Restaurants in Cape Winelands
The Cape, with its diverse ethnic mix, offers a range of cuisines that will be tempt those of all tastes. From the spicy Cape Malay curries to the traditional township fare, unique meats and fresh seafood, dining out in the Cape is bound to be one of highlights of your visit. Food is generally reasonably priced, high quality, and well prepared.
Make sure you experience as many of the different dining opportunities as possible, to get a real appreciation for the flavours of the Cape!
This Cape Winelands Restaurants Guide gives a breakdown of what type of cuisine you could expect to find, as well as listing a few restaurants which you may like to try. More general information about food in South Africa can be found by going to our South Africa Restaurants Guide. And to help burn off some of those calories, why not enjoy some of the fantastic shopping in Cape Winelands page, which will give you some hints and tips about souvenirs you make like to take home, and where to find them.
Cape Winelands Restaurants & Food Guide
The Cape Peninsula is reknowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Whilst in the Cape, you may wish to:
- Savour the fragrant spices and powerful flavours of Cape Malay cooking.
- Experience traditional township meals such as morogo and "samp and beans", at places like Igugu le Africa or one of the Township B&Bs in Khayelitsha.
- Sample some unique African meats, such as the low fat ostrich steaks or even springbok or kudu.
- Travel along the West Coast where you will find the very best seafood in the Cape, although anywhere along either coast normally offers something fresh and tantalising.
Cape Malay Cooking
Curries and pastries are two of the most popular features of Cape Malay cooking. Fragrant spices are a key ingredient, and give the cuisine its distinctive taste. Particular favourites include:
Bobotie - ground beef and raisins, covered in a creamy crust made of egg
Breyani - with a spicy base made of rice and lentils, breyani also features fish, meat or poultry
Samoosa - minced meat or vegetables in a covered pastry, a popular snack
Koeksister - normal taken with tea or coffee, this is a sweet plaited pastry
African Fare
African fusion restaurants abound in Cape Town, and a number of them are excellent locations to try some African fare. Unique dishes are created by combining and experimenting with African ingredients and recipes. There is a tremendous amount of variety available on the menus, and as such surely something to please everyone. Established, well-known African fusion restaurants include Mama Africa, on Long Street, and the Africa Café, located in the City Bowl.
The Township Culinary Experiences
If you'd like to try something a bit more authentic, in terms of the types of meals eaten every day by many locals, your best option is to try some of the traditional township fare. As mentioned previously, dishes such as morogo (wild spinach) and "samp'n beans" are popular, as are various wood fired meats. A boisterous "shebeen" (township bar/restaurant) is the best place to enjoy one of these meals.
Meat & Braai (BBQ)
As is the case everywhere else in South Africa, meat is both popular and plentiful. Whether it's the juicy lamb from the Karoo, low fat ostrich steaks from Oudtshoorn, springbok, kudu or even the huge beef steaks on offer, carnivores will find themselves spoiled for choice. The quintessential South African braai is an absolute must if you are offered the opportunity - less a meal than a way of life in South Africa. If its game meats you're after, you'd be best served going to restaurants specialising in them, such as Lobst's in Paarl and Lapa Lanterfanteer in Gansbaai. One local snack which you may also wish to try is biltong, basically dried meat. Normally made from beef, it is also made from kudu, springbok and ostrich meat. It's especially popular as "padkos", which translates from Afrikaans as food for the road.
Cape Town is famous for its wonderful choice of restaurants catering to all budgets and palates. Here's just a sampling of the Cape's best eateries (and some of our personal favourites)...
Restaurants List
The Duck Pond (Stellenbosch)
The restaurant is situated inside the Wine Tasting center at the Welmoed Winery on the R310 (Baden-Powell drive).
+27 (0)21 881 3310
info@duckpond.co.za
The Brazen Head (Stellenbosch)
Adjacent to Eikestad Mall Parking Area
+27 (0)21 882 9672
brazenhead@telkomsa.net
Sommelier at Sante Winelands Hotel & Wellness (Paarl)
Simonsvlei Road, Road 45, Paarl-Franschhoek Valley
+27 (0) 21 875 8100
info@santewellness.co.za
Seasons at Diemersfontein (Wellington)
Approached from Cape Town, the most pleasing route is as follows: Take the N1 north until you reach exit 47, the R44 which you follow in the direction of Wellington (left) for 28km. Do not turn off this road. You will pass various turnoffs and crossroads, which you should bypass, until you reach a long uphill stretch, with the town of Wellington on your left. You will arrive at a T-junction with the cemetery on your right. Turn right and drive downhill for approximately 1km. You will see the signs to Diemersfontein on your left.
+27 (0)21 864 5050
restaurant@diemersfontein.co.za
Primi Colony (Somerset West)
From Cape Town side take the N2 to Somerset West, the Airport direction. Take the R44 turn-off, Primi Colony is inside the Somerset Mall.
+ 27 21 850 0029
somerset@primi-piatti.com
Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant (Paarl)
The fine art of gastronomy as practised at Pontac Manor is rooted in classical French cuisine, with the culinary range amplified and enhanced by local influences and flavours, particularly apparent in the masterfully executed sauces. The menu includes the Pontac Classics and an ever-changing range of seasonal specialities: for those who enjoy sampling a variety of choices, everything on the menu is available in full and half portions.
Coming from Cape Town on the N1: Leave the N1 at the first Paarl turn-off and turn left into the Main Street and drive towards the town centre. Follow the road for 4,3 kms and turn left into Pontac Street - the road leads directly into the entrance gates of Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant.
+27 (0)21 872 0445
reservations@pontac.com
Picnics Restaurant at Vergelegen (Somerset West)
See website for map
+27 21 847 1334
ladyphillips@vergelegen.co.za
Opstal Estate & Restaurant (Worcester)
See website for map
+27 (0)23 344 3001
wine@opstal.co.za
Morgenhof Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
In the heart of the Cape winelands, Morgenhof's exquisite setting is ideal for weddings or any special occasion, from breakfasts, brunches and lunches to afternoon teas, cocktail parties and dinner dances. There's even a helipad for unusual arrivals!
Morgenhof Wine Estate; Klapmuts Road; Stellenbosch
+27 21 889 2024
carolyn@morgenhof.com
Monneaux Restaurant at Franschhoek Country House (Franschoek)
Situated at the Franschhoek Country House on the R45 only 2km before the main town of Franschhoek on the way in from Cape Town
+27 21 876 3386
info@fch.co.za
Marc's Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden (Paarl)
Take the N1 from Cape Town and then take the Paarl turnoff. Turn left into the Main Road. After the first traffic light, you will see Marc's on your right.
+27 (0)21 863 3980
chezmarc@mweb.co.za
http://www.restaurants.co.za/marcs
Lord Neethling Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
If you are coming from Cape Town, take the N2 highway in the direction to Cape Town International Airport and proceed on N2 until EXIT 33. Turn left at EXIT 33 in the direction of STELLENBOSCH and follow the road until you come to a T-junction after approximately 13km. At the T-junction, turn left, and you will see 14 flag poles with flags which mark the entrance to the Estate about 200 meters away.
+27 (0)21 883 8966
rnanny@iafrica.com
Hartenberg Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Bottelary Road (M23) From N1, take R304 exit towards Stellanbosch. Turn right on M23.
+27 (0)21 865 2541
http://www.hartenbergestate.com
Bread & Wine and The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais (Franschhoek)
The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais offers multi course affairs of exquisitely presented culinary delights showcase chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent. Guests can choose a four, six or eight course dining experience from a constantly evolving menu. Voted one of the Worlds top 50 restaurants in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by UK Restaurant Magazine Bookings essential. Dinners Only - Mon - Sun.
Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant & Farm Groce. Situated on Môreson, a working wine farm, 10 minute drive from Le Quartier. Home baked breads, sublime soups, country terrines. Imaginative salads and highly original dishes. Open Everyday for lunch from 12:00 - 15:00
16 Huguenot Road, PO Box 237, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
+27 21 876 2151
Bouillabaisse Seafood Deli (Franschhoek)
38b Huguenot Road Franschhoek 7690
La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek)
Franschhoek Pass Road Take the N1 from Cape Town towards Paarl Take exit 47, signed Wellington, Stellenbosch & Klapmuts Turn right immediately and continue for 300m over the four way stop Take the R45 left, towards Franschhoek Follow the road for +/- 7 km, take a right at the T junction Continue for +/- 20 km into Franschhoek Once in Franschhoek, continue along main street until you reach a T junction with the large Huguenot monument in front of you Turn left and proceed up the pass for +/- 2km You will find La Petite Ferme on the right hand side.
http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za
De Leuwen Jagt (Paarl)
The elevated setting of this restaurant is simply superb. The mountain views stretch from the Simonsberg to the distant Table Mountain and are suitably enhanced by acres of cultivated vineyards in the foreground.
Seidelberg Wine Estate Suid Agter Paarl Road Paarl
http://www.deleuwenjagtrestaurant.co.za
Boschendal (Franschhoek)
Situated in the original cellar of the Boschendal Manor House, the restaurant serves delectable Cape-French buffet luncheons, every day of the week.
Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road Groot Drakenstein Franschhoek 7690
Bosman's Restaurant (Paarl)
Grande Roche - Fine dining, luxurious, elegant. An award-winning fine-dining experience.
Bistro Allegro - caters for savory and sweet tastes in a less formal environment.
Grande Roche Hotel Plantasie Street Paarl 7646
De Volkskombuis (Stellenbosch)
De Volkskombuis Restaurant in Stellenbosch, specialises in traditional Cape cuisine, in authentic Cape Dutch surroundings. Established in 1977, this restaurant became well known for their excellent cuisine with a comprehensive selection of fine wines form an award-winning winelist.
Aan de Wagenweg Stellenbosch 7600
+27 (0) 21 887 2121
Flavous at the Devon Valley Hotel (Stellenbosch)
Flavours is about bringing people together and celebrating the good things in life. The Devon Valley Hotel's signature restaurant, Flavours, has a gentle, homely ambience and promises to offer guests and visitors authentic, contemporary Cape cuisine in a picturesque setting.
Devon Valley Road Stellenbosch 7599
Mamma Roma (Stellenbosch)
With plenty of parking and glorious views the location is excellent and whether you want a leisurely lunch or an al fresco dinner for 2, Mamma Roma has all the right ingredients to make your meal a memorable one.
Shop 39 Stellenbosch Square Webers Valley Road 7600
De Oewer Riverside (Stellenbosch)
Specialising in global cuisine, with a touch of Mediterranean and fusion, de Oewer provides an interesting menu for the discerning diner. Special menu’s for functions and weddings. Serve breakfast on special request. Relax after work with a glass of wine and a variety of interesting snackplatters to choose from. Enjoy our very popular Snoekopita, Lambshank, Africa salad or our famous Mediterranean burger.
The wine list has been chosen to make the wonderful wines of this area available. We have a comprehensive selection of fine wines from an award-winning winelist. Take your pick of many high quality wines by the glass, a treat to compliment any meal. We have included Food and Wine matching suggestions throughout the menu, please keep in mind that these are subjective and that there are no set rules to follow.
Aan De Wagen Road Stellenbosch
+27 (0) 21 886 5431
oewer@volkskombuis.co.za
http://www.volkskombuis.co.za/oewer/food.php
Le Pommier (Stellenbosch)
Le Pommier restaurant in the heart of Stellenbosch is housed in a national monument, epitomising all that is Stellenbosch. The farm used to be an apple-orchard, and it is for this reason that the restaurant is named as such.
Nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg and boasting mountain views and a relaxing ambience, Le Pommier also has its own wine shop offering some of the finest wines, as well as its own Le Pommier range.
Helshoogte Pass (approx. 6km outside Stellenbosch) Bonhoek Valley Stellenbosch 7600
Terroir Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
Strand Road (R44) Stellenbosch 7613
+27 (0) 21 8808167
http://www.kleinezalze.com/terroir/
The Cape Winelands is one of the most beautiful, breathtakingly scenic and diverse areas in the Cape. With the abundance of accommodations and tours, where do you start? From fine dining and accommodation to the finest wines, you are spoilt for choice. Meet the Cape Winelands team who will guide you through the winelands and will ensure that your specific requirements are met. If we dont have it, we will find it!
