Ruairí Hammond
THE STELLENBOSCH WINE BAR AND BISTRO Set in the shady courtyard of the whimsical Bougain Villas Centre in Windhoek, the Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Bistro on Sam Nujoma Avenue is one of the capital’s most popular restaurants. Patrons can not only sip on one of the many award-winning wines on offer but also indulge in prime cuts of Namibian meat. At the helm of the dining establishment is the Windhoek Collection, which also created the Stellenbosch Tasting Room and the Stellenbosch Market in the same property.
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PEPATA RESTAURANT Pepata Restaurant specialises in providing an authentically Namibian dining experience. The friendly establishment offers diners a menu inspired by the delicacies and dishes of the Owambo people. Omutwe (sheep’s head), beef or goat tripe, “marathon” chicken (a colloquial name for free-range village chickens, perhaps because they try to outrun their turn in the pot), sides of ombidi (a type of spinach grown in the north of Namibia), oshifima (maize porridge) and traditionally brewed Oshikundu are just a couple of highlights awaiting guests. Not to forget the mopane worms!
Elzanne McCulloch
The Wine Bar is a local favourite, the restaurant abuzz on weekends as well as weekdays. The relaxing environment together with a wine list boasting quality yet reasonably priced names are a winning recipe created by the owner, Namibian constitutional judge David Smuts. It is easy to see why The Wine Bar is so popular: it is a great spot for after work drinks or catch-up sessions with friends. The sunset views over western Windhoek and the historic photographs of pre-independence Namibia by the late photographer, Tony Figuerra, are two eye-catching features of the establishment. Beers, ciders and cocktails, and an array of savoury dishes and local favourites are also available.
Situated on the boardwalk, overlooking the moody Atlantic Ocean and the Mole Beach, is the welcoming Brewer & Butcher restaurant at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund. During the summer the outside area is full with visitors basking in the sunshine, while misty coastal days call for fireside meals. With a wide selection of beers available, some of which are brewed in-house by the Swakopmund Brewing Company, diners will not only be treated to skilfully prepared dishes but also an authentic dining experience.
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Ruairí Hammond
Le Roux van Schalkwyk
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THE BREWER & BUTCHER
BRAUHAUS IN SWAKOPMUND Located in Swakopmund, the Brauhaus is a Bavarian-style festive eatery with a Germaninspired menu which makes for a charming experience not to be missed. Set within a quaint and quiet shopping arcade in the heart of the town, the restaurant is surrounded by other charming stores, including a bookstore, leather products shop and antiques dealer, yet it is often the site of lively gatherings, with more than one “Stiefel” - a bootshaped glass vessel filled with two litres of beer - shared among friends.
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OTHERS TO TRY WINDHOEK • Leo’s at the Castle (Hotel Heinitzburg) • Butcher’s Block • Cape Town Fish Market • Sardinia Blue Olive • The Kitchen • Isabel’s Table
SWAKOPMUND • Ocean Cellar • Altstadt • Tiger Reef • Hansa Hotel
TRAVEL NEWS NAMIBIA SPECIAL EDITION 2020
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