Western Cape Restaurants

Located on the corner of Main Road and Dean Street in Newlands, Bon Fromage specialise in good bread, cheese and coffee. From freshly ground homegrown coffee to freshly baked almond sacrosains, baguettes, rye and croissants, paired with irresistible combinations and a touch of South of France ambiance. Lime washed French doors and French setting sets the mood for escapism while irresistible cheese platters and artisanal cheeses from around the world pair perfectly with the affordable and quirky wine selection.

Boschendal Wine Farm offers the perfect solution for a laid back family lunch that doesn’t require having to keep the kids tamed at an indoor table. The establishment’s Le Pique Nique area allows visitors a picnic style lunch with a basket filled with delicious delicacies. With the beauty of Stellenbosch as a backdrop, the wine farm ambience and the ideally shaded area under the fragrant pine trees, a summer’s day picnic lunch is the ideal way to spend time in the Cape wine -lands. The wicker baskets boast a selection of pates, French bread, cold meats, cheese and biscuits. The Boschendal wine list is also available and offers a selection of the farm’s finest wines. And just to ensure that one’s Boschendal picnic experience is absolutely perfect, coffee and dessert are served from the gazebo. The deli also caters for children. The picnic baskets are catered for at a flat rate per head and booking is essential. The estate also has a café (Le Café) and a buffet restaurant (Boschendal Le Restaurant).

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.

Bustling with contented chatter and aroma of freshly cooked breakfasts, Saturdays welcome lazy breakfasts and languid lunches tucked away on 41 3rd Avenue. Fantastic mountain views, freshly baked confectionaries and nooks and crannies brimming with crockery, old signs, shelves and delicious preserves secure a mood of relaxation and indulgence. Noted by an elite few as the serving the best Chai Lattes in town and mouthwatering breakfasts such as bacon and Brie croissants, scrambled eggs and omelets, this little Capetonian Gem is waiting to be discovered.

Renowned for their unusual combinations, this light airy restaurant revives the palate with the likes of fluffy omelettes with Chinese-style chicken dressed in tangy Hoison Sauce for an interesting twist on the traditional omelette. With an extensive Ala Carte menu serving breakfasts and lunches, Conservatory at Meade House delights the senses with succulent steaks and grilled fish or delectable teas and coffees complimented with moist cakes and freshly baked muffins. Whether delighting in a light lunch or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, Conservatory at Meade House will soothe away the day in an idyllic setting oozing with character and grace in one of the oldest homes in George.

This cosy restaurant bustles with activity and holds a unique feel. The décor is warm and various celebrity photos adorn the walls contrasted by the white tablecloth setting. The open plan kitchen invites diners into the culinary experience, where the likes of continental and local dishes grace tables in generous portions. The lovely outside terrace makes ideal spot for frothy cappuccinos and a morning paper.

Situated right on the beach front in Mossel Bay and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of The Garden Route, Delfinos Restaurant serves African food with a view. The extensive menu boasts a large variety of food from seafood to pizzas all beguiled in South African flavours. With complimenting coffees warming the palate, Delfinos (as the name suggests coffee) entices with lighter meals such as pitas or tramazzinies, hearty portions of pizzas or pastas and scrumptious fried breakfasts with options for healthier alternatives such as cereals and yogurts. Flattered by unsurpassed views dining indoor or alfresco, Delfinos makes for a pleasant day out enjoying the refreshing breeze and South Africa tastes.

Enjoying light meals and continental fare, diners relax soaking up the mountainous views dining alfresco in the shady garden. The cool stoep invites lazy lunches over a glass of wine with no corkage charged for those who prefer to bring their own. Browse the interesting curio shops for an added bit of retail therapy. Ebenharts Restaurant in Voortrekker Road is a little oasis in the Klein Karoo, waiting to be discovered by you.

Break away from the city scenery and settle in for a tranquil breakfast, tea or lunch at Hillcrest Berry Orchards Restaurant. The discovery of this little gem delights patrons who seek a quiet spot with good food made from produce which can be purchased on the way out. Hillcrest is hidden along the scenic Helshoogte pass in Stellenbosch and overlooks the Drakenstein and Jonkershoek mountains. In warm weather meals are best had on the shaded terrace while colder weather calls for the fire to be lit in the farm style restaurant. With the berries being their business, the berry-licious menu does not disappoint. Hillcrest breakfast specialty is a divine combination of its own honey roasted muesli, home-made yoghurt with berry compote along with other traditional options and a grand selection of pastries. While lunch choices are lighter, with menu items such as quiche, pastas and soups, one cannot help but be tickled to taste an interesting home-made gooseberry and ginger ice-cream for dessert. Allergy prone individuals will be happy to discover that their dietary requirements are suitably catered for with options that include wheat and gluten free bread and soya milk alternatives. Hillcrest is also home to a deli where much of the farm’s produce such as breads, jams, fresh or frozen berries and other delicacies may be purchased.

Lafayette is perfectly placed along the oak lined Andringa Street in Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a cosy, intimate eatery that offers an Italian bistro style food with no shortage of wines to choose from. Lafayette achieves in creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. One has a choice of seating. Dine indoors at winter time in the rustic Italian setting of the restaurant or outside in the courtyard around the open fire on a balmy summer’s evening, either way Lafayette’s intimate setting is all about romance. The Tuscan inspired menu calls for all foods to be home made. Expect extravagant pasta to the likes of ravioli with spinach and ricotta in a blue cheese, bacon and yoghurt sauce. Other dishes include local speciality dishes of tripe, vegetable stew with warm tabouleh, and rich Tuscan style soups. On Thursday evenings guests are treated to an outdoor fire from which the evening’s meals are cooked. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines by the glass as well per bottle.

Buzzing, lively and smart, this laid back and trendy eatery sets the mood with a cool take on décor menu that proffers continental and contemporary cuisine, café style. Short and reasonably priced, the menu offers delights such as tender calamari, generous Caesar salad, and a subtly delicious prawn curry enjoyed alongside a wine list favouring local wines and wines by the glass.

This newly decorated oasis is renowned for quality food and price list. Small and intimate setting offers secluded privacy or bustling companionship around the continental style buffet just off the hustle and bustle of the main road. Linger around enjoying good food and company before browsing walls lined with local arts and crafts. Maureen’s is a relaxing retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Housed inside an elegant Edwardian double story house, Mimosa transforms fine dining with wine and dine cuisine. The 4-course gourmet menu bewitches with boutique handmade wines. Conceived from homegrown vegetables and herbs using local specialities such as Lamb, Springbok and Ostrich, Mimosa Lodge seduces the palate with Continental cuisine in a fresh, elegant and mood capturing setting. The menu highlights daily delights paired with boutique wines, seasonal and inspirational dependent. Diners peruse the likes of West Coast Crayfish, steamed, partnered with an avocado, salsa and a truffle sour cream perfected by a glass of Beverly Dawn Chenin Blanc, 2008 for starters. For the mains, Gingembre De Canard, roast Duck breast accompanied by seasonal vegetables and an orange ginger jus or beef fillet pan fried accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a green peppercorn jus flattered by a glass of Bredells Shiraz, 2003. The Grand finale, Blueberry Parfait, homemade and garnished with a chocolate twirl and fresh blueberries perfectly paired with a glass of Danie de Wet Cape Muscat. Mimosa Lodge pays homage to highly acclaimed culinary circles, showcasing award winning cuisine and boutique handmade wines perfect for connoisseurs who enjoy gourmet masterpieces.

With every exquisite dish, there is an exquisite wine to compliment the meal. Enjoy Continental cuisine at its best with evocative oysters, duck breast, kudu, ostrich and a variety of line fish freshly caught. This restaurant exudes a romantic, old-fashioned feel with an interesting menu and complimenting wines straight from the Windmill Valley in Paarl. Dine within the cosy interior or al fresco on the wooden deck with far reaching views over the ocean.

Located in the historic coastal village of Hout Bay and surrounded by Milkwood forest is a tranquil spot to enjoy superb food and a relaxing ambience. Friendly and attentive staff greet you as arrive and ensure that your every need is taken care of. The vast and thoughtfully-designed menu proffers a mouth-watering array including a must-try, delectable Continental breakfast. With strictly upheld values concerning freshness and presentation, diners can be assured of a truly satisfying culinary experience.

Set in a stunning location with both mountain and sea views is Steffanie’s Place.Experience dining al fresco or enjoy sundowners to wonderful views on the airy terrace or spend your time inside in the cosy autumn tones of the lounge area. Whatever your preference, Steffanie’s Place accommodates.Large windows and a well-placed fireplace enhance the warm ambience of this must-try eatery serving delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients.The skilfully planned main menu offers a wide range of the choicest dishes and there are also blackboard specials to choose from.With a good selection of locally-produced wines, diners are left wanting for nothing at this wonderful venue.

Wine and dine in style sampling delightful cuisine in alfresco surrounding with a poolside view. Themed buffets make for a colourful and tasteful experience alongside favourites such as burgers and chips. Enjoy a Cape Malay Wednesday or espetada Thursday or simply savour simple dishes from the tantalizing menu. Flawless service and memorable wine and dine experiences make Sunset Restaurant an ideal location for anytime dining in Sea Point.

The Green Dolphin Restaurant is one of Cape Town’s premier jazz hotspots. Located in the V & A Waterfront, on the water’s edge, patrons can sit with Table Mountain as their backdrop, watching the seals at play while taking in the smooth sounds of some of the finest jazz the Mother city has to offer. Relaxed, intimate and jivey, the Green Dolphin is a popular haunt for tourists as well as Capetonians who are looking for a great night out. The menu is varied and has a little something for everyone. With plenty of fresh seafood on offers, as well as delicious meat and vegetarian speciality, diners will be delighted. The seafood chowder and fresh mussels with a creamy white wine sauce with chilli, coriander and garlic are a must on the starter menu. And the venison kebabs and prawn and crayfish duo are a tasty treat for those with a bigger appetite. The wine list offers some of the finest wines from around South Africa, the perfect complement to any of the dishes on the menu. With jazz every night of the year, fabulous food, unsurpassed views and a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Green Dolphin should be on everyone’s list of places to eat in Cape Town.

Take a step back in time at this 1970s style revolving restaurant in Sea Point. A nice selection of light bites, seafood, meat and continental dishes are on offer at this unique and popular spot. A modest wine list provides the accompaniment, but it is the surroundings and atmosphere that provide the biggest draw. 1970s music plays as the restaurant turns up until a talented pianist takes over on a stylish white baby grand piano. A vibrant spot for great views and a unique atmosphere, Top of the Ritz is well worth a try.

Located on the scenic Route 62, Wild Apricot Restaurant embraces traditional South African cuisine enchanted by elegant charm, period cutlery and a décor that whispers memories of a bygone era. Dine by romantic candle light and soft music drifting from the baby grand piano enjoying traditional creations such as tasty mutton pie and bobotie with a twist. For starters, try the Ostrich carpaccio drizzled with olive oil, fresh lemon and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Main meals entice with Kabeljou dressed in mushrooms and sour cream, slowly cooked in the juices from the onions and mushrooms. Round off the meal with an amarulla soufflé on a coconut crust, sprinkled with walnuts and amarulla liqueur. Dine in the elegant dining room of the Montagu Country Hotel and transport the palate to an enchanted era for an evening to remember.