Top 10
1Buitenverwachting
Austrian chef, Edgar Osojnik, gives Cape fine dining a contemporary European twist. Try the tapas in the courtyard, or fresh seasonal produce cooked to perfection and creatively presented. Impeccable service, and excellent wine choices from Buitenverwachting’s own vineyards, Constantia and beyond.
Buitenverwachting wine estate, Klein Constantia Road, Constantia. Tel: +27 (0)21 794 3522.
2Rust en Vrede
Impeccable, imaginative food that pays homage to local and sustainable ingredients, spectacularly good service, and a thoughtful well-priced wine list, keeps local and international gourmands queuing up to dine at this multi-award-winning restaurant.
Rust en Vrede wine estate Annandale Road, Rust en Vrede Estate, Stellenbosch,
Tel: +27 (0)21 881 3881
3La Colombe
A daily chalkboard menu of Franco-Asian fusion dishes masterfully executed using outstanding local ingredients, discerning service, and one of the country’s best wine lists, assures La Colombe’s reputation as a globally renowned gastronomic destination.
La Colombe, Constantia Uitsig wine estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Tel: +27 (0)21 794 2390.
4Pierneef à La Motte
Executive chef Chris Erasmus innovatively marries Cape Dutch and French Huguenot fare, delighting diners with his re-interpretations of traditional Cape recipes. Original Pierneef art works, well-informed service, and a top-notch wine list complete an adventure in contemporary South African dining.
Pierneef à La Motte, La Motte wine estate, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek, +27 (0)21 876 3119
5Terroir
Chef-patron Michael Broughton serves robust French bistro food reinterpreted through Western Cape sensibilities. Technical wizardry in the kitchen never overwhelms the seasonal produce. Great attention-to-detail service, and an excellent list of wines from Kleine Zalze and others.
Kleine Zalze wine farm, Technopark, R44, Stellenbosch. Tel: +27 (0)21 880 8167
6Bread and Wine
Chef Neil Jewell is the king of charcuterie chic. Patrons can’t get enough of Bread and Wine’s comfy, casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Jewell’s all-natural sausages, mixed cured meat platters, and South African inspired pizzas – think Cape Malay lamb – are irresistible. Friendly, well-trained staff, and oceans of Môreson wine make this restaurant the perfect gourmet Winelands escape.
Bread and Wine, Môreson wine estate, Happy Valley Road, Franschhoek. Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3692.
7Overture
True-to-terroir chef, Bertus Basson, puts a contemporary spin on French country cuisine using earthy, seasonal flavours, and classical techniques. Unexpected combinations never overpower top-quality local ingredients; friendly and well-informed service and ethereal views compliment the estate wines paired to each course.
Overture at Hidden Valley Wine Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, Tel: +27 (0)21 880 2721
8The Goatshed
Freshly baked breads and from-the-farm cheeses with Fairview/Goats do Roam wines are a match made in heaven at this busy, family-friendly Winelands eatery. Continue the trend of wholesome food made with fresh ingredients by filling up your shopping bag with gourmet goodies from the deli next door before you depart.
The Goatshed, Fairview wine estate, Suid-Agter Paarl Road. Tel +27 (0)21 863 3609.
9Fyndraai
For sensational, contemporary South African dining, look no further than Fyndraai restaurant’s heritage-inspired menu – a fusion of Khoisan, Cape Dutch, and Cape Malay flavours. Try the daily chalkboard specials, or the 3-course heritage tasting menu. Solms Delta's indigenous Cape wines are expertly paired to every dish, and the staff is charming.
Solms-Delta Wine Estate, Delta Road, off R45, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, Tel: +27 (0)21 874 3937
10Tokara
From a glass temple on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, culinary-creative, Richard Carstens, uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients to create deliciously playful plates of food with pure flavours and tantalising textures. The seven-course chef’s menu with optional wine pairing is highly recommended. A superb wine list features Cape and French flagship labels. Service is friendly and sophisticated.
Tokara Winery, R310 towards Franschhoek Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, Tel: +27 (0)21 885 2550