Stellenbosch has long been celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and its exceptional culinary scene. This year, the spotlight shines even brighter on Stellenbosch’s cuisine as several of its distinguished restaurants have garnered prestigious accolades at the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
The Awards follows a star-rating system, where restaurants are awarded with 3, 2 or 1 stars following a meticulous judging process led by chief judge Abigail Donnelly. The criteria is based on a restaurant’s entire dining experience — from decor and ambience to service, the wine list and the quality of the ingredients.
The Winners
Dusk
Situated in the heart of Stellenbosch Central, Dusk is a thought provoking restaurant concept conceived by chefs Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin.
The restaurant was awarded 3 stars at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Bafana Zondo, Dusk wine sommelier, won the Eat Out Woolworths Wine Service Award. The judges said, “He has an ability to read and appreciate the diners at his table like no other – and, therefore, is able to perfectly pitch his descriptions of the wines he offers, making his diners feel both at ease and enriched. There is no showing off … no pretention … no grandeur … just a reassuring sense that this person is really worth listening to.”
The vision the two chefs share for Dusk is for the restaurant to “become a space where the boundaries of the fine dining industry are challenged, and ultimately pushed aside by having a unique food and beverage offering that not only entices the palate, but also conveys a story with emotion behind each dish.”
43 Plein St, Stellenbosch Central. See menu here.
The Jordan Restaurant
The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira is a formal dining experience celebrating contemporary farm cuisine.
The restaurant was awarded 2 stars at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. Additionally, Sous Chef Motheba Makhetha received the Eat Out Cacao Barry Dessert Award for her cheese dessert course. The judges said, “Our judges were blown away by her bold cheese-slash-dessert course, that included surprising delights such as Padrón pepper jam, pistachio sponge, cherry guavas and goat’s cheese snow.”
Marthinus Ferreira has helped shape the South African food scene, with his flair for food gastronomy inspired by his childhood favourites and influences from abroad, having worked with some of the world’s top chefs, including Chef Gordon Ramsay & Chef Heston Blumenthal.
Stellenbosch Kloof Rd, Vlottenburg. See menu here.
Spek & Bone
Small plates eatery and wine bar Spek en Bone is a hidden gem, tucked away just off Dorp Street. The name is inspired by Bertus’ and his wife, Mareli’s, pets, who were named after the classic food combination of pork and beans.
The restaurant was awarded 2 stars at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
Spek & Bone invites guests to sit under the oldest fruit-producing vine in Stellenbosch to enjoy a curated tapas menu with big, bold flavours, best shared with friends and paired with specially selected South African wines.
84 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central. See menu here.
Rust en Vrede
Since opening in 2007, the Rust en Vrede Restaurant has aimed to shape the way visitors think about wine and food. Their aim is to show guests how a dining experience can be heightened by the combination of outstanding wine with excellent food.
The restaurant was awarded 2 stars at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
Chef Fabio Daniel serves contemporary French cuisine, adding his own unique flair taking inspiration from his Brazilian and Italian heritage. He continues Rust en Vrede’s tradition of sourcing fresh and high quality ingredients from sustainable producers.
Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch.
The Table at De Meye
The Table sources local, seasonal produce for their menu, supporting local suppliers, small-scale farmers and delis. Their menu changes weekly depending on the fresh produce available, making their set menu a fresh and delicious surprise for visiting guests.
The restaurant was awarded a star at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
The Table offers a set, three course, sharing style menu to be enjoyed in their beautiful farm-inspired interior.
De Meye Farm Muldersvlei Road Klapmuts, Stellenbosch. See menu here.
Rykaart’s
Rykaart’s at Longridge Wine Estate is a family owned restaurant run by Alex and Ella Rykaart. Overlooking breathtaking views of the False Bay Peninsula and Table Mountain, Rykaart’s offers a set three course family style dining experience inspired by the beautiful produce from this biodynamic farm.
The restaurant was awarded a star at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
Wholesome food and exceptional service have always been close to Alex and Ella Rykaart’s hearts. Having both worked in some of the top restaurants and hospitality establishments in the Cape Winelands, the Rykaart’s took the leap and opened their own restaurant in the heart of their hometown, Stellenbosch, in 2021.
Longridge Wine Estate, R44, Off Helderberg Road, Stellenbosch. See menu here.
Post & Pepper
In the heart of our historic town’s old Post Office, rising chef and owner Jess van Dyk launched Post & Pepper after working at the helm of some of South Africa’s leading restaurants. The cuisine is playful, refined with reimagined classics and twists on traditional favourites.
The restaurant was awarded a star at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
The essence of this restaurant revolves around the simple pleasure of sharing good food, conversation, and time with one another. Post & Pepper, the home of fun dining, is fast becoming a dining destination for exquisite small plates, complex wine, and friendly efficient service.
Unit 001, Oude Postkantoor, c\o Plein and, Bird St, Stellenbosch Central. See menu here.
Eike
Eike is nestled in an old historic building in the famous Dorp Street of “Die Eikestad” —The Oak City. Eike celebrates traditional South-African cooking to its fullest by drawing inspiration from nostalgic food memories.
The restaurant was awarded a star at this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
Eike is about being inspired by being a South African, and celebrating our country’s food heritage. Bertus Basson and Head Chef Daniël Oosthuizen believes that tradition paves the way for our future.
50 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central. See menu here.
From innovative dishes to impeccable service, each awarded restaurant has earned its place among the culinary elite, making Stellenbosch a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience.