With so many wonderful restaurants on the menu in the Cape Winelands, it’s hard to know where to start. Whether it’s fine dining or fabulous views, RICHARD HOLMES reckons you won’t go wrong with any of these …
RYKAARTS AT LONGRIDGE WINE ESTATE, STELLENBOSCH
Family comes first at Rykaarts on Longridge Wine Estate, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, where Alex and Ella Rykaart’s charming country-style eatery focuses on sharing and connecting around the table.
In a similar vein to some of the best-loved country restaurants in the Winelands (the likes of The Table at De Meye, and Good to Gather), the Rykaarts experience is built around a set menu of three courses, served ‘family style’ to encourage diners to take their time over a languid Winelands lunch.
Chef Alex takes his cue from the fresh produce grown on this biodynamic estate, so expect generous portions of wholesome fare cooked with plenty of flair.
The chalkboard menu evolves with the seasons, and depending on the month, the starters could include home-baked bread with lemon-parsley butter and a garden leaf salad picked fresh from the farm.
Then move on to slow-cooked Karoo lamb with a modern take on mieliepap and confit leeks from the Longridge fields and roasted vegetables. There is also a separate menu for children under 12, offering kid-friendly fare with a healthy bent. To drink, expect an impressive collection of wines from the estate, including a collection of Longridge vintages from the vinotèque.
FARRO AT GABRIËLSKLOOF
Set on the scenic Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate – a convenient stop for road trips to Hermanus or the Garden Route – Farro offers a refined take on modern European cuisine amid the wheat and wine of the Overberg. It’s a family affair this, with Eloise Windebank running front-of-house and her husband, chef Alex, in the kitchen. Alex’s style blends contemporary European cuisine with subtle South African influences and an honest country approach.
It’s elegant and refined, but without fussiness. The same goes for the service, which is always on point. While the menu changes regularly, hold thumbs for the crispy lamb scrumpet and crushed carrot that offers a fresh take on a classic Cape ingredient.
Also don’t miss Alex’s signature plate: a decadent duck liver parfait with quince jelly. It’s all served up alongside the terroir-driven Gabriëlskloof wines crafted by cellar master Peter-Allan Finlayson.
THE STELLENBOSCH RESERVE, STELLENBOSCH
Modern Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of authentic country hospitality is the hallmark of this new addition to the burgeoning restaurant landscape in and around Stellenbosch.
Set high on the flanks of the Helderberg and serving up superb views across the Stellenbosch Winelands, The Stellenbosch Reserve is the latest project from successful restaurateur Jean Engelbrecht, who is also behind the ever-popular Rust en Vrede, Guardian Peak and Stellenbosch Wine Bar.
Here it’s the lick of flame that guides the direction of each plate, with a wood-fired oven and rotisserie informing much of the menu. Plates are hearty yet with a sense of refinement: think Hinterland lamb with tzatziki and lemon or oven-roasted aubergine melanzane.
Wood-fired pizzas offer an upmarket take on the classics, but at accessible pricing that will certainly keep locals happy.
The restaurant space blends rustic charm with contemporary aesthetics, paying homage to Stellenbosch’s rich winemaking heritage.
The sun-dappled terrace is ideal for a laid-back wine tasting or a leisurely lunch. Tastings of the estate’s six single varietals and blends are on offer, but you can also explore wines from the wider Stellenbosch Collection, including the excellent Donkies- baai and Cirrus releases.
THE VINE BISTRO, STELLENBOSCH
Overlooking the trellised vineyards planted by Glenelly’s iconic owner, Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, the Vine Bistro brings a French flourish to Idas Valley, just minutes from the historic heart of Stellenbosch. And whether you’re seated out on the sun-splashed terrace gazing up at the Simonsberg or at the elegant tables indoors, the menu of inspired bistro plates from chef Christophe Dehosse will surprise and delight you this summer.
At the Vine Bistro, Christophe continues to elevate the concept of bistro cuisine in the Cape, whisking together French culinary traditions and local produce into a menu of contemporary continental cooking.
Although the menu evolves with the seasons, you can be sure the superb Bouillabaisse du Cap with rouille and croutons will be on offer.
Also look out for the likes of confit pork cheek and lentil salad with chimichurri sauce, or the pan-fried kabeljou with sauce vierge and vegetable tian. To drink? Begin by sipping the award-winning Glenelly wines in the airy tasting room upstairs to discover the Bordeaux-inspired range of wines from winemaker Dirk van Zyl.
Combining vineyard views, fine wines and some of the best plates in the Winelands, it’s no surprise that you’ll need to book well ahead for a summer table at the Vine Bistro.
VRYMANSFONTEIN, PAARL
Set on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain, with panoramic views towards the Simonsberg and Table Mountain, Vrymansfontein is a welcome culinary addition to this scenic corner of the Winelands. While the farm dates to the 17th century, a recent re-invention has imbued this historic space with a distinctly contemporary appeal.
In the kitchen, chef Kevin Grobler has put his unmistakable stamp on the menu, with a balance of sustainable simplicity and culinary creativity. The heart of the dining experience is Scape, where you’ll find a wide-ranging menu of (mostly) small plates that offer a culinary journey across the Mediterranean. Think bruschetta topped with spicy nduja and smoked burrata, or a perfectly balanced beef tartare with egg yolk and lavash. The trio of ceviche dishes is a must on hot summer days! Alternatively, look for a seat in The Tree House. This glorious al fresco extension of the restaurant is a more laid- back space, with plates and platters to match.
CHEFS WAREHOUSE AT MAISON, FRANSCHHOEK
Fans of the Cape Town original will love the contemporary dining experience on offer at this decidedly relaxed outpost of Liam Tomlin’s famous Chefs Warehouse group.
On Maison estate it’s a partnership with chef David Schneider, but the tried-and-trusted Chefs Warehouse formula remains reassuringly familiar: eight plates across four courses.
It’s billed as a ‘Tapas for 2’, but it’s really a four-course tasting menu of inspired small plates that show enormous creativity and depth. It’s all served at tables on the deep terrace or scattered on lawns beneath the oaks.
At Maison, David offers what he calls “a playful menu sparkling with South African accents” and that’s evident in the abundance of local flavours and producers. There are vegan and vegetarian menus on offer too, as well as a pairing option with Maison wines that is not to be missed.