Top 10 Cape Winelands Restaurants
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
Much like Cape Town, the Cape Winelands offer a true gourmet feast for foodies with top restaurants dotting the verdant valleys and vineyards of this world class wine region.
The working farms and estates that are home to these fine eateries are some of the most exquisite in the country, with mountain and vineyard vistas for days. They also have the best climate, topography and soil conditions not only to grow award-winning wines, but also to grow fresh produce of the highest quality. Most often, the food you’re eating in the Cape Winelands is a true farm-to-table experience. This means the food is harvested at the peak of its freshness and is bursting with flavor.
Our team has compiled a list of the top 10 Cape Winelands restaurants for the discerning epicurean looking to have a gourmet experience in the country’s wine valley.
Babel Restaurant
Babel chefs collecting fresh ingredients from the bountiful fruit and vegetable garden at Babylonstoren
La Petite Colombe
Guests can enjoy contemporary fine dining and tasty, innovative dishes at this world-class eatery in the Cape Winelands
Chefs Warehouse at Maison
The chic interior at Chefs Warehouse at Maison comprising earthy tones, dark gray walls and pale wood
Skotnes Restaurant
Named after the legendary South African artist, Cecil Skotnes, Skotnes Restaurant in Constantia is the perfect culinary addition to the Norval Foundation – a contemporary art museum & sculpture garden in the Constantia Winelands.
Executive Chef Phil de Villiers serves South African inspired dishes with a twist using locally sourced ingredients from small batch suppliers, intended to uplift local communities. After browsing the exhibition spaces, take in the views of the sculpture garden while dining on sugar bean frikadelles or braaied rhubarb and cinnamon magwenya to name just a few of the innovative dishes on offer.
An array of South African inspired dishes at Skotnes
Pierneef à La Motte
La Motte in Franschhoek is home to the Pierneef à La Motte restaurant. The name of the renowned eatery is inspired by the owners’ passion for iconic SA artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, whose works can also be viewed on the premises. The space comprises a wide, open terrace perfect for lingering al fresco lunches, and an elegant indoor dining area suitable for romantic dinners. The menu features modern interpretations of traditional flavors and techniques, served with creativity and authenticity. The 5-course dinner and wine pairing comes highly recommended!
La Motte is in the process of rediscovering all that is dear to them and have inspired some exciting changes at the estate. Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant is currently closed for renovations and will be reopening in 2023.
The wide open terrace and lush gardens are ideal for al fresco dining at Pierneef à La Motte
De Grendel Restaurant
Designed to complement their delicious range of wines, the cuisine at De Grendel Restaurant is a delectable marriage of flavor and freshness. The exciting menu sees classic ingredients served in innovative combinations with a contemporary, inventive twist.
Ingredients are sourced from the estate’s own vegetable garden or hand-picked artisanal suppliers with a strong focus on the Cape’s unique culinary heritage. From springbok loin to chocolate malva pudding with Amarula ice cream, guests can experience local flavors and innovative dishes never before seen on South African menus.
A De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the house smoked salmon
Cavalli Restaurant
The Cavalli Restaurant, situated on the beautifully manicured Cavalli equestrian farm between Stellenbosch and Somerset West is renowned for being the first South African eatery to be awarded the coveted MICHELIN Green Star – an annual distinction which highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. Guests can expect fresh, contemporary dishes that put a delightful spin on heritage recipes. The creative chefs at the helm of the kitchen take great pride in sourcing the best ingredients from ethical producers, and using them to create nourishing dishes that honor the seasons. Cavalli is a must on our list!
Cavalli is the first South African restaurant to have been awarded a MICHELIN Green Star.
Tokara
Tokara Restaurant is located on top of the iconic Helshoogte Pass just outside of Stellenbosch.
The restaurant is both a feast for the eyes, as well as the taste buds, offering diners modern cuisine, award-winning wines and sweeping views over Stellenbosch and False Bay.
The building in which the restaurant is housed is a Cape architectural icon innovatively constructed with glass, steel and stone. Tokara includes a bar with a clear view of the masterful action in the kitchen and the sun setting through a picture perfect window.
An iconic tree sculpture at the entrance of Tokara made up of layers of aluminum laser cut sheets
Jordan Restaurant
For a truly exceptional gastronomic experience, look no further than award-winning Jordan Restaurant, proudly brought to you by Chef George Jardine. Located in a renovated tobacco curing house surrounded by vineyards, the restaurant focuses on locally sourced seasonal cuisine with a contemporary flair. Some signature dishes include the Saldanha mussels, Chalmar sirloin, and honey and poppyseed soufflé, along with an ever-changing menu of mouthwatering fish and vegetarian delights.
Jordan Restaurant is currently closed for renovations and will be reopening in September 2022 under the new management of Chef Marthinus Ferreira
Jordan Restaurant offers guests great tasting food with breathtaking views of the estate
Delaire Graff Restaurant
Delaire Graff Restaurant in the Winelands offers guests a taste of classic bistro favorites with unique South African twists. Expertly crafted plates bursting with flavor feature fresh, seasonal vegetables, herbs and microgreens picked straight from the Estate’s own greenhouse.
Delicious food, paired with exceptional wines in breathtaking settings guarantee a truly outstanding Winelands dining experience.
Fine wine and fine food at Delaire Graff
The incredibly vibrant restaurant scene in Cape Winelands is constantly evolving with exciting eateries opening that are guaranteed to leave you hungry for more.
Be sure to contact your LuxVenture® Designer who will book you a seat at one of the top Cape Winelands restaurants today. No trip to South Africa is complete without this unforgettable and indulgent add-on!
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