountainous vista, Pontac Manor is a superb fine dining venue.Take some time out to enjoy a sumptuous fine dining feast and wonderful views at Pontac Manor.

A little bit of Paris hopped into Obs just like the White Rabbit! Inspired by the pattiseries of the City of Love, the Queen of Tarts menu changes regularly, however the favourites are always available. Essential fare like custard tarts, chocolate tarts and fairy cakes can always be found along with several savoury options. Guests can choose between various salads and sandwiches with ingredients like grilled aubergine, pesto, red pepper and cheeses. During the winter months Queen of Tarts also serves thick soups and hearty stews.Need to know? Open Tuesday to Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm.