Chapter 1: Stellenbosch – Updated 2022
Avant-Garde at Hazendal
Reimagined Russian and South African traditions dot the contemporary à la carte menus at Avant-Garde, putting the little known Stellenbosch wine area along the Bottelary Road firmly on the food map.
Why go?
Fine dining with overt Russian influence that incorporates a blend of recipes that are unexpected, textured, delicious and healthy.
A contemporary blend of South African and Russian fine dining, Image Credit: Hazendal
Details
a: Bottelary Rd, Stellenboscht: +27 21 205 5620w: www.hazendal.co.zah: Monday—Saturday: 18h00‒23h00
De Vrije Burger
The eatery’s menu, which is the brainchild of celebrity chef and restaurateur Bertus Basson, features only one thing: a seriously good 200g free-range beef burger with all the trimmings.
Why go?
This is the way all fast food should taste. It reminds you of a New York-style hole-in-the-wall burger joint, but the flavour is authentically South African.
Enjoy a lekker burger and tjips, beer and chill on Drostdy Street, Image Credit: De Vrije Burger
Details
a: 13 Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch, South Africat: (none)w: www.bertusbasson.com/h: Monday—Sunday: 12h00–20h00
Eike
As a homage to Eikestad (the city of oaks), Bertus Basson opened this, his sixth restaurant in a historic building on Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street. The intimate space is beautifully styled—think sumptuous emerald-green velvet chairs, an up-to-the-minute geometric-tiled wall and a kitchen that overlooks the 30-seater dining area.
Why go?
Expect traditional South African fare with a modern, eclectic twist. For lunch, choose from a 2 or 3-course menu and for dinner a 3 or 5-course menu.
Gunard, West Coast XO, crisp octopus, avocado, spekboom, Image Credit: Eike
Details
a: 50 Dorp St, Stellenboscht: +27 21 007 4231w: www.bertusbasson.comh: Tuesday—Saturday, 12h00–20h00
Gåte at Quoin Rock
The Norwegian origin of the word translates as ‘the entrance of a labyrinth’ or a ‘riddle’, symbolising a gateway to an extraordinary dining experience and a delightful puzzle to be decoded. Discover one-of-a-kind 3 to 7-course theatrical feasts for the senses.
Why go?
The focus is not placed on a specific cuisine, but more on how to bring every ingredient to life and use it to its full potential!
A vibrant experience of creative cuisine, Image Credit: Gåte at Quoin Rock
Details
a: Quoin Rock Wine Estate, 7600 Knorhoek Rdt: +27 21 888 4750w: https://quoinrock.co.za/gate-restaurant/
h: Lunch: Wednesday—Sunday, 12h00–14h00,
h: Dinner: Thursday—Saturday, from 18h00
Jordan Restaurant
One of the first signature chef restaurants in the Cape Winelands, Jordan brings top chef George Jardine’s brand of contemporary cuisine from city to country. If you appreciate a supreme fine-dining food and wine pairing experience, this is the place to be.
Why go?
The focus on the flavours of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident from the kitchen vegetable and herb garden to the wine barrel fish smoker and wood-fired oven.
Contemporary cuisine from city to country, Image Credit: Jordan Restaurant
Details
a: Jordan Wine Estate, Kloof Rd, Stellenbosch, 7604t: +27 21 881 3441w: https://www.jordanwines.com/dine-with-us/jordan-restaurant/h: Friday—Sunday: 12h00–14h30 and 18h00–21h30
Rust en Vrede
Ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world is reason enough to add Rust en Vrede to one’s ‘must indulge’ fine dining list. Ideally situated among the picturesque Stellenbosch Winelands, Rust en Vrede offers a culinary experience with all the trimmings.
Why go?
Housed in the estate’s original 1785 cellar, the restaurant’s illustrious history is on full display.
Chef Fabio Daniel serves contemporary French cuisine, Image Credit: Rust en Vrede
Details
a: Rust en Vrede Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenboscht: +27 21 881 3757w: www.rustenvrede.com/restauranth: Tuesday—Saturday: 18h30–till closing
The Restaurant at Delaire
The menu changes seasonally, the food is served with the finest South African touches and the cuisine always looks the part—but not to the point where you feel you can’t eat it for fear of disturbing its symmetry.
Why go?
Overlooking a sea of vineyards and olive groves, the restaurant’s views from the terrace reach all the way into the Banhoek Valley.
Overlooking a sea of vineyards and olive groves, Image Credit: Delaire Graff
Details
a: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Rd, Stellenboscht: +27 21 885 8160w: https://www.delaire.co.za/dine/restaurants/delaire-graff/h: Lunch: Monday—Sunday: 12h00–14h00, Dinner: Wednesday—Saturday: 18h30–23h00
Tokara
Presided over by executive chef Carolize Coetzee (formerly Dornier Bodega, Cuvée and Delaire Graff), expect dishes that are elegant in their simplicity and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Why go?
The deck overlooks the Tokara vineyards, which seem to hug the hillside in a congenial embrace. The other plus is that the wines of Miles Mossop, who makes them for Tokara, are just sensational.
Fresh ingredients transformed into tempting delights, Image Credit: Tokara
Details
a: Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Rd, Stellenboscht: +27 21 885 2550w: http://tokararestaurant.co.zah: Lunch: Wednesday—Saturday: 12h00–15h00, Dinner: Wednesday—Saturday: 18h00-21h00
HŌSEKI
Delaire Graff introduces HŌSEKI, its latest culinary innovation, seamlessly transitioning from the esteemed legacy of the multi-award-winning Indochine Restaurant. Set in the same radiant, opulent setting, HŌSEKI offers panoramic views of the Cape Winelands.
Why go?
Head Chef Virgil Kahn’s contemporary creations, known for their vibrancy and creativity, are designed for communal dining, embracing and celebrating the rich traditions and rituals of Japanese gastronomy.
An authentic farm-to-table Japanese dining experience, Image Credit: HŌSEKI
Details
a: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Rd, Stellenboscht: +27 21 885 8160w: www.delaire.co.za/dine/restaurants/hoseki/h: Lunch: Monday—Sunday: 12h00–14h30, Dinner: 18h00–20h30
De Warenmarkt
Inspired by the Cape’s history as a vital trading post, De Warenmarkt is housed in an 18th-century heritage building, where you’ll find a selection of speciality meats, the best wines from the region, cheeses, craft beer and coffee.
Why go?
De Warenmarkt offers something unique to those passing through Stellenbosch and delivers a steaming hot plate of authentic food, a rich sense of history and an experience centred on realness.
Authentic South African food with a rich sense of history , Image Credit: De Warenmarkt
Details
a: 20 Ryneveld St, Stellenboscht: +27 21 883 2274w: www.dewarenmarkt.com/h: Monday—Saturday: 07h00–19h00, Sundays: 07h00–15h00
Chapter 1/5
Featured image credit: Delaire Graff Estate
