The Best Country Kitchens in the Cape

With the freshest ingredients at their fingertips, country chefs can offer true nature-led, farm-to-fork feasting: exquisite food in equally exquisite surroundings. For food lovers, repeat visits are essential as the menus change often and there’s always something new to savour. There’s no better time for a drive out to the country.

Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Farm Kitchen at Muratie

Muratie’s reputation for generous farm hospitality started with owner Rijk Melck’s mother, Tannie Annatjie, serving traditional Karoo dishes in the manor house. Now chef Riaan van Schalkwyk preserves the authentic offering with simple, beautifully executed dishes to be enjoyed in the old wine cellar: bobotie samoosas, potato gnocchi, lamb shank, pan-roasted venison and sirloin, served with vegetables from the garden. Baked Camembert with chardonnay-poached pears is a rare dessert delight. It’s also loved for its classic farm breakfasts – avo and poached eggs are ideal for refuelling after a run on the Simonsberg trails.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 3.30pm (last orders)
Contact 021 865 2330, info@muratie.co.za
Where to find it Muratie Wine Estate, off Knorhoek Road, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
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Zest Deli & Kitchen at Beaumont

This down-to-earth farm in the middle of “town”, with views over the undulating hills of the Overberg, is home to three generations, who are all involved. You can see its history in the oldest wine cellar in the region, and the restored and still-functioning 250-year-old water mill. Delicious gourmet farm food – think bacon-and-onion tarte flambée, portabellini flatbreads with truffle, Kalahari wild beef burgers, butter-chicken bunny chow – is served in the prettily tiled deli or under the oaks on the terrace, next to the tasting room. Don’t miss the desserts: the Mexican molten chocolate cake or burnt Basque cheesecake with sour cherry compote are what memories are made of.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Contact 028 284 9194, info@beaumont.co.za
Where to find it Beaumont Wines, Main Road, Bot River
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Good to Gather at Rozendal

Hidden in the outer suburbs of Stellenbosch, Rozendal started off making wine but serendipitously pivoted when a visitor helped transform a flawed wine vintage into vinegar. The cellar now doubles as a restaurant on Friday evenings and weekends – spilling out into a tree-shaded courtyard with views of the picturesque farm. For chefs Jess Shepherd and Luke Grant, respect for produce is paramount – you’ll taste it in their three-course, sharing-style menu. It’s inventive, wholesome and made with all things seasonal and local (don’t leave without tasting the panna cotta).
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 12pm – 2pm (last seating)
Contact 066 486 0417, bookings@goodtogather.co.za
Where to find it Rozendal Vinegar & Guest Farm, Omega Road, Rozendal, Stellenbosch
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Mila at Doolhof

Set in its own secret valley, this historic Wellington wine estate is the perfect escape from the crowds – with an elegant bistro to match. Housed in a whitewashed, Mediterranean-style courtyard (once a 19th-century wagonhouse and kraal), Mila is a simple country-style eatery, where rustic tables create a relaxed vibe. It’s all about excellent, uncomplicated food based on local ingredients, with a menu that’s short and personal and changes often – it might include biltong-spiced rib-eye with merlot jus, a beef-and-bone marrow burger or Asian pork belly. The coffee is excellent too, starring in desserts such as luscious espresso panna cotta, affogato or a different cake every day.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm (kitchen closes at 3pm)
Contact 021 864 2805, bookings@milarestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Doolhof Wine Estate, Bovlei Road, Wellington
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Cheverells Farm Café

Taylym Meyer

The Boome family has been growing fruit for three generations in the Elgin Valley of the Overberg. Now they’ve transformed an old 1960s apple-packing shed into an exquisite, light-filled venue where they can share the beauty and bounty of their home. Apples and pears, naturally, are the stars of the show and feature in homemade apple-and-sage sausages, a delectable apple-and-frangipane tart and freshly pressed apple juice, alongside other vibrant, seasonal flavours. This summer, in addition to the famed gourmet burger, there’s a deliciously crunchy Asian-style chicken salad and salmon poké bowl with the Cheverells miso mayo drizzle. The valley is also renowned for its cool-climate wines, which feature on the wine list, alongside the local apple-flavoured L-Gin.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Closed 25 December 2022 – 2 January 2023
Contact 060 861 1044, cheverellsfarm@gmail.com
Where to find it 55 Highlands Road (off Viljoenshoop Road), Elgin
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The Manor House Restaurant

If you’re yearning to sit on a verandah with views of rolling hills and horse paddocks, tucking into hearty comfort food, then storybook-pretty Stanford Valley Guest Farm is just the place. Mid-century furniture and eclectic artworks create a stylish backdrop for Janine van der Nest’s country-with-a-twist dishes. Settle in for a blissful, farm-fresh breakfast or, later in the day, a delightful mix of boerekos (farmer’s food) favourites and classic bistro cuisine – it changes with the seasons but always celebrates regional ingredients and producers, be it Klein River cheese, Elgin apples, snoek or cured duck. On the winelist are excellent bottles from the surrounding region. Whichever time of day you choose to dine here, you’ll be feeding body and soul.
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm
Contact 072 198 0862, manorhouse@stanfordvalley.co.za
Where to find it Stanford Valley Guest Farm, off the R326, Stanford
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The Table at De Meye

It’s the stuff of Winelands fantasy and the epitome of la dolce vita: long, sybaritic lunches in the countryside with people you love, delicious home-cooked food and good stuff to drink. Husband-and-wife team Leigh Williamson and Brendan Thorncroft offer an honest-to-goodness experience on the beautiful (yet under-the-radar) De Meye wine farm. Under the trees in a charming garden, guests tuck into a set three-course sharing menu of refined, slow-cooked, comforting dishes that change often, depending on what’s in season. In cooler weather, the historic whitewashed farmhouse with large windows and wood-burning stoves is an equally attractive setting. It’s the kind of place you’ll return to time and again.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Contact 072 696 0530, bookings@thetablerestaurant.co.za
Where to find it De Meye Wine Farm, Muldersvlei Road, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
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Mogg’s Country Cookhouse

Anyone who’s visited the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley knows it truly is “heaven on earth” (for the scenery, yes, but also for its wine route). Nestled in this delightful rural setting is the epitome of an idyllic farmhouse, where Julia Mogg and her team dish up delectable, generous portions of wholesome food using produce from their garden. (Julia’s mom, Jenny, a co-founder of Moggs passed away in October 2022.)  If you’re hankering after slow-roasted lamb shank or beef short ribs, this is the spot; you’ll also discover unexpected delights such as a beetroot fritter and smoked salmon stack or coconut-cashew crusted chicken… Children have their own menu, a playground and dogs to play with and exciting farm surroundings.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm (last orders)
Daily: 14 December 2022 – 8 January 2023 (except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Contact 076 314 0671, moggscookhouse@gmail.com
Where to find it Nuwe-Pos Farm, off R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
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Vygie at Oaklands

Visitors who stumble upon this gem in the Bainskloof Mountains outside Wellington are smitten. Here, in the dappled shade of wild olive trees beside the Krom River, tables are laid with white tablecloths and silverware for a set four-course, sharing-plate lunch. Proprietors Rose and AJ Williams are artists and devoted “slow food” lovers who converted the stables at Oaklands Farm into a kitchen and dining room. Delicious, uncomplicated meals made with the best of Boland seasonal produce emerge from the kitchen. It’s very vegetable-focused but meat and fish do make an appearance.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Open on Christmas Day + Day of Goodwill
Contact 076 459 4693 (WhatsApp), vygievygie@gmail.com
Where to find it Oaklands Estate, Upper Bovlei Road, Wellington
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The Kraal at Joostenberg

The fifth-generation Myburghs offer generous farm-style hospitality for lunch every weekend at The Kraal, tucked in a corner of the old farm, beside the winery and “werf”. Surrounded by old, whitewashed stone walls, The Kraal conjures a simple, almost-Mediterranean aesthetic. Guests dine alfresco at long wooden tables under umbrellas and the dappled shade of fruit and olive trees, with views of the 30-hectare farm in all directions. Chef Garth Bedford’s fine-dining yet fuss-free menu is based entirely on seasonal, local, organic produce – much of it from the farm itself (which includes the odd wild-gathered herb). Bread is baked daily and other ingredients are sourced from nearby farms. Joostenberg’s superb range of organic wines are the perfect accompaniment to your three-course set-menu meal.
Opening times Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (last order 2.30pm)
Contact 079 641 1320, kraalrestaurant@joostenberg.co.za
Where to find it Joostenberg Estate, Hoopenberg Road, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
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The Werf Restaurant

Claire Gunn

Informal sharing plates with impeccable provenance are the backbone of chef Allistaire Lawrence’s seasonal menu at The Werf. The terrace overlooks Boschendal’s bountiful vegetable garden – soil-to-fork doesn’t get much closer than that! Estate-reared Angus beef, pasta made with eggs from happy hens, and fish from small-scale Abalobi fisheries all feature, with pairings of Boschendal wines. Cosy up inside the Manor’s original wine cellar, or soak up sunny mountain views from the terrace. Whatever the weather, it’s a charming spot for breakfast, perfect for multigenerational family lunches (after exploring the estate), and a romantic dinner escape with a sense of history.
Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 8am – 5pm
Thursday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm
Contact 021 870 4200, reservations@boschendal.co.za
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek
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The Melting Pot at Oak Valley

First gaining a foodie following as a pop-up in Cape Town before finding a home on this Overberg wine estate, chef John van Zyl (ex-Chefs Warehouse and Thali) and partner Sage Fell combine diverse influences from their travels in their cooking. The concise, everchanging menu offers “Snacks” (oysters, mezze, chicken liver parfait), “Small Plates” (sashimi, dim sum, sliders, mussels), and “Big Plates” (steak frites, risottos, burgers, curries). If you can’t decide, there’s “One of Everything” (five small plates over two courses) popularised at the pop-up, giving diners a trip around the world in a single sitting. The restaurant’s setting is sublime, too: an open-sided, airy dining room and wine bar with a terrace overlooking a sparkling pool, and outdoor seating surrounded by lush, foresty gardens for sublime al fresco dining. It’s an unexpectedly modern offering hidden away in traditional farming country.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Friday + Saturday, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 859 4111, meltingpot@oak-valley.co.za
Where to find it Oak Valley Estate, 127 Oak Avenue, Grabouw
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Bosjes Kombuis

A beacon of sophistication in the Breede Valley, Bosjes made waves when it opened with its striking architecture and design. The Kombuis (“kitchen”) is a stylish, Scandi-chic reworking of a barn, with a fabulous Delft-style tiled mural and glass walls that maximise the views of the Waaihoek Mountains. A menu of seasonal, refined bistro dishes evokes the sense of place on this historic farm – you might tuck into fynbos-honey glazed pork, foraged mushrooms or deep-fried milk tart. Thereafter, the magnificent maze of gardens and that famous chapel beckon for a post-lunch stroll.
Good to know There is a second, more informal restaurant, Spens (“pantry”), which opens earlier for breakfast. The Spens also serves light lunches; and picnic boxes can be pre-ordered.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 8.30am – 4pm
Contact 023 004 0496, feast@bosjes.co.za
Where to find it Bosjes Farm, R43, Breedekloof Valley, near Worcester
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Vuur

There’s a touch of magic about the fire-dining experience at Vuur. So much more than a braai, it’s a leisurely afternoon of delicious and intriguing tastes, convivial chat and fresh country air, all paired with a succession of Remhoogte wines. Shaun Scrooby has converted an old stable into a miniature gem of a restaurant. There’s a long oak-shaded table outside (seating 12) and cosy seating for 10 guests inside, where the fire-cooking plays out on a deep, old-fashioned hearth in the open kitchen. Shaun and team go way beyond the basics of braaing: smoking, steaming, searing, then elegantly plating each dish. The seven-course feast changes each week – expect anything from warthog sausage, ostrich steaks and Karoo lamb chops to smoked leeks or prawns with roasted Clemengolds, and the ultimate braaibroodjie. Even the G&Ts are artfully smoked and dessert is kissed by fire too. It’s usually an exclusive-use experience for private groups (minimum four diners) but the monthly shared table is open to individual bookings.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 1pm onwards
Contact 083 600 4050 (WhatsApp), mytable@vuurrestaurant.com
Where to find it Remhoogte Wine Estate, R44, Stellenbosch
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Farro at Gabriëlskloof

When it popped up on Bree Street in Cape Town (from Joburg), Farro offered a night-time bistro experience at daytime Café Frank. But owners Alex and Eloise Windebank wanted a permanent home for their culinary venture, which they’ve found at Gabriëlskloof wine farm in the Overberg. Overlooking the estate’s serene inner courtyard, their new daytime restaurant is a modern space where chef Alex concocts indulgent, mouthwatering dishes using a cornucopia of the region’s produce – and doesn’t shy away from butter, cream and wine. Velvety rich duck-liver parfait and melt-in-the-mouth pork belly are his signature dishes, to which he’s added Karoo wagyu steak, Elgin trout and fresh pickings from the farm’s gardens.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11.30am to 4pm
Contact 028 284 9865, hello@farrofoodandwine.com
Where to find it Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate, Swartrivier Road, off N2, Bot Rivier
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Geuwels

Daniela Zondagh

Known for its flock of Indian runner ducks, Vergenoegd Löw is now also an exciting foodie destination (part of chef Bertus Basson’s Winelands culinary empire). Geuwels (“gables”) is housed in a beautifully restored cellar; its historic charm and exquisite interiors are the perfect backdrop for chef Astrid Kennealy’s family-friendly menu of South African-inspired dishes. Breakfast is worth writing home about – smoked pork belly, organic maize, lamb sausage, jaffle croque-madame and duck eggs from the farm. As for lunch, it’s a two-course menu of eight sharing plates, all of them stand-outs. The Bovril-and-biltong butter with roosterkoek (griddle cakes) to start is heavenly; to end, a nostalgia-inducing pavlova.
Good to know On the same estate, Clara’s Barn serves a more formal five-course set menu.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 8am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 202 4373, geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za
Where to find it Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, Vergenoegd Road (off R310), Somerset West
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Postcard Cafe

In one of the most naturally beautiful settings in the Jonkershoek Valley, this laidback restaurant flaunts – as its name suggests – what might be the most picture-perfect setting in the Winelands. It’s an ideal spot for a lazy family lunch or a special breakfast – whether you sit inside or on the verandah, overlooking rolling lawns and the millpond-like dam, where a floating wine-tasting room beckons across a bridge… Chef Munetaka Kimura and his team serve simple yet expertly prepared dishes, inspired by a variety of global cuisines and locally sourced ingredients. With a dozen dessert choices, it also hits the mid-morning or mid-afternoon sweet-treat spot.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 861 7703, postcardcafe@stark-conde.co.za
Where to find it Stark-Conde Wines, off Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch
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The Tasting Room at Creation

A trip to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley would be incomplete without a visit to Creation Wines. Aside from its excellent wines, the estate is also popular for its creative food pairings; the headliner of which is a six-course wine-and-food pairing (with a vegan option, too). There’s also an à la carte breakfast/brunch menu as well as a blackboard menu (with wine-by-the-glass suggestions for each dish), as well as a new six-course summer flexitarian canapé pairing of exciting flavour and texture combinations. Children will love  the “young adults” menu and special cordial pairing. Sit on the terrace (or inside if it’s chilly) and drink in the epic views of vineyards and the towering Babylonstoren peak.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 028 212 1107, info@creationwines.com
Where to find it Creation Wines, off the R320, Hemel en Aarde, Hermanus
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Faber at Avondale

Heritage and modernity blend beautifully here, with understated elegance enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. Everything on this organic wine farm, from the sprawling flower-filled gardens to the verandah with its vine-draped pergola, hints at something special. The restaurant is located in a 300-year-old Cape Dutch building, with an open kitchen giving a glimpse of the culinary magic as it happens. Chef Dale Stevens sources most of his ingredients on the farm (duck, Angus beef, free-range eggs, edible flowers, herbs, fruit and veg) and creates delectable dishes, paired with superb wines, that tell a story and take guests on a culinary journey.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Thursday – Saturday, from 6pm
Contact 021 202 1219, faber@avondalewine.co.za
Where to find it Avondale Estate, Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
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