The Cape Winelands are famous the world over. Each year, this unique wine region – which spans from the West Coast to the Overberg Coast, including towns such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Somerset West and the Breede River Valley to name a few – draws visitors in their droves.
With Cape Dutch beauty, world-class wines, amazing travel experiences and some of the best food and accommodation anywhere, it is no wonder the Cape Winelands are such a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
In this post, we look at the top ten restaurants (in no set order) in the Cape Winelands:
#1 Cavalli Restaurant (Somerset West)
In the Helderberg Wine Region, one finds the enchanting Cavalli Estate. This classy, scenic estate is loved for a variety of reasons – everything from magical wedding venues to its art gallery and grounds – but one of its biggest drawcards is Cavalli Restaurant.
Fronted up by head chef Michael Deg, Cavalli Restaurant is a world-class dining experience in every way.
With its gorgeous mountain-meets-dam setting and exquisite food offerings, Cavalli Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies exploring the Cape Winelands.
The a la carte menu, perfect for lunch or dinner, is small but offers great quality. Best of all, it caters to different dietary preferences, so even vegans and vegetarians can dine here.
In addition to their standard dining, Cavalli Restaurant can also be hired for private dining events, to suit every budget.
Contact: +27 (021) 855 3218, restaurant@cavalliestate.com
Website: cavalliestate.com/dining/overview
Address: Cavalli Restaurant, Cavalli Estate, R44 Highway (Strand Road), Somerset West, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 FABER at Avondale (Paarl)
Tucked away in the Paarl winelands, FABER at the beautiful Avondale Estate is one of the most gorgeous, inspired Cape Winelands restaurants around.
Following a contemporary farm-to-fork approach, FABER uses only the best, freshest and most seasonally organic ingredients in their wholesome, delicious dishes. This means that guests enjoy not only a stunning food experience – but an entirely thoughtfully healthy one too.
The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner and their menu changes with the seasons, so meals at FABER are always new and exciting.
Add to that the pretty vernandah-meets-garden setting or sumptuous indoor seating (complete with an open fireplace for wintertime) – and you are all set for a truly memorable food affair.
Contact: +27 (021) 202 1219, faber@avondalewine.co.za
Website: avondalewine.co.za/faber
Address: FABER, Avondale Estate, Lustigan Road,
Klein Drakenstein, Paarl, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Camphors at Vergelegen (Somerset West)
Another Somerset West gem is the world-class, luxurious Camphors at Vergelegen.
Although this beautiful estate has two incredible restaurants in Stables and Camphors respectively – there can be no doubt that Camphors is one of the finest restaurants anywhere in the Cape Winelands and gently sets itself apart from its more relaxed, hugely family-friendly counterpart in Stables.
This signature restaurant is named after the estate’s famous Camphor trees, which date back to 1700. The restaurant itself enjoys a beautiful garden setting, as it overlooks the rolling lawns and beautiful trees.
Although, after some recent changes, Camphors now offers guests both indoor- and outdoor-dining options alike.
Enjoy the a la carte menu or the more specialist tasting menu. Add some of the estate’s amazing wine to your meal and you are ready for a great winelands dining experience.
Please note: Reservations are essential. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Contact: +27 (021) 847 2131, camphors@vergelegen.co.za
Website: vergelegen.co.za/restaurants/camphors-at-vergelegen/
Address: Camphors at Vergelegen, Vergelegen Estate, Somerset West, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Jordan Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
This award-winning restaurant is found in the historic Stellenbosch Winelands. Here, at the beautiful Jordan Wine Estate, is a signature restaurant of note.
The focus at this popular restaurant, headed up by the hugely talented Chef Goerge Jardine, is on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients paired with the estate’s own award-winning wines.
In this vein, the restaurant’s menu changes seasonally, keeping things fresh and inspired throughout the year.
Guests can savour everything from Chalmar sirloin to ever-changing vegetarian-friendly meals too. In every way, Jordan Restaurant is an elegant dining experience to remember.
Please note: Booking is essential.
Contact: +27 (021) 881 3612, restaurant@jordanwines.com
Website: www.jordanwines.com/dine-with-us/jordan-restaurant/
Address: Jordan Restaurant, Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 De Grendel Restaurant (Durbanville)
De Grendel Restaurant is one of the best restaurants you will find anywhere in South Africa, let alone the winelands.
With stunning interiors and the most incredible views overlooking De Grendel’s vineyards and Table Mountain looming majestically in the not-too-distant background, this award-winning fine dining restaurant is not only quality from a food and wine perspective – but it is also absolutely breathtaking aesthetically too.
Guests can savour mouthwatering, perfectly prepared contemporary Cape cuisine, overseen by head chef Ian Bergh, while enjoying some of the estate’s impressive wines from the cellar.
Please note: Booking is essential. Online bookings are not currently available.
Contact: +27 (021) 558 7035, restaurant@degrendel.co.za
Website: degrendel.co.za/pages/restaurant
Address: De Grendel Restaurant, De Grendel Wines, Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Zevenwacht Restaurant (Stellenbosch/Kuils River)
Another Stellenbosch gem is Zevenwacht Restaurant. This beautifully decorated restaurant, situated on Zevenwacht Estate, is located within the historic manor house. The result? A stylish, yet delightfully country-style restaurant.
Open for lunch and dinner six days a week, this lovely restaurant offers the perfect contemporary cuisine, cooked and served to plated perfection.
With its gorgeous views out across the tranquil estate lake and dreamy gardens, Zevenwacht Restaurant provides the perfect setting for a special, scenic meal in the Cape Winelands.
Contact: +27 (021) 900 5800, restaurant@zevenwacht.co.za
Website: www.zevenwacht.co.za
Address: Zevenwacht Restaurant, Zevenwacht Estate, Langverwacht Road, Kuils River, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Delaire Graff Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
Another fine dining favourite is the luxurious, almost breathtaking Delaire Graff Restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate.
Combining food innovation and perfect wines, dining at Delaire Graff is a truly special, memorable food experience.
The stylish Delaire Graff Restaurant – one of two restaurants found at this incredible Stellenbosch estate – offers a menu featuring contemporary, bistro-chic dishes that change with the seasons.
Guests can enjoy sitting inside the cosy confines of the restaurant interiors or out beneath the oak trees on the terrace, which offers amazing views out across Banhoek Valley.
Contact: +27 (021) 885 8160, reservations@delaire.co.za
Website: www.delaire.co.za/dine/
Address: Delaire Graff Restaurant, Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 The Werf Restaurant (Franschhoek)
Found within the beautifully revamped manor house at Boschendal, in fair Franschhoek, The Werf Restaurant is a beautiful dining experience from start to finish.
Using delicious, ethically sourced ingredients, this restaurant offers peaceful farm-to-fork dining in a truly lovely setting.
Their sharing plate menu features some of the estate’s finest offerings, including their Black Angus beef, forest-reared Duroc pork and some excellent vegetables and herbs from The Werf Food Garden.
Contact: +27 (021) 870 4274, reservations@boschendal.co.za
Website: www.boschendal.com/eat-drink/the-werf-restaurant/
Address: The Werf Restaurant, Boschendal, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Christina’s at Van Loveren (Robertson)
Although Christina’s at Van Loveren may not be as fancy or well-known as some of the eateries on this list, this bistro-style offering is still a hidden gem in the Robertson Wine Valley and one of the Cape Winelands’ loveliest food finds.
Specialising in gourmet, wood-fire pizzas, delicious burgers and some seasonal chef specialities, complemented by Van Loveren’s own award-winning wines, Christina’s Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing, good meal with those you love.
Aside from its normal restaurant operations, this delightful bistro can also be hired out for special events and functions.
Contact: +27 (023) 615 1505 , christinas@vanloveren.co.za
Website: www.vanloveren.co.za/vanloveren-bistro
Address: Christina’s Bistro at Van Loveren, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Robertson, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Hermanus/Hemel-en-Aarde Valley)
Last but far from least, we finish off with The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, a veritable foodie gem found along the Hermanus Wine Route.
Situated on the beautiful Newton Johnson family estate, this restaurant offers guests delicious food at affordable prices. Enhance your meal with some of the estate’s own top quality wines.
Best of all, the restaurant enjoys spectacular views out across the estate and towards the surrounding mountains, ensuring a scenic dining experience in the beloved Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Contact: +27 (083) 667 5283, tullishe@thefoodcellar.co.za
Website: www.newtonjohnson.com/contact
Address: The Restaurant at Newton Johnson, Newton Johnson, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best eateries in South Africa’s special Cape Winelands region. Which are you most eager to visit?