Must-see restaurants in Winelands

  • Boschendal at Oude Bank

    Stellenbosch

    A vibrant bakery and bistro priding itself on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features salads, sandwiches and mezze-style platters, as well as fresh…

  • Glen Carlou

    Winelands

    The food at this stylish winery is on a par with the views: magnificent. Dishes, such as pan-roasted sea bass, Parmesan mousse and lamb shoulder with…

  • Karoux

    Winelands

    Well known for its gourmet cuisine and attentive service, this is one of the Western Cape's best small-town restaurants. The menu changes regularly but…

  • La Petite Colombe

    Franschhoek

    The award-winning Cape Town restaurant has opened a breezy sister branch here. The French-inspired menu comes in seven- or 12-course versions and you can…

  • Rust en Vrede

    Stellenbosch

    Expect innovative dishes like rabbit-leg wontons or beetroot chocolate fondant at this stylish winery restaurant. Book ahead.

  • Tea Under the Trees

    Winelands

    The only downside to this fabulous tea garden is that it's only open for half the year. Based on an organic fruit farm, it's a wonderful place to sit…

  • Blindiana Barista

    Winelands

    The coffee machine here is manned by Joseph Matheatau, South Africa's first blind barista. The cafe is owned by Kaleidoscope, previously known as the…

  • Strictly Coffee

    Winelands

    As well as excellent coffee roasted on-site, you'll find a selection of cakes, plus tasty salads and sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients. Locals…

  • Olive Terrace

    Winelands

    Based in the Tulbagh Hotel, this restaurant serves a range of dishes including a few vegetarian options. The shady terrace is a delight in the Tulbagh…

  • Foliage

    Franschhoek

    Chef and owner Chris Erasmus has brought the foraging culture to the Cape at this hugely popular restaurant. Forest-floor ingredients such as river cress,…

  • Jordan

    Stellenbosch

    It's a little off the beaten Stellenbosch path, but it's worth the drive to get to this well-respected restaurant in a winery. The delectable menu is…

  • Pierneef à la Motte

    Franschhoek

    Named for South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, whose work is on show at the on-site museum, this elegant restaurant serves modern takes on…

  • Jardine

    Stellenbosch

    Celebrated chef George Jardine of the long-established Jordan restaurant opened this small and very special spot in 2016. The emphasis is on local produce…

  • Bosman’s Restaurant

    Winelands

    This elegant spot within the Grande Roche Hotel is one of Paarl’s top restaurants, serving multicourse gourmet dinners and more casual bistro-style…

  • Overture Restaurant

    Stellenbosch

    A very modern wine estate and restaurant where celebrated TV chef Bertus Basson focuses on local, seasonal produce prepared to perfection and paired with…

  • Marigold

    Franschhoek

    If you fancy a change from all the French-inspired fine dining, Marigold serves elegant North Indian cuisine in its contemporary dining room.

  • Noop

    Winelands

    Recommended by locals all over the Winelands, this restaurant and wine bar has a comprehensive menu of upmarket dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck, roast…

  • Lust Bistro & Bakery

    Franschhoek

    Based at Vrede en Lust winery, this is a refreshingly unfussy place to eat in a region known for haute cuisine. You'll find salads, sandwiches and a build…

  • Terra Mare

    Winelands

    The menu is fairly small but superb, offering a mix of Asian, Italian and South African dishes. Tables inside can be a little noisy due to the proximity…

  • Haute Cabrière Cellar

    Franschhoek

    If you want to go all-out on the French-inspired cuisine here, try the five-course menu with wine pairings (R595). Tastings (from R55) are available and…

  • Reuben's

    Franschhoek

    Franschhoek's favourite son, celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, is behind this Asian fusion restaurant in a fabulous, light-filled space off the main road. In…

  • Ryan's Kitchen

    Franschhoek

    Loved by locals and recommended by travellers, this long-running restaurant marries South African ingredients with fine-dining techniques. Watch chefs…

  • La Petite Ferme

    Franschhoek

    In a stupendous setting overlooking Franschhoek Valley, this contemporary restaurant makes a big deal of local ingredients. Try the biltong-dusted ostrich…

  • De Villiers Chocolate Cafe

    Franschhoek

    The excellent single-origin chocolate here is made at a boutique chocolatier in Paarl and used in all the cakes, pastries and ice cream on offer. There's…

  • Root 44 Market

    Stellenbosch

    A large indoor-outdoor market with fresh produce, plenty of crafts and clothing as well as wine by the glass, draught craft beer and a host of food stalls…

  • @ Four Cousins

    Winelands

    There's something to keep everyone entertained here – wine tasting, a microbrewery, sweetie pairings for the kids and an excellent jungle gym. The menu…

  • Tebaldi's

    Winelands

    Based within Temenos Retreat but open to all, this quaint dining room offers a small but varied menu featuring homemade ravioli, fish 'n' chips, curries…

  • Readers Restaurant

    Winelands

    The menu changes regularly, but always features a few traditional South African dishes and plenty of local ingredients. The attached gift shop is aimed at…

  • 96 Winery Road

    Stellenbosch

    Off Rte 44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, this is a long-established restaurant, best known for its dry aged beef. There's plenty of other meat…

  • Helena's

    Stellenbosch

    A cosy, charming restaurant within a boutique hotel. The menu is small but features some traditional dishes and lots of locally sourced goodies – the…

  • Fyndraai Restaurant

    Franschhoek

    Serves original dishes inspired by the Cape's varied cultures and using herbs from the on-site indigenous garden. A handy glossary on the menu helps you…

  • Franschhoek Market

    Franschhoek

    Based in the grounds of the church, this market has a real country fete vibe. Shop for crafts and lunch on a range of light dishes, or buy a bag of…

  • Wijnhuis

    Stellenbosch

    There’s an interesting menu and an extensive wine list with more than 500 choices. Around 20 wines are available by the glass and tastings are available …

  • Blacksmith's Kitchen

    Winelands

    Grab a table under the trees and enjoy an unfussy lunch of wood-fired pizza or roast pork belly with views of the vineyards, town and mountains beyond.

  • French Connection

    Franschhoek

    No-nonsense bistro-style food using only fresh ingredients is dished up at this long-standing and deservedly popular place.

  • Decameron

    Stellenbosch

    This Italian-food stalwart of Stellenbosch’s dining scene has a shady patio next to the botanical garden.

  • Blaauwklippen Market

    Winelands

    A particularly family friendly farmers market with craft, foodstuffs and carriage and pony rides on offer.

  • Slow Market

    Stellenbosch

    Stellenbosch's original farmers market features lots of artisanal produce as well as crafts.

  • Die Tolhuis

    Winelands

    Based in a 19th-century toll house on Mitchell's Pass, this place makes for a fun lunch stop. The small and quirky menu is filled with traditional treats…

  • Bourbon Street

    Winelands

    A firm favourite with locals, this long-running restaurant offers everything from jambalaya and Southern-style ribs to Thai green curry or a hearty game…

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