Every year thousands of people make their way to Cape Town and the surrounding winelands. They come for the wide-open spaces, gorgeous green scenes and unique activities, but most of all they’re there for the food and wine.
So, if you’re booking your flights to Cape Town from Johannesburg any time soon, take a look at these excellent Stellenbosch eateries. You may have heard about some of them, some are hidden gems, but they all guarantee a good day out in the winelands.
Rust-en-Vrede, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
This prestigious wine estate has been producing fine wine for over 300 years in the Stellenbosch area. In 2008, the estate added food to the fray when the onsite restaurant opened its doors. Since then, this high-end eatery has won numerous accolades, including Gold status in the prestigious American Express Dining Awards for 2018/19.
Despite its excellent track record, the restaurant remains a warm and welcoming place to spend some time, albeit in a plush first-class environment. The restaurant is housed in the estates’cellar, built in 1785 and serves up creative four and six course meals, and a wide range of excellent wines.
The tables are laid out under the aged oak trees offering an excellent opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the sensory delights of Stellenbosch. The meals are all crafted from the finest, freshest local ingredients prepared with five-star flair.
Tokara, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
Tokara offers scenery in spades from its cliffside location overlooking the vineyards and all the way to False Bay. It has a chic, simple design that’s matched by its deli-style eats and superior meals made from locally-sourced ingredients. Executive chef, Carolize Coetzee specializes in plaaskos (farm food) with panache, and you can look forward to springbok loin with bobotie spice and line fish with fire-roasted celeriac as well as vegetarian options.
For an afternoon of laid back sipping and snacking, you can’t beat stopping off at Tokara after a scenic trip down the Helshoogte Pass.
The Kraal, Hoopenberg Road, Muldersvlei
The Kraal offers true country dining and a laid-back vibe in the gorgeousJoostenberg Wine Estate. Located within the stone walls of the original cattle pen, tables for al fresco dining are scattered among the wild olive trees.
Chef Lanri Marais prepares a different set three-course menu every week, so there’s plenty of reason to pop in more than once. Many of the ingredients hail from the farm itself, and you can look forward to crisp salads and veg, tender meats from the onsite butchery and organic wines.
Uniquely, to eliminate wastage, the restaurant works on a bookings-only basis, preparing just enough for the reserved guests.
This is a must-do Sunday afternoon treat after your laid-back meanderings around the winelands of Cape Town.
The Vine Bistro at Glenelly, Ida’s Valley, Lelie Street
This lesser-known gem is run by chef Christophe Dehosse who prides himself on creative, constantly evolving menus that are small in size but big on variety. Think beef brisket consommé, duck & pistachio galantine, red stumpnose with a bouillabaisse sauce, pan-fried sweetbreads and braised pork cheeks.
The experience is French-inspired complete with classic Parisian tables and 19th-century chairs. Perfect for an elegant, relaxed meal with gorgeous views over the hills and vines. On chilly days, a fireplace adds ambience and warmth to your outing.
Interestingly, you can also take a look at the largest private collection of glass goods at the estate’s Glass Museum.
Terroir at Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, Strand Road, R44
Terroir is one of the most celebrated dining spots in the winelands, famous for its views over the golf course, excellent hospitality and great wine. The restaurant has made the shortlist for many prestigious accolades over the years, including the Mercedes Benz Eat-Out awards.
An outdoor terrace is perfect for lapping up the summer sunshine, while the dining room offers a cosy respite from winter chills. The food presentation is top-notch, and the unique combinations of flavours and textures represent the best that the winelands has to offer.
Some of the menu items include kob fillets with gnocchi, chevice of Yellowtail and smoked duck breast with feta and truffle. Caramel corn, vanilla sherbet and chocolate cremeaux are a fitting end to your experience.
Book Your Flights to Cape Town from Johannesburg Now
Are you hungry yet? It’s always time to dine in the winelands. Book your domestic flights to Cape Town from Johannesburg online now and start planning your culinary crusade.