There’s one thing that Stellenbosch locals love as much as art and wine, and that is dining out, writes KARLA DE BOD. Taking these passions to the next level, local restaurants combine art appreciation with exceptional culinary experiences.
POST & PEPPER
In Stellenbosch’s historic post office building, Post & Pepper seamlessly blends heritage and contemporary dining with a space that celebrates the charm of what was. “A lot of Post & Pepper’s early identity was created around the history of the post office building,” says Jessica van Dyk, Post & Pepper’s owner and chef. “The logo was inspired by a postage stamp, with small delicate details like the food served here.” The restaurant’s decor is warm and cosy with an old-school New York feel that features wooden textures, exposed brick and rustic flooring, tied together with a touch of modern chic. The menu, with hints of nostalgia from a South African childhood, features familiar dishes done in a slightly different way. “I would crave something and usually think up a dish around the craving, then refine it to our style of food. The prettiness only happens at the end,” explains Jessica. With final touches of fine flowers and crunchy garnishes, the beautifully big-flavoured dishes are works of art in their own right, and a complement to your Triennale experience.
ART & WINE LOUNGE
Located on the oak-lined Dorp Street, Art & Wine Lounge is a space that invites wine lovers to experience art in a way that doesn’t intimidate.
By offering wines from all over the country inside an art gallery, husband-and-wife team Anton and Elsje Grobbelaar have successfully combined their passions with the very first art and wine gallery in Stellenbosch. Being from Stellenbosch, both Anton and Elsje grew up surrounded by art and wine. In 2003 they moved to Clarens in the Free State, where they opened the original Art & Wine Lounge. Twenty years later they returned to their roots when they were given the opportunity to move back to Stellenbosch. “They’re our passion – art and wine,” says Elsje. “When we moved back to Stellenbosch, we brought our passion back with us and reopened the lounge.” It’s impossible to walk past Art & Wine Lounge and not turn your head to get another look. The beautifully traditional Cape Dutch building with its stoep under oak trees invites visitors to step inside for a glass of wine surrounded by various pieces of art. With works by artists varying from established to contemporary, the lounge showcases Anton and Elsje’s personal taste for art they’re drawn to. “We wanted to create an art space that’s not intimidating. People are usually wary or feel intimidated about walking into an art gallery, and we want to show them that, once they’re inside, it has a lekker feeling and vibe,” says Anton. Collaborating with Luc’s Coffee on the stoep’s corner, sushi plates from their neighbours Sushi Box, and cheese platters from Rome in a Bite down the road, the Art & Wine Lounge is the perfect stop for any time of day. The ideal time to visit, however, is just before the sun goes down, when you’re looking to enjoy the golden hour with a glass of wine in hand.
EERSTE KAFEE
Alongside the Eerste River and the newly launched Stellenbosch Art Mile, the Eerste Kafee is the only place in Stellenbosch where you can dine on the river’s bank. And, depending on the direction you’re walking in, it can be either the start or the end of your Art Mile experience. “The Art Mile is an incredible asset for Stellenbosch and for us at the café,” says Simonè Gerber, co-owner of the Eerste Kafee. “Not only locals, but also tourists are now walking in our direction as the Art Mile leads them along the river.” Surrounded by birdsong and the Eerste River’s peaceful charm, the Eerste Kafee is a calming, family-oriented space that invites visitors to grab a chair and enjoy a cup of coffee with a light lunch under the shade. “There’s no fence around us, so students, locals, tourists and even animals are all welcome to visit. It’s so peaceful and tranquil next to the river – it feels like you’re in another country,” Simonè says. “When it’s hot, people even sit by the river with their feet in the water.” The best way to experience the Eerste Kafee is to make it part of your everyday walk. “We’ve changed half of Stellenbosch’s morning routine,” Simonè laughs.
Gather at the café, walk the Art Mile and come back for a cup of coffee afterwards. “Sometimes you miss something as you walk the Art Mile – there’s always something new to see or learn. Each time you walk it, you experience it in a new way,” she says. A delightful pit stop, the Eerste Kafee is a loving space that evokes emotion in a community-driven way, inviting visitors to gather and give themselves a treat.
MILA & VON
In Stellenbosch’s historic Oude Bank building, Mila & Von is a beautifully curated wine-and-dine spot whose design and atmosphere invite passers-by to stop for a glass or two. “This fusion of modern design with historical charm creates an industrial yet timeless atmosphere that captures the creative and artistic essence of Stellenbosch and reflects both its rich history and its contemporary spirit,” says Louise von Waltsleben, the renowned chef who founded Mila & Von alongside her winemaker husband Rudi. Mila & Von beautifully contributes to Stellenbosch’s vibrant wine and food scene by combining artisanal wines, crafted by Rudi, with handmade pastries and innovative dishes, created by Louise. Together, they offer an exceptional blend of local flavours, creative cuisine and distinctive wines that reflect their passion as culinary artists. “Mila & Von’s proximity to iconic art landmarks and galleries in Stellenbosch allows it to be a natural extension of the town’s lively art scene,” says Louise. “Each of our wine labels is a work of art, and the interior of the café is inspired by these designs; every piece of art tells its own story.” With cakes and pastries that are not only delicious, but stunningly crafted to look like edible artwork, Mila & Von’s one-of-a-kind offerings and thoughtful presentation add an artistic touch to visitors’ dining experience. V