Top restaurants cape winelands
Fine dining options
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The restaurant at waterkloof
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Master Chef Gregory Czarnecki reigns supreme at this up-market venue, consistently turning out food that looks great and tastes even better. Currently voted the 3rd best restaurant in the country, this restaurant has it all. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional wines and a spectacular setting!
Situated on a wine estate, the Waterkloof wines are excellent and highly recommended. Wine paired degustation menus available for you to try.
A modern architectural beauty, set high up on the mountains overlooking endless views of the region on a clear day.
Website LOCATION: Somerset West TEL: +27 21 858 1491 TAKE NOTE: This restaurant is always in high demand & advance bookings are recommended. A deposit payment of ZAR 300.00 per person is required to secure your reservation.
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Rust en vrede
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A leisurely meal at Rust en Vrede is a journey through a world where a classic sensibility is applied to very contemporary dishes; where the provenance of the ingredient is as important as its treatment in the kitchen; where balance reigns supreme.
There is a very pleasing selection of intriguing wines on their wine list. Your best bet is to share a broad preference with the sommelier.
You dine in a centuries-old building that has been restored with taste and affection. Family photographs adorn the walls and the environment is warm and welcoming. Linen, tableware and glassware are of the highest quality.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 881 3757 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended a few weeks in advance. No Children under 12.
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La petite colombe
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Visitors to Franschhoek can now experience the same exquisite cuisine that has put its sister restaurant, La Colombe, on the map. After 4 years at La Colombe, working closely with chefproprietors, Scot Kirton and James Gaag, John Norris Rogers will take up the reins as head chef of La Petite Colombe, promising an exciting new menu with beautifully executed courses.
Expect a rare and fine wine selection to be on offer and to compliment the carefully designed tasting menus.
A truly elegant and sophisticated setting with loads of natural light filtering through. Fold out doors open up the space onto a patio for those sultry summery days.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 202 3395 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended. Deposits required for bookings of 6 people or more. No Children under 10.
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Overture at hidden valley
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Expect rustic plates that are imaginatively presented, with knockout flavours and memorable moments in a special setting high up on the valley.
Situated on the award winning Hidden Valley wine and olive farm, expect a wide range of locally produced wines of different varietals.
It’s a fabulous setting way up Hidden Valley, with a view down to the plains and the distant mountains. Delightful terraces are surrounded by verdant foliage; it’s almost like dining in a forest, which is a real pleasure for city dwellers who want to escape back to nature in style, with great food.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +21 880 2721 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended. Deposits required for bookings of 8 people or more.
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Camphors at vergelegen
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Incorporating ingredients from the surrounding Vergelegen farm wherever possible, chef Michael Cooke delights diners with seasonal dishes that are playfully plated and expertly paired with the estate’s fine wines.
For wine lovers, the wine list is a dream: tasting notes and winemaker’s comments make this a pleasure for pairing with food. For the indecisive, there’s a selection of flights, which offer diners a chance to taste small portions of several Vergelegen wines.
On warmer days, nab a spot on the sunned patio that’s surrounded by camphor trees and peacocks. In cooler weather, fireplaces are lit and the elegant interior offers a warm and luxurious place to enjoy a special meal.
Website LOCATION: Somerset West TEL: +27 21 847 2131 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended. Deposits required for bookings of 4 people or more.
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Indochine at delaire graff
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Chef Virgil Kahn gets Asian flavours magnificently spot on. Each plate is vibrant with home grown produce, and his meticulousness in creating a fresh yet complex marriage of flavours is impressive.
Located as it is on Delaire Graff Estate, the restaurant has a wine list that’s extensive and informative, with an array of cultivars perfectly paired with the cuisine. Estate wines are also available by the glass.
If you’re not taking in the beautiful views of the estate, the luxurious interiors will be a feast for the eyes. Hues of rich blues and sparking accents adorn the space with delicate arrangements of orchards.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 885 8160 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
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Terroir at kleine zalze
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Head chef Michael Broughton has been impressing diners with delicious dishes that evolve with the seasons. Situated on the breathtakingly beautiful Kleine Zalze, under the coolness of old oak trees and with views of the golf course.
There’s a focus on Stellenbosch in the wine list, with the traditional featuring more than the outliers of innovation. The limited wine bythe-glass offering mostly centres around the excellent wines of the host estate.
It’s a place of muted earth colours, with terracotta floor tiles, a reed ceiling and pillars dividing a big room into a series of more intimate spaces. Terroir is almost always full with happy customers.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 880 8167 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
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Jardine restaurant
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It feels a bit like you’ve hit the fine dining jackpot when you discover the price of the set menu options here and realise just how incredibly delicious every course is! The tasting menu allows you to sit back and be surprised by what shows up.
The one-page wine list is simple yet concise. It is dominated by local Stellenbosch wines and is extremely well-priced.
White tablecloths and beautiful crockery elevate the otherwise quite unassuming space, while lots of greenery give it a bit of warmth without making it too casual.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 886 5020 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
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Beleef restaurant
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“Beleef” is the Afrikaans word meaning “to experience”. Chef Herman Steyn takes you on a true South African journey and experience of local “boerekos” dishes with a clever, sophisticated twist.
Good wine selection, plus a creative cocktail menu with delightful concoctions once again featuring local flavours.
The interiors are rich, refined and moody with plush blue velvet chairs and pillows and unique local art decorating the walls.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: + 27 10 110 8325 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
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Giltedge favourites
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foliage
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Opened by forager and nose-to-tail enthusiast Chef Chris Erasmus , Foliage has added a certain culinary clout to Franschhoek’s already feted gastronomic scene. Offering an eclectic menu locally sourced food and foraged ingredients are the focus of the flavourful, contemporary dishes. The attention to detail, and the timing of the procession of finely crafted dishes is extraordinary.
A very good wine list, featuring some of the best of Franschhoek and other regions in the Cape.
The open kitchen dominates the inner area, breaking down the barrier between chefs and diners. Ask to sit there, as it’s a great evening’s entertainment watching Chris marshall his team of chefs.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 2328 TAKE NOTE: Reservations must be made in advance. Walk-ins not recommended.
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Orangerie at le lude
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Located on the lovely Le Lude MCC Estate, Orangerie’s chic, all-white interiors – with the odd splash of colour – echo chef Nicolene Barrow’s intriguing menu: purist European execution (a spin-off of her experience in world-famous international kitchens) tinged with personal flair and modernity. Expect fine, fresh ingredients – sourced seasonally from the surrounding forests, meadows, mountains and seas
The stars here are Le Lude’s Brut and rosé MCCs, but dessert wines from other estates are also available if you must stray.
French inspired interiors among a beautiful setting with views of the mountains surrounding Franschhoek are a large part of the appeal here.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 100 3464 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended.
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Pierneef a la motte
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Chef Michelle Theron paints culinary pictures using technically assured techniques tinged with her own personal style. Her dishes are inspired by centuries-old cooking techniques, borne out of local and international influences.
Sip on the wine estates exceptional choice of wines : La Motte. The wines from this estate have won many accolades.
Situated on a wine estate and surrounded by ancient oaks, the bubbling water features create a serene setting, with the overall atmosphere being sophisticated yet quirky.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 8800 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended.
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marigold
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With Durban-born Chef Vanie Padayachee, guests can expect rich, layered dishes tinged with authentic Indian flavours. Marigold’s menu channels exotic, spicy North Indian food, as it effortlessly incorporates fragrant curries, delicious biryanis, Thali (a set menu of various dishes), charcoal tandoor-cooked meat and, of course, naan breads into its smallplates menu.
The wine list is quite extensive, with Mullineux & Leeu Family wines taking pride of place on the menu. Local craft beers are also available.
Chic, pared-back interiors and
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 8970 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended.
expansive street-facing windows, add a touch of elegance to the restaurant’s natural palette and exquisite wood-panelled floors.
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Tuk tuk microbrewery
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The Taqueria, housed in the Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, serves Mexicaninspired ceviche, nachos and tacos, which go down beautifully with a craft beer or two.
As the name suggests, this is a stateof-the-art brewery. Offering excellent, locally crafted beers. Immerse yourself in the beers by enjoying a beer tasting and getting to try out all the brews!
Sit inside and watch the distillers at work, or grab an outside table for the best view of the high street. Plenty of copper is visible in this semi-industrial space as the beer is made right there. Light floods in from the street but the mood is cosy and relaxing. When the weather is good the pavement is the place to be, especially on a balmy Franschhoek evening.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 492 2207 TAKE NOTE: No reservation required as walk ins are encouraged.
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Bread & wine Vineyard restaurant
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Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant exudes an old world charm. A rustic restaurant offering honest food. Neil Jewell, the Charcuterie Guru’s passion lies in his homemade Charcuterie that he prepares with mountains of patience and bucket loads of love.
The famous Môreson wines take pride of place with their superb bubbly very much in evidence.
A marvellous courtyard under venerable old trees makes a perfect setting – unless it gets really hot, as it can get in the Franschhoek valley, when it is advisable to retreat to the cooler interior. Relaxed and casual is the way to enjoy yourself. No frills – just great food and service.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 3692 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended. Family Friendly, only open for lunch
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Jordan restaurant
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The menu is seasonal and inspired by South African flavours and locally sourced ingredients with dishes that are exciting and inventive. Acclaimed chef George Jardine continues to wow guests with his impressive cooking style at this popular winelands restaurant with breathtakingly beautiful views.
The wine list is big and impressive and features all the Jordan wines from the estate, which is more than enough to please. In addition, they offer a good range of carefully selected wines from other estates.
This is a contemporary fine-dining establishment but the atmosphere is very informal, with outside patio seating in summer. The views over the valley with small lake and vineyards in the foreground & a mountain range in the background are spectacular.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 881 3612 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended. No children under 12 allowed for dinner.
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babel
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Babel is a bold, stylish restaurant where only the freshest ingredients are showcased in their seasonal simplicity - true to their “pick, clean and serve” approach. The farm remains a firm trendsetter in the local farm-to-fork scene, serving freshly picked fruit and vegetables from their massive garden daily.
Babylonstoren’s own range of wines are showcased on the winelist as well as a lot of fresh juices using the farms ingredients.
Babel’s interior is modern contemporary with white walls, massive artworks on the walls and huge glass windows. Housed in an old cow shed, a golden thread of understated style is weaved throughout the farm with a focus on naturalism and simplicity.
Website LOCATION: Paarl TEL: +27 21 863 3852 TAKE NOTE: Reservations in advance are highly recommended at least 2 months in advance.
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tokara
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The cooking of chef Richard Carstens is characterised by bold flavour combinations, often bringing local and Asian-inspired ingredients together, and precise techniques. This year the dishes seem to pop off the plate – innovative, well seasoned and delicious.
Start with a glass of perfectly pink Silverthorn Genie brut rosé and then be guided by the able staff. Wines made by Tokara and other local producers make the offering a rich one with opportunity for surprises and spoils.
The deck overlooks the curve of the vineyards over the rise to your right and the sprawl of lush farmlands towards the mother city in the distance. It’s simply spectacular. The interior is modern and bright, with glass on two sides, elegant wooden furniture and futuristic light fittings reminiscent of constellations of stars.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 885 2550 TAKE NOTE: Reservations must be made in advance.
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Eike by bertus basson
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Famed chef Bertus Basson’s latest restaurant is set in the heart of historic Stellenbosch, the ideal location to celebrate South Africa’s culinary heritage, regions and food. Only serving a fixed menu for dinner, you can be assured to experience the best regional cuisine.
Look forward to a curated wine list consisting of 100% South African fine wines.
This quaint restaurant is situated in a heritage building that has been beautifully renovated, creating a stylish environment. The open kitchen with seats at the bar is a highlight.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 007 4231 TAKE NOTE: Reservations must be made in advance.
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Chefs warehouse at maison
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Chef David Schneider, guided by Liam Tomlin of the original Chefs Warehouse fame, create a global tapas inspired menu that incorporates a world of different flavours in one, multi-coursed meal. Expect the unexpected.
The winelist has an fabulous selection of Maison's wines, but also includes a short list of wines from surrounding estates.
The interiors are light and contempory with blonde wood and grey walls, and the lovely partially shaded lawn makes for an ideal lunch venue.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 2116 TAKE NOTE: Reservations must be made in advance. A deposit payment of ZAR 100.00 per person is required to secure your reservation,
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Romance is in the air
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Delaire graff restaurant
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The food is classic bistro chic, touched occasionally with South African flavours. Chef Michael Degg’s menu is creative, artistically presented and balanced with flavour. The menu is an expression of the season.
The extensive wine list featuring local and international wines, includes estate wine by-theglass options.
Experience ultimate luxury, indulging all the senses, as Delaire Graff estate encompasses it all with exquisite views over the Banhoek Valley, lush gardens, a stylish restaurant, art, and objects of beauty all around.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 885 8160 TAKE NOTE: Reservations highly recommended far in advance.
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Haute cabriere
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Haute Cabrière’s menu revolves around seasonal availability of produce, which is sourced locally or grown organically on the farm. The menu features classically prepared dishes, with modern twist on familiar flavours.
Kick off proceedings with a glass of irresistibly pink Pierre Jourdan Belle Rosé, and then move on to something like the Haute Cabrière chardonnay pinot noir or Pierre Jourdan Tranquille.
On sunny days a table on the terrace is hot property. The interior of the restaurant is very elegant, cool and old-school, with white linen tablecloths & stone walls.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 8500 TAKE NOTE: Reservations must be made in advance.
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CafĂŠ bonbon
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Country cuisine at its best with no frills and flourishes to distract – plain honest flavours in generous portions with plates that look good and taste even better.
A more than adequate list featuring their own wines as well as some of the treasures of this famous Franschhoek wine area.
Meals can be enjoyed on the terrace under the ancient oak trees when the weather is good, otherwise the interior is delightfully cosy and packed with old world charm. The resident rooster called Hendrik announces his presence with a loud crow, much to the delight of children.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 3936 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended for busy weekends and holiday seasons.
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makaron
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Every meal is a mini Baroque painting on a plate, especially the vegetables that are served as a side dish. From the juicy beets to the delicately roasted whole, skinny purple carrots. The produce is all ethically sourced and seasonal and makes for an authentic food experience.
The wine list is very extensive, ranging from the very affordable to the very expensive in taste and price.
It’s trendy, upmarket and quirky. The restaurant area is modern and almost Swedish in its sparsity, but with quirky South African elements paying homage to our warm and inviting diversity. It’s quiet, serene and feels exclusive.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 880 1549 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended as this is a popular restaurant amongst locals.
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Glen carlou
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The relaxed atmosphere belies the quality and consistency of cooking on offer here, with chef Johan Stander dishing up a superb menu of contemporary cuisine. Blending Continental classics, local produce and Asian influence, it’s a globetrotting offering.
The wine list is limited to Glen Carlou wines, All are offered at cellar prices with most available by the glass. There is a small selection of local craft beers available.
Laid-back country feel in a thatchedroof space shared with the winetasting counter. A crackling fireplace warms things up in winter, but the prime tables are out on the terrace with spectacular vineyard views.
Website LOCATION: Paarl TEL: +27 21 875 5528 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended.
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cavalli
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Contrasting textures, flavours and colours are a hallmark of the revamped menu from chef Calum Anderson, with a concise offering of upmarket bistro-chic cuisine. Embracing seasonality and local produce – much of the fresh greens come from the estate’s kitchen gardens – it’s a globetrotting menu with plenty of Asian influence.
Well-trained wine stewards can walk you through the list offering most major cultivars, drawn from across the Cape as well as fynbos inspired cocktails.
A sleek modern space that's all blond wood, burnished copper and high ceilings, with wonderful Winelands views from nearly every corner. No place for shorts and slops, the chic interior draws an equally dressed-up crowd. The terrace tables are a hit in summer.
Website LOCATION: Somerset West TEL: +27 21 855 3218 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended as this is a popular restaurant.
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Restaurant at grande provence
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With a winding approach off the main road, spectacular views of rolling vineyards and mountains, and beautiful heritage buildings, the food makes use of classic French techniques, but plays with modern flavours from around the world and closer to home, too.
The drinks list is impressively arranged, with an index to help you find what you’re looking for. All the reds and whites are from the estate, with a sprinkling of real champagnes, but this is no hardship.
The dining room is elegant, light and comfortable, with a crackling fireplace and banquette seating down one side. White ostrich leather and lime green touches make it feel fresh and modern. Glass doors open out onto the outside seating area, which is first prize on warm days.
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 8600 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are highly recommended as this is a popular restaurant and seats are quite limited.
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Family friendly dining
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Bertus basson at spice route
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A ‘South African Country Restaurant’ proclaims the menu proudly, and the food from acclaimed chef Bertus Basson delivers on its promise with a threecourse menu – a few choices per course – that gives a modern twist to South African classics. Expect hearty traditional plates.
Children will get a giant cookie with their meal to decorate and gobble up as dessert & An exciting, creative kiddies’ menu allows the little ones to build their own meal
A bright and airy space with gorgeous views of the Cape winelands. The spacious terrace is your best bet on sunny days, with wide-open lawns making this a family-friendly choice too.
Website LOCATION: Paarl TEL: +27 21 863 5222 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended for busy weekends and holiday seasons.
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Eight restaurant at spier
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The menu is planned around this farm produce and is delightfully natural without being overworked on the plate. A simple menu offers less than ten menu choices
Spier goes the extra mile to cater for travelling families. The first thing you will notice during your visit to this child-friendly winefarm, is that there is ample space in the lush gardens for kids to run around, explore, and be kids. An outdoor play area with traditional favourites like swings and a slide under the trees.
Cape Dutch architecture, water streams, abundant foliage and oaks blend harmoniously with a modern farm vibe while conveying a clear message of caring for the environment.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 809 1188 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended for busy weekends and holiday seasons.
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Warwick estate
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‘Sharing is caring’ seems to be the food philosophy at Warwick. Picnic baskets burst with gourmet ingredients and guests are encouraged to enjoy them wherever they want. Their estate wine is incredible and highly recommended.
A unique and unpretentious way of
The wide-open lawns and shimmering lake make it a tough place to beat in summer. The picnic pods dotted around the gardens are a stunning feature. Basically, they’re outdoor dining rooms, made from wood and complete with place settings.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 884 4410 TAKE NOTE: Only open for lunch, booking in advance is essential.
enjoying the winelands. It’s a dream for families: the kids will absolutely love it out here.
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Tokara delicatessen
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The focus is on ‘real food’ using fresh, local ingredients in simple dishes with a healthy spin on organic, preservative-free farm produce. A good-value country menu is inspired by deli fare – Tokara’s own olive oils, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, preserves, pastries, cakes and quiches. Enjoy a cheese or antipasti platter or the weekend lunch buffet.
There’s a kiddies’ menu and plenty of treats in the deli shop.
Make the most of a laid-back and child-friendly setting for a delicious light meal. In addition to the rolling lawns and outdoor play area, the kids can also cosy up indoors by the fire and keep busy with toy boxes, colouring-in books and storybooks.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 885 2550 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended for busy weekends and holiday seasons.
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Café des arts
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This is where locals go to eat again and again. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are equally well conceived, prepared and served by Chris and Lou and their small and efficient team.
This quaint café has a huge shaded courtyard where children can run, play and ride their bikes. The venue is located away from the Franschhoek main road.
The higgledy-piggledy collection of chairs and tables combine with the paintings by local artists on display to create a feeling of being in someone’s home – in a room that has been assembled without a lot of money, but with lots of love..
Website LOCATION: Franschhoek TEL: +27 21 876 2952 TAKE NOTE: Reservations recommended for busy weekends and holiday seasons.
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Dornier bodega restaurant
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Inspired by seasonal farm produce, the big flavours on the new Bodega menu are robust and rustic with a focus on wholesome country dishes - from crusty sour dough breads, country pate, chorizo and oxtail to free-range farm chicken and rack of lamb.
A family-friendly venue with a jungle gym for the kids and a terrace for lunches for the adults - with an avant-garde arty dining-room for rainy days.
Housed in the pastoral allure of a historic barn, Dornier Bodega pursues the perfect marriage between modern food preparation and classic elegance that has come to be expected from Dornier Wines.
Website LOCATION: Stellenbosch TEL: +27 21 880 0557 TAKE NOTE: Reservations are recommended. Open for Lunch Only.
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