The 15 Best Restaurants in Constantia

Brimming with hillside vineyards and wine estates dating back to the 17th century, the Constantia Valley has long been famous for its beauty and history, as well as its peaceful – almost rural – atmosphere; a welcome escape from city bustle. Between wine-tasting, art, hiking trails, and relaxed family destinations, the suburb brims with an array of dining options, from award-winning restaurants on esteemed wine estates to chic small-plates eateries and family-friendly cafés.

These are our picks of the best restaurants in Constantia… (we’ve stretched as far as Norval and Steenberg as they form part of the Constantia Valley.)

Ember & Oak

Now an established favourite on the Constantia Uitsig block, Ember & Oak has filled a gap for locals longing for an informal but tasty array of global tapas. Tim and Judy Pick (Tim is ex- La Colombe) have created a short menu of delicious small plates to browse on the terrace tables outside the Uitsig heritage cottages, or inside by the fire. The vineyard, lawns and Constantiaberg mountain views are spectacular, but it’s the often-changing menu of flavourful, unpretentious (and affordable) small plates that draw a crowd of repeat customers: think linefish aguachile (Peruvian-style ceviche); tataki fish sticks (seared tuna skewers) and Mexican street corn (refried corn with mole, guanciale and queso fresco). Pair them with a glass or two of Uitsig wines, or perhaps a frozen Aperol Margarita if you’re soaking up the sun on the terrace.
Opening hours Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 9pm (coffee from 10am)
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 067 499 5621
Where to find it Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia

This perennially buzzed-about restaurant, a glass cube suspended above the vine-clad valley, offers a frequently changing multi-course set menu of fine-dining dishes delivered with casual finesse and glorious views. Nine years since opening, Chef Ivor Jones (who co-owns the eatery with Chefs Warehouse founder and visionary Liam Tomlin) continues to create an intriguing array of imaginative dishes, with an emphasis on the harvest from the farm’s gardens, and an inspired injection of global flavours. Every bite is an adventure of taste, texture and layer upon layer of beautifully balanced flavours. Coupled with the open kitchen, chic interiors and world-class wines, this is an unforgettable dining experience.
Good to know Request a table on the terrace when the sun is out (call the restaurant on the morning of your reservation to secure one). No children under 10 allowed.
There’s the Protea Pod private dining space (seating 8 – 10) for extra-special occasions.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 021 794 8632, cw@beauconstantia.com
Where to find it Off Constantia Main Road/M41, Constantia Nek, Cape Town
Where to find it Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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La Colombe

The flagship of Scot Kirton’s gastronomic empire serves inventive, immaculately styled, utterly delicious plates amid a tranquil forest setting and is a regular on the World’s 50 Best restaurant list. Each of the courses on the tasting menu is a delight, revealed by different chefs and waiters in a myriad surprising ways, and with flourishes of forest and fynbos magic. Beyond the ambience of the space and intricacy of the menu, there’s a playful sense of whimsy under executive chef James Gaag’s guidance – which makes this an event rather than a meal. From the charming “dove’s nest” starter and signature tuna La Colombe (served in individual tins) to the final sweet bite, the feast unfolds with a sense of theatre that’s truly unforgettable.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 1.30pm; 6.30pm – 8.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 794 2390, reservations@lacolombe.co.za
Where to find it Silvermist Wine Estate, La Colombe Road (off Constantia Main Road/M41), Constantia, Cape Town
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Beyond

Taking pride of place on Buitenverwachting wine farm, beyond is a sophisticated (yet unpretentious) dining destination where everything – from the slow-food approach to the polished service, views and wine – is firmly top-tier. Chef Peter Tempelhoff (chef-patron of Cape Town’s acclaimed restaurant FYN) and executive chef Sebastian Stehr are champions of local and indigenous ingredients (often foraged by chef Stehr himself), which are used to create their version of  globally inspired, contemporary cuisine without unnecessary embellishment. Choose two or three courses from the seasonal menu (you’ll also get an amuse bouche and petits fours), or go for the six-course tasting menu if you don’t want to miss a thing. With mesmerising views over vineyards and mountains and a fireplace for cosy winter dining, it’s a top-notch all-round experience in a beautiful setting.
Good to know The Youth Menu is available for kids under 12.
Opening times Wednesday (Tuesday in season) – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 021 794 0306, info@beyondrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Grub & Vine Norval

Mimik

Grub & Vine Norval is the delightful southern suburbs outpost of Matt Manning’s unpretentious yet elegant Bree Street bistro with the same name. The airy, glass-walled restaurant is part of the Norval Foundation, one of the continent’s major custodians of African visual art.  Overlooking striking sculpture gardens, rolling mountains and a beautiful outdoor deck, there’s a choice of menu offerings that allows you to decide on a dining style to suit the occasion. A varied à la carte menu in Grub & Vine’s signature elevated bistro format for lunch. A set tasting menu showcasing a sumptuous series of dishes. Or a sharing menu of generous serving plates to enjoy in relaxed family-style.
Good to know In summer the picnic offering invites you to spread a blanket in the sculpture garden for a relaxed feast of seasonal eats.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12 – 5 pm
Contact 087 153 5244, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it The Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg

A long-time Cape Town favourite for small plates with Steenberg’s classic MCC or cocktails, Bistro Sixteen82 is a stylish contemporary space adjoining the wine cellars, with serene views of cooling water features, sculptures and indigenous gardens around the outside terrace. Here, chef Kerry Kilpin’s classical French training is overlaid with her love of Asian flavours, in lavish bistro lunches and elegant evening tapas. One of the first chefs to embrace the Abalobi sustainable fishing app, Kerry’s ethos of celebrating the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients is evident throughout her creative and flavourful menus.
Good to know Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm
Contact 021 205 3866, reservations@bistro1682.co.za
Where to find it Steenberg Wine Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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The Bistro at Klein Constantia

Come for a taste of the estate’s famed Vin de Constance and stay for a country bistro lunch on the terrace under the jacaranda tree (in summer) or in the elegant dining room by the fire in winter. The short two- and three-course seasonal, farm-to-table menus focus on local ingredients in classic bistro style (everything is homemade); think soups, duck liver parfait, risotto, seared line fish, and chalmar beef. Dessert is accompanied by a sublime Vin de Constance ice cream that is a must-try whatever the weather!
Good to know No children under 12
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 794 5188, bistro@kleinconstantia.com
Where to find it Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Blanko

A chic, gallery-style space in The Alphen Boutique Hotel, Blanko is a favourite setting for elegant family occasions. With Italian marble tables, a dramatically lit-up bar, and textured furnishings it sets the dial to special but keeps a straightforward Italian food philosophy front and centre. Kove Collection’s executive head chef Amber Deetlefs says, “The best food not only has to taste good, it should be something sincere and uncomplicated”. Think homemade pastas, grilled fish, steaks and osso buco, as well as oysters, garlic prawns, arancini… and burgers too. The restaurant walls are adorned with the art of some of South Africa’s top artists, such as William Kentridge, Brett Murray and Michael Subotzky. All round, it’s a sensory feast.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 021 759 6313, managers@blanko.co.za
Where to find it The Alphen Boutique Hotel, Alphen Drive, Constantia, Cape Town
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Constantia Glen

Meander up the fynbos-lined driveway, past paddocks and generous stretches of treed lawns, to discover some of the best views in Cape Town from the expansive tasting room at Constantia Glen. The verandah with wicker chairs, lawns falling away down the hillside and panoramic vistas is the obvious choice, but a sheltered courtyard beckons on windy days, as does the glass dining room with its roaring fire. And it’s not just about wine-tastings. Tuck into the signature Flammkuchen (like pizzas but rectangular) baked in a wood-fired oven, and a short menu of unfussy dishes including burgers, steaks, salads and desserts. And of course a delicious selection of cheese and charcuterie platters.
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 10.30am – 6pm
Friday + Saturday, 10.30am – 9pm
Contact 021 795 5639, enquiries@constantiaglen.com
Where to find it Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Foxcroft

Part of the La Colombe group of restaurants, with chef-proprietor Glen Foxcroft Williams at the helm, Foxcroft is located in the charming High Constantia Centre with tables outside on the verandah for sunny days. The interiors are stylish but not flashy; Mid-Century Modern-style chairs, wood panelling, a central fireplace and an open pass (for an eye into the kitchen) create a welcoming ambience. Though the vibe at Foxcroft is more laidback than its siblings in the La Colombe family, the food has a fine-dining ethos and is served as a set menu of small plates (either 4 or 6 courses). The ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, and are absolutely seasonal, resulting in boundary-pushing dishes that taste as good as they look.
Good to know Start off with pre-dinner aperitifs in the adjoining bar area.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm (seatings); 6pm – 8.30pm (seatings)
Contact 021 202 3304
Where to find it Shop 8, High Constantia, Corner Groot Constantia and Constantia Main Roads, Constantia, Cape Town
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Tryn at Steenberg

The signature restaurant at Steenberg, Tryn occupies one side of the historic werf in elegant Cape Dutch style and honours the fiercely independent spirit of pioneer founder Catherina Ras (aka Tryn). Sophisticated but relaxed, there’s an oak-shaded terrace giving onto lawns on the werf side (where kids can explore and play lawn games), a wide terrace leading out of the main restaurant and looking out over vines on the other, and a grand fireplace keeping things cosy in winter. Chef Kerry Kilpin’s elegant but hearty à la carte menu blends classic French techniques with a fascination with Asian flavours and local ingredients, for creative and mouthwatering dishes and indulgent desserts (the dark chocolate sphere is a dream).
Good to know It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes thoughtful children’s menus.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 713 7178, info@tryn.co.za
Where to find it Steenberg Wine Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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The Conservatory Restaurant at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa

The magnificent gardens and woodlands at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel are very much part of the appeal of this Constantia grande dame. The Conservatory Restaurant Lounge and Bar, with stunning decor inspired by the nature-infused setting, immerses diners in a woodland ambience of serene dappled light and leafy freshness. The beautifully presented à la carte menu is  designed to be flexible, so you can relax over three indulgent courses, or pop by for a straightforward Chalmar beef burger, a simple steak or grilled linefish. A special place to take time out from city life, unwind and share memorable meals with family and friends.
Good to know There’s also a lounge menu that fills in the morning and afternoon gaps with easy bites to go with a cocktail on the terrace or at the bar.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 9.30pm
Lounge Menu: 10.30am – 12pm; 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Contact 021 794 2137
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Hiro Izakaya

Inspired by the informal Japanese saké-shop format, Chef Cheyne Morrisby (together with his partner Danielle Oosthuizen) have created another gem at Constantia Uitsig. Hiro Izakaya brings Cheyne’s signature modern Japanese-inspired small plate creativity to life with a touch of fire-cooking and a ton of flavour. A wide covered front verandah, banquettes, bar and indoor seating decorated with Danielle’s vibrant artwork is the intimate setting for an insanely delicious à la carte menu of simplified Japanese street and bar food dishes. We loved the tuna tacos, three crispy wafer-thin triangles topped with marinated fish, the yellowtail ceviche with ponzu, and the short-rib gyoza. Excellent flavours and textures.
Good to know There’s a storming breakfast menu too.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Contact 082 373 5045
Where to find it Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Parks Restaurant

This historic and much-loved restaurant set in formal gardens just off Constantia Main Road has been through many iterations. Now it’s starting out on a new chapter that keeps faith with the Italian inspiration and unfussy menu it had as 95 Parks under chef Giorgio Nava, and adds a spritz of something new. Think aperitivi and crispy thin-crust pizzas, mouthwatering steaks, seafood done the Italian way, homemade pastas and a glass of wine from the list of old-school classics. All in a warm and friendly ambience embraced by wine-red walls that channel a touch of la dolce vita.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm – 9.30pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 9.30pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 761 0247
Where to find it 114 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town
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Chardonnay Deli @ High Constantia

Set in a century-old farm building near Groot Constantia, this deli-eatery oozes rustic farmstall hospitality and good vibes. Add magical forest views, friendly staff and an owner (Charmaine Lilje) who cut her teeth working with some of Cape Town’s top chefs and you’re all set. Browse through their delicious menu for breakfast or lunch, and don’t miss out on the signature sourdough and the baked cheesecakes… Then fill up your shopping bags at the deli before you head off: grab-and-go frozen meals and soups, eggs, cheeses, cold meats, and a huge choice of in-house baked breads, croissants, sweet treats and flowers. Warning: the cakes are too good to resist.
Good to know There’s also a branch at Constantia Uitsig and in Kalk Bay opposite Dalebrook tidal pool.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 6pm (kitchen 7.30am – 5.30pm)
Contact 021 795 0606, manager@chardonnaydeli.co.za
Where to find it 87 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town

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