’Tis the season for treats.
Easter is one of the high points on our culinary calendar; a time when we gather around a table to feast (not least on colourful, chocolatey treats). If you’re not up for preparing the feast yourself, we’ve got some egg-cellent (and fuss-free) ways to get into the Easter spirit in and around Cape Town: Sunday lunches, picnics, high teas, foodie-forward tasting menus and some good old chocolate-egg hunts for the kids. So hop to it and book now!
Easter lunch + hidden egg challenge at Steenberg
Steenberg Farm is a wonderful escape from the city in the Constantia wine valley, where vineyards, mountains and lush gardens come together to create an idyllic setting. The whole family can join the search (from the gardens and spa to the tasting room) for Easter eggs, including the big prize: a giant egg filled with goodies for the kids and two bottles of wine for the parents. Over at Tryn Restaurant, chef Kerry Kilpin has put together a divine Easter lunch of three courses with options – plus hot cross buns and other Easter treats, a sorbet palate cleanser, a chocolate truffle and welcoming glass of Steenberg cap classique. (There is a separate à la carte menu for children under 12 years.) Enjoy the last days of summer with a meal on the Vineyard Terrace or Oak Terrace.
Cost R795
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 1.30pm (egg hunt)
Tryn lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 713 7178, info@tryn.co.za
Where to find it Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Lunch by the poolside at the President Hotel
With its fabulous sea-facing pool terrace, this Bantry Bay resort hotel is a picture-perfect setting for gathering your nearest and dearest for an Easter celebration. A complimentary glass of Graham Beck bubbles kicks it off, and then you’re free to forage from the buffet cornucopia – starters (including traditional pickled fish) or a mezze platter, mains such as roast beef and pork belly, butter chicken curry and a fresh pasta station. To round off a memorable afternoon, for dessert there’s double trouble pudding, mousse, carrot cake, four different doughnuts and more. The kids get their own buffet (including build-your-own-pizza) and “sweet garden” filled with treats.
Cost R785
R510 (child, 6 – 11 years)
Free for children 5 years and under
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 1pm – 3pm
Good to know Make a weekend of it by booking a stay for 20% less (children under 12 free); valid until 7 April 2024.
Contact 021 434 8111, 071 368 9529 (WhatsApp), events@presidenthotel.co.za
Where to find it 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay
Book Now
A fairytale afternoon tea at One&Only Cape Town
Afternoon tea in the Vista Bar & Lounge at One&Only Cape Town is always a treat, with its lovely waterside views and piano soundtrack, but this Easter it will be transformed into an “Enchanted Forest”. The whimsical feast presents elegant savoury and sweet platters (delicate sandwiches, tarts and pastries, scones and cakes) and live-cooking stations (crêpes at the sweet one; hot cross bun toasties with pickled fish at the savoury one, among other delights). Plus there’s a “candy shop” buffet of treat-filled jars – think pastel macarons, bunny cake pops, koeksisters and toasted coconut marshmallows. There is a range of artisanal teas, and you receive a welcome glass of bubbly (but you’re free to order some more, not included in the price).
Cost R595
Date Friday, 29 March – Monday, 1 April 2024
Time 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 431 5888, guestexperience@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Book Now
Easter brunch egg-stravaganza at The Taj
Head to this historic five-star hotel for a family-friendly feast that celebrates Easter in style. Take your seat in the chic Mint Restaurant, or at a table outside on the terrace, and be prepared to linger all day. The word “brunch” doesn’t begin to describe what this menu encompasses. It kicks off with the butler bringing hot cross buns, frittatas and cocktail sausage rolls. Then you’re invited to browse the buffets – yip, more than one. There’s a cold buffet (where you’ll find classic Cape Malay pickled fish), an oyster station, cheese and charcuterie station, sushi station, salad bar and breads, plus the main-attraction hot buffet (for Easter roast chicken, various curries, prawns and pasta). Save space for the loaded dessert table and an irresistible chocolate fest of Easter eggs, bunnies, cookies, cupcakes and lollies.
Cost R695
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 12.30pm – 4pm
Contact 021 819 2000, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Where to find it 1 Wale Street, corner St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Enquire Now
Grand high tea at the Mount Nelson
The Nellie (or Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel as it’s more formally known), with its iconic pink façade, magnificent garden setting and mansion-esque interiors, has been a go-to spot for high tea for decades. Start your own special Easter tradition this year by booking for the tea, which comes with a welcome drink, a parting gift, Easter decor and pianist Henry Dike tinkling the ivories – plus an egg hunt for the younger members of the party. Tea sommelier Craig Cupido will make sure you find the perfect accompaniment (from over 60 varieties) to pair with your tiered stand of pastries, cakes, scones, tarts and sandwiches by chef Vicky Gurovich. If you’d prefer coffee, barista Jeighman Zarira is happy to oblige – or you’re welcome to order a stronger tipple (at an additional cost). A vegan and gluten-free tea is also available.
Cost R650
R350 (child under 12 years)
Date Friday, 29 March – Monday, 1 April 2024
Time 12pm and 3pm
Good to know There is also an Easter Weekend jazz brunch buffet, on Sunday and Monday from 12pm.
Contact 021 483 1000, reservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Easter Sunday lunch at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa
For Easter, you’ll find this grande dame hotel in Constantia in celebratory family mode, with its magical lawns and woodlands ideal for the Easter egg hunt that commences at noon. The Conservatory restaurant looks out over the gardens and is a beautiful, serene setting for a family lunch. The team has created a special three-course menu (plus amuse-bouche), with two options for each course. For starters, a panzanella salad or springbok tartare, followed by mains of lamb rib or chicken supreme (for vegetarians, grilled miso polenta with exotic mushrooms). The sweet finish is a tarte Tatin or chai tea mousse. The kids’ menu features a pretzel hotdog or chicken schnitzel, with an ice-cream sandwich or rocky road for dessert – plus all the chocolate eggs they can find.
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 12pm – 2.30pm
Cost R695
R255 (kids menu, including Easter egg hunt)
Contact 021 794 2137, coordinator@cellars-hohenort.co.za
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Enquire Now
Sunday roast by the sea at The Marine Hotel
If you will be in Hermanus over the Easter weekend, The Marine will be serving up an Easter feast in the elegant, Art Deco-inspired Pavilion restaurant. This includes breads (ciabatta and lavash), a choice of two starters (pulse and burrata salad or kudu-loin tagliata), The Marine’s renowned Sunday roast (sirloin with the works: Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, veg and red wine jus), and traditional malva pudding to finish – plus the lovely views of Walker Bay from this ocean-hugging property. The Cliff Path is just steps away for a post-lunch stroll.
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 12pm – 2.30pm
Cost R395
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Marine Drive, Hermanus
Enquire Now
An Easter wonderland of fun at Rhebokskloof
The tree-shaded lawns of this Paarl estate transform into a giant playground for the whole Easter weekend. Here, children can run and play freely between slippery slides, jumping castles and bubble machines, before the excitement of the Easter egg hunt at noon (with the Easter bunny in attendance). This is followed by a magic show, face-painting and visiting the farm animals (real bunnies!). All the while, parents can relax on a picnic blanket and enjoy the views as they sip on a glass of vino. There’s a whole array of easy eats and ice cream on sale for hungry kids; grown-ups can book a picnic basket for a laidback spoil – think charcuterie, biltong paté, chicken salad and cheesecake, among other treats (there are individual kids’ picnics too).
Good to know Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Cost R150 (4 – 12 years)
R80 (0 – 3 years)
Free (13+ years)
Dates Friday, 29 March – Monday, 1 April 2024
Time 11am – 6pm
Contact 021 869 8386, info@rhebokskloof.co.za
Where to find it Noord Agter-Paarl Road, Windmeul, Paarl
Book tickets
Book a picnic
Join the treasure hunt at Grand Africa Café & Beach
Instead of hunting for shells by the seaside, you can search for treats on the beach this Easter at Grand Africa Café and Beach. There’s chocolate eggs for the kids and surprises for the grown-ups. There will be three “hunting” sessions throughout the day, along with live entertainment, relaxed toes-in-the-sand oceanside dining (pizza, pasta, steaks, seafood, sushi), and all the other delights of this free-spirited venue. At the end of the day, there is hardly a better place to watch the sun being swallowed by the sea – fabulous cocktail in hand.
Cost The hunt is free for diners
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 1pm, 3pm, 5pm (Easter hunt)
12pm – midnight (restaurant and bars)
Where to find it Haul Road, off Beach Road or Granger Bay Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Easter fine-dining at Le coin Français
There’s no better time, perhaps, to take that culinary pilgrimage to Franschhoek, the long-standing heartland of fine dining and French technique. Head to this acclaimed restaurant where chef Darren Badenhorst transforms hyper-local seasonal produce and foraged finds into taste-of-the-Cape perfection on a plate. The eight-course Easter tasting menu includes flavours of cured venison, seafood, duck, buchu, wild river herbs, mushrooms, wild vineyard shoots, honey and pollen, and ends with a stunning “chocolate forest”. The 11-course Chefs Journey menu dials it up a few notches, with three extra courses introduced by the chef. Both are available in vegetarian options.
Cost R1 195
R700 extra (beverage pairing); R1 200 (premium beverage pairing)
R595 extra (non-alcoholic pairing)
Chefs Journey (evening only): R1 695
R900 extra (beverage pairing); R1 495 (premium beverage pairing)
Good to know You can also add a caviar course (R495) or cheese course (R195).
Date Friday 29 – Sunday 31 March 2024
Time From 12pm (last seating 2pm)
From 6pm (last seating 8pm)
Contact 074 126 0022, reservations@lecoinfrancais.co.za
Where to find it 17 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan
Kiddies countryside Easter egg hunt at Paserene
If your kids “know” you’re the Easter Bunny, prove them wrong and take them egg-hunting at a place where you definitely haven’t hidden the eggs. This boutique wine estate in Franschhoek, with its striking, nest-inspired tasting lounge, is the ideal spot to take it easy this Easter weekend. While the youngsters are conducting their (supervised) search all over the farm, the grown-ups can sit back and relax on the deck beside the small dam, enjoying some wine and a platter and fantastic views. You can do a tasting or order wines by the glass or bottle – and if you feel like a sweet treat of your own, there are also wine-infused ice lollies.
Good to know Only 10 children per time slot (with a limit of nine treats per child), so pre-booking is essential.
Cost R175 (egg hunt)
Wine-tasting: R105 or R210
Platter: R450 for two; individual small plates from R45
Date Friday 29 – Sunday 31 March 2024
Time 11.30, 1pm, 2.30pm
Tasting Lounge: 10am – 5pm
Contact 021 876 2714, hospitality@paserene.co.za
Where to find it R45, Franschhoek
Gather Easter goodies at Babylonstoren
You visit Babylonstoren for its magnificent gardens, of course, but at this time of year you can also use the opportunity to stock up on some gorgeous Easter treats. The farm has a collection of wonderful artisanal shops selling items made from the garden produce – or inspired by it. From pastel chocolate eggs and hazelnut-praline-filled chocolate hens to hot cross bun loaves, biscuits, cakes and Easter egg hunt kits – not forgetting the sweet delights of the Lekker Room – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Plus, for your own feast at home, there’s table decor, lamb, pies, cheese, buffalo-milk gelato in wonderful flavours, and more.
Good to know There is a R150 entry fee (under-18s free) to the farm, but you can shop online too (with free delivery).
Time Daily, 9am – 6pm
Contact 021 863 3852, enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Shopping: 021 300 3919, deliveries@babylonstoren.com
Where to find it Babylonstoren Road, Franschhoek
Shop Now
An Italian-style family feast at Bacco
Head to this red-brick Tuscan-inspired estate in Paarl where you can tuck into an Italian-style feast this Easter. Think beautifully spit-roasted lamb, beer-battered hake, Scotch egg in a crispy potato nest sprinkled with pork crackling salt, a Caprese phyllo tart and pea-and-mint potato croquettes. To finish, indulge in traditional chiacchiere di Carnevale, milk tart or a Valrhona 65% chocolate mousse.
Good to know It’s a great opportunity to try less-common wines like a cabernet sauvignon malbec (not included in lunch cost). There’s also live music from 1.30pm onwards, as well as some activities for the kids.
Cost R575
R250 (child)
Wine-tasting: R110 – R210
Date Saturday, 30 March – Monday, 1 April 2024
Time 11am – 4.30pm
Contact 063 296 2147, info@baccoestate.co.za
Where to find it Simonsvlei Road, off Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Paarl
Book through DinePlan
A relaxed country lunch at Ernie Els Wines
Set on the slopes of the Helderberg, with some of the best views in the Winelands, this sophisticated winery is the perfect spot for long, lingering lunches. Take a seat at the restaurant – preferably on the terrace – and enjoy a three-course meal of seasonal, locally sourced “modern farmhouse” cuisine, with a variety of Sunday roast options (lamb, pork belly, beef rump, char-grilled chicken) and some exceptional wines (particularly the “big reds” and signature Bordeaux blends). The dark chocolate hot pot for dessert is pure Easter joy.
Good to know Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for.
Cost R650
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 021 881 3588, bookings@ernieelswines.com
Where to find it Off Annandale Road, off R44, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Egg-citing Easter treasure hunting at Hazendal
At this Stellenbosch wine estate (whose name refers to a rabbit), children will embark on an hour-long adventure filled with surprises and Easter treats, and receive a voucher to double their fun at the 27-hole Putting Park or Wonderdal, the estate’s immersive hi-tech edutainment centre presided over by virtual Amuki friends. Parents can enjoy a wine-tasting while they wait, and there’s a choice of dining options for the family afterwards: casual favourites at The Eatery, tapas-style flavours at the Deli, or a picnic.
Good to know The treasure hunt is for children aged 5 – 13 years. Booking is essential.
Cost R40 (egg hunt)
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time One-hour slots at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm
Contact 021 903 5034, bookings@wonderdal.co.za
Where to find it Ronelle Street, via Kruis Street, off Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
Book Now
A picture-perfect picnic at Cavalli
You’d be forgiven for thinking that these beautiful gardens and manicured lawns would be where the Easter Bunny hangs out (along with the thoroughbred horses). Add wonderful mountain views, and this stylish estate in the Helderberg is the perfect spot for a gourmet picnic. Traditional baskets with proper crockery and cutlery add an air of luxury to this alfresco feast. What’s in the basket? Everything from seed loaf with whipped herb butter and smoked cheese to chicken sosaties, quiche au fromage, trout pâté, salads and a sweet ending of Basque-style cheesecake and lemon madeleines – oh, and a sneaky chocolate bunny (handmade with Valrhona chocolate). There are also two Easter egg hunts for kids on Easter Sunday, at 1pm and at 2.30pm.
Good to know Booking at least 24 hours in advance is essential. For the Easter egg hunt, numbers are limited to 10 children per time slot.
The price of the picnic excludes wine, which you can purchase from the Tasting Terrace (why not add a wine-tasting to your Easter outing?).
Cost R650 for two
Wine-tasting: R85 (three wines), R150 (six wines)
Easter egg hunt: R150 per child
Date Friday 29 – Sunday 31 March 2024
Time 12pm – 2pm (collection)
Contact 021 855 3218, info@cavalliestate.com
Where to find it R44 (Strand Road), Somerset West
Book through DinePlan
An avant-garde Easter feast at Dusk
Leap down the proverbial rabbit hole with a fantastical 11-course Easter tasting menu that leads you to discover “19 species of tomato” (as gazpacho, broth, jelly, etc), “second-hand shellfish”, African caviar, “nitro lucky charms”, “diablo coal butter” and much more, ending with an exquisite bitter coffee-nut-brandy pear dessert. Dusk is an experimental kitchen that expertly plays with zero-waste cooking and fermentation (many items on the menu have been days in the making, up to 384 hours for the caesar salad starter). It’s immersive and emotive dinner theatre you’ll never forget.
Cost R1 950
R3 400 (with beverage pairing)
Good to know You can also choose a “Pandora’s Box” pairing (R4 400) or add an Imperial Heritage caviar course (R2 500) or cheese course (R345).
Time From 8pm
Contact 021 023 4100, reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Share a family lunch feast at Lanzerac
You can have lunch at home… or you can elevate the occasion with an elegant yet laidback lunch in the beautiful Manor Kitchen at this historic 1692 wine estate. Executive chef Stephan Fraser has created a special Easter menu to be served family-sharing style, with all the favourites reimagined and finely finessed – Cape Malay pickled fish, smoked snoek, roast lamb and chicken, smoked salmon pie and more. The sweets add the final Easter flourish, including bunny macarons, bird’s nest baklava, chocolate brownies and mini Easter truffles. Seated under the sparkling chandelier, you’ll feel like lord and lady of the manor.
Good to know The sommelier can help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your meal (additional cost). Lanzerac is a cashless venue.
Cost R680
Date Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time From 12pm
Contact 021 887 1132, discover@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac Road, off Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
An Easter tasting menu with cocktails at Nocturne
For a very grown-up Easter treat, head to this trailblazing mixology hotspot in Stellenbosch, where the culinary wizards have concocted an Easter-inspired five-course tasting menu paired with seasonal cocktails (or wines, if you prefer). Think confit duck, linefish in a hot and sour broth, Karoo lamb – but not as you know it; plus a “palate cleanser cocktail” and a dessert of “elements and textures” of chocolate. You can dine in the moodily elegant and glamorous restaurant-bar, or take a table on the pavement under the oak trees and savour a memorable feast.
Cost R950 (with cocktail or wine pairing); R1 250 for premium wines
R650 (without beverage pairing)
Good to know You can also add an oyster appetiser (R35 each) and/or local cheese selection (R165) to your meal.
Date Friday 29 – Sunday 31 March 2024
Time From 8.03pm
Contact 021 023 4745, reservations@nocturneexperience.co.za
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.