Celebrate the holidays in Stellenbosch with effortless indulgence. Skip the kitchen and let Stellenbosch’s top chefs prepare your holiday meal, whether a lavish multi-course feast or a romantic candlelit dinner.
We round up culinary destinations promising festive cheer, decadent delights and something special for everyone.
A taste of sophistication
For a cosy, intimate dining experience, Stellenbosch Kitchen presents a seasonal menu blending South African heritage with modern flair.
Begin with an amuse-bounce of bruschetta, paired with a glass of chilled Cap Classique, followed by starters like prawn risotto or beetroot carpaccio. Choose from mains such as grilled fillet, pork belly or aubergine parmigiana, accompanied by a variety of flavourful sides.
Conclude your meal with indulgent desserts like butterscotch cheesecake, Christmas brandy pudding or the iconic South African peppermint crisp tart.
24 December. Bookings at 021 883 2893 or eat@stellenboschkitchen.co.za
Outdoor fun for the family
Celebrate Christmas Day outdoors at Hazendal Wine Estate with a curated picnic on their lush lawns.
Enjoy local cheeses, homemade preserves and freshly baked bread. Meat lovers can indulge with a variety of roast beef, chicken, smoked ham and lamb phyllo cigars. End with a summer fruit chocolate trifle and mini mince pies for a festive treat.
25 December. Bookings at 021 205 5620 or bookings@hazendal.co.za
A Christmas of classics
Celebrate Christmas with a decadent lunch at Oude Werf Hotel in the heart of town, blending classic holiday favourites with a refined culinary touch.
Begin with bubbles and chilled tomato salsa, followed by hot smoked trout with dill potato and horseradish foam. The main course features sage-roasted turkey roulade, pork stuffing with cranberry and apricot, maple-glazed gammon and rosemary-roasted lamb, paired with roast potatoes and summer vegetables for the table.
End with Christmas pudding, brandied anglaise and vanilla bean ice cream for a festive finale of Christmas classics.
25 December. Bookings at 021 887 4608 or restaurant@oudewerf.co.za
A late night at Rykaart’s
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Rykaart’s Restaurant on Longridge Wine Estate, nestled at the foot of the Helderberg mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views, live jazz and bottomless Longridge Cap Classique.
The family-style feast begins with canapés, homemade bread and an array of vibrant summer salads. Mains include slow-cooked Karoo lamb neck, duck fat roasted potatoes, and glazed garden carrots.
Conclude the evening with a stunning summer fruit pavlova, celebrating the estate’s bounty in a wholesome, luxurious atmosphere.
31 December. Bookings at 021 855 2005 or rykaarts@longridge.co.za
Luxurious fine dining
For a vibrant and unforgettable holiday lunch or dinner, Cavalli Estate invites you to indulge in an exquisite six-course fine-dining experience.
Designed by head chef Lucas Carstens, each course takes inspiration from nature and the sea, while incorporating locally foraged wild foods.
Highlights include bright and refreshing cured langoustine with a smoked fishbone velouté, and rich Karoo wagyu served with brioche. The offering concludes on a sweet note with a series of desserts that embody the spirit of the holidays, featuring a raspberry pannacotta with strawberries and seaweed.
December. Bookings at 021 855 3218 or restaurant@cavalliestate.com