With leafless branches framing slower days, Stellenbosch is as beautiful in winter as it is in warmer seasons, KARLA DE BOD writes. On these colder days, local restaurants invite you to experience warmth again – but on a plate.
De Eetkamer
Located in a beautifully renovated old stable in Drostdy Street, De Eetkamer embodies the meaning of its name, ‘the dining room’, by serving the feeling of homeliness on small plates.
The restaurant, established in 2022 by chef and owner Marco Cardoso, offers a menu in which each dish tells a story of flavours from across the globe. From Japanese milk buns and saffron risotto to tandoori chicken and a roast leg of lamb, De Eetkamer aims to celebrate the joy of sharing food, encouraging guests to reminisce about homely gatherings around a family dining-room table.
Thanks to its food philosophy that remains at the forefront of everything created there, De Eetkamer was proclaimed Tapas Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards.
“Central to this philosophy is the focus on the quality of ingredients,” says the restaurant team. “Marco is in continuous pursuit of honest and flavourful food.”
Mill St Bistro
Just seven months after opening on the corner of Mill and Church Street, Mill St Bistro was named Best Bistro at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, having made its mark in town so quickly by bridging the gap between fine dining and casual bistro culture.
This season, Mill St Bistro takes on a whole new character as it settles into winter, chef Phil Carmichael’s favourite time of year. “Mill St Bistro was made for winter, it’s my favourite season to cook in and that shows on the menu,” says Phil.
Slow-cooked lamb, oxtail stews and hearty braises take centre stage on the bistro’s winter menu. Cooked low and slow, these dishes bring out bold, rich flavours, filling the bistro with a warmth that extends beyond the plate, he adds.
“All our dishes are made with the best South African ingredients and a touch of local influence,” Phil explains. “A host of home ferments such as garlic, sauerkraut and kombucha quietly develop the deep flavours that enhance winter’s richer dishes.”
For Phil, winter dining is about more than just food. It’s about taking your time, settling in and enjoying the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing cooking that feels like home – only better.
“As the evenings grow colder and the skies darken, Mill St Bistro evolves. The glow of the wood-fired oven and the reassuring hum of an open kitchen create an inviting space made for convivial dining,” says Phil.
Hōseki
Nothing compares to luxury dining quite like Delaire Graff Estate. Translating to ‘jewel’ in Japanese, Hōseki lives up to its name, offering an intimate dining experience perfectly complemented by contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Guests’ experience and Hōseki’s space are enriched by an elegant indigo and copper-toned interior bathed in warm amber light, says Damien Joubert-Winn, head of marketing at Delaire Graff Estate.
“The restaurant’s interior is complemented by bespoke fabrics, richly lit by a generous marble fireplace,” he adds.
The Swallows in Flight art installation, symbolising good luck in Japanese culture, overlooks Hōseki’s dining space, further creating a serene and inviting atmosphere – ideal for a cosy winter meal.
“At Hōseki, the culinary team, led by head chef Virgil Kahn, emphasises the importance of nature’s bounty and seasonal produce,” continues Damien. “The focus on seasonal ingredients ensures a menu that aligns with the season’s flavours,” he says.
The menu features contemporary Japanese cuisine, with standout dishes such as Black Cod, Den Miso; Salmon Tataki; and Oxtail & Takoyaki. The sushi menu includes nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls and tiradito. Among the dishes introduced for the colder months is Ramen with a Pork Shoyu and Spicy Cape Wagyu.
With fine details that enhance the fine dining experience, Hōseki is the epitome of inviting luxury.
De Vier
With lit candles, an intimate space and deliciously hearty meals, De Vier’s elegant setting offers the perfect space for winter. Seamlessly blending modernity with warm hospitality, De Vier is a 45-seater restaurant, located in Mark Street, with a small menu that ranges from irresistible plates to share and perfectly cooked steak to delicious options for vegans.
“The space inside is very inviting, with beautiful textures and colours that make the ambience a real treat for winter,” says Candice Bester, co-owner of De Vier.
Candice adds that, while the restaurant is small, “it fills up fast, creating a warm and vibey atmosphere”.
During this winter season, De Vier offers a lunch special for guests who don’t feel like braving the cold weather at night. Its popular Beef Bourguignon is welcomed back, along with the delectable Creamy Chicken and Lemon Risotto that will stay on the menu throughout winter. “Our menu offers hearty meals, perfect for any week night or weekend lunch or dinner,” says Candice.
De Vier hosts its Winemaker’s Dinner each month during winter, showcasing some of the finest Stellenbosch wines. During these dinner evenings, the wines are presented by the winemakers themselves and paired with a sophisticated three-course menu by De Vier.
Although De Vier tends to be quieter in winter, the strong local support ensures the atmosphere is cosy. “It’s warm inside, the candles are always burning and we’ve been told that we play the best background music in town, which ensures a really great night out – all while enjoying delicious food and exceptional wines,” says Candice.
Sofia
Situated in the historic Oude Bank building, Sofia needs no introduction to locals, as word-of-mouth excitement has filled the streets of Stellenbosch since its opening in 2023.
“Pizza and pasta have always been the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty and best shared,” says chef Phil Carmichael, owner of Sofia. “Whether you’re gathering with friends or finding a quiet corner to indulge, Sofia offers the perfect cosy retreat on a chilly day.”
The pizzeria’s menu offers a selection of Italian-inspired dishes featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients. Think antipasti like West Coast mussels in white wine and a charcuterie platter with Parma ham and salami. Pasta options include a pistachio cream rigatoni and a seafood spaghetti with prawns, calamari and mussels.
And then there’s the renowned Neapolitan-style pizzas, the best-known dish on Sofia’s menu. With a soft base cut into slices with brass scissors and a smile, Sofia’s pizzas range from the classic margherita to inventive toppings like smoked salmon with whipped feta, and chilli salami with olives – must-try dishes that any foodie will want to experience.
Apart from the delicious food offerings, Sofia has a creative interior that provides a warm, welcoming space for the whole family in winter. The natural tones decorated with a back screen of rotating Italian-inspired art enhance the feeling of modern Italy right in the middle of Stellenbosch. “The glow of the wood-fired oven, the scent of baking pizza and the cosy, relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot to gather, share a meal and escape the cold,” says Phil.