Lamb spit braais, fireside feasts, wine-tastings and lavish Sunday lunches to make Dads feel special.
It only comes round once a year, so make the most of Father’s Day to show the Dad(s) in your life some extra appreciation. This year it’s on 16 June and there are a host of different ways to celebrate and gather the clan around a table in Cape Town and the Winelands. From traditional Sunday lunch fare to everyday gourmet feasts, steaks and wine-tastings and magnificent family-friendly buffets, there’s sure to be a spoil to suit the special Dad in your family.
Grub & Vine Norval
The airy glass-walled restaurant at Norval Foundation overlooks striking sculpture gardens, rolling mountains and a beautiful outdoor deck, a sophisticated new sibling to Matt Manning’s Grub & Vine on Bree Street. The Sunday lunch menu of refined but hearty bistro fare (partnered with a superb wine offering) is ideal for a Father’s Day spoil, with three indulgent courses (plus canapés). Choices of starters include: wild mushroom tart; chicken liver parfait; and roasted cauliflower soup with truffle oil. For mains decide between: braised beef shortrib; chicken ballotine; and pan-roast pork neck. And finish off with sticky toffee pudding or vanilla sponge with lemon posset and banana custard.
Cost R495 per person
Time 12pm – 2.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 216 0021, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it The Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Babylonstoren
There are two ways of treating the dads and lads in your life to some Babylonstoren magic. Spend the day at the farm and garden together, and book a cellar tour to the underground wine tunnel, or lunch or dinner at Babel Restaurant. Or spoil them with one of the specially curated Dote on Dad hampers crammed with the best for a braai-loving Pops, or bath and body spoils for fathers who love the finer things in life. From luxurious leather aprons and flagship wines to a new charcuterie selection and nibbles created with dads in mind, there’s something for every kind of dad.
Good to know All Babylonstoren gifts can be ordered online, and are wrapped with care and delivered with a handwritten note. Delivery is free nationwide.
Cost An entry ticket to the farm costs R100 per adult per year. Children under 18 enter for free.
Time 9am – 5pm
Contact 021 863 3852, enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Shopping: shop.babylonstoren.com
Where to find it Babylonstoren Road, Franschhoek
Nikkei
Japanese-Peruvian cuisine is currently having more than a moment in Cape Town… Nikkei is one of the hottest new openings on Bree, and the place to treat dads in sumptuous style. Chef Justin Barker has worked with the culinary consultation of chef Rikku O’Donnchu to create two exciting omakase set menus of shared plates for Father’s Day. Edamame, crispy squid, yellowtail hamachi and tuna ceviche give way to fried tofu and fire-cooked chicken thigh with black bean mole, followed by shio koji lamb chop and beer-braised sesame short rib. The gold version of the omakase menu delivers delicacies such as banana and caviar nigiri, crispy lobster and soft shell crab sushi, and robatayaki wagyu rib eye with black truffle, to create the ultimate spoil served with a whole lot of Bree Street vibes…
Good to know Dads get a complimentary Dewars on the rocks with the omakase set menu; or a complimentary Dancing Geisha cocktail with the omakase gold menu.
Cost R599 per person sharing (omakase set menu)
R1 000 per person sharing (omakase gold set menu)
Time 12pm – 4pm
Contact 021 109 0081, capetown@nikkei.co.za
Where to find it 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Bistro at Brookdale Estate
A secret valley in a fold of the mountains above Paarl, Brookdale Estate is delightfully discovered as you dip steeply down to a little bridge over a mountain stream then up past indigenous gardens and vines. Harmoniously built of stone, the Bistro at Brookdale is an unostentatious but comfortably elegant setting for a Father’s Day lunch. Dine à la carte from executive chef Gary Coetzee’s flavour-packed winter menu: a deeply warming bouillabaisse loaded with fish, prawns, mussels and octopus; bobotie tortellini; slow-braised oxtail in red wine and rosemary; sous-vide lamb rump with minted pea purée, and more. Dads get a little extra spoil with a complimentary glass of the estate’s Mason Road syrah, and a special homemade take-home gift from the chefs.
Good to know There isn’t a separate kids’ menu, but the kitchen is happy to adapt any dishes on the menu to suit children.
No cash payments.
Cost à la carte
Time 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 087 183 3919, bistro@brookdale-estate.com
Where to find it Brookdale Estate, Hawequa Bos Pad, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
Book through DinePlan
Boma on Bree
This fiery hotspot on Bree Street’s buzziest stretch delivers mouth-watering dishes from the open-fire, with a cool boma-bar vibe inspired by the Karoo and Kalahari desert landscapes. On their winter menu, as well as their signature lamb ribs, smoky pork chops, peri peri chicken and Kitsie burgers, small plates and jaffles, there are sizzling new dishes – such as crisp “Mieliebrood” waffle with Boma fried chicken, fried squid with fragrant curried coconut sauce and corn ribs with nori spice, chilli and lime. For Father’s Day there’s a special of half off all starter plates (whether shared or not), a complimentary dessert for the dad(s) in your party, and a complimentary jug of beer or bottle of wine for bookings of 4 or more.
Good to know Happy hour (30% off selected drinks) runs all day on Sundays.
Cost à la carte
Time 12pm – 6pm
Contact 021 109 0039, boma@thefirmct.co.za
Where to find it 107 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
Klein Constantia Bistro
A sophisticated bistro lunch hidden away in the Constantia Winelands (cosy factor complete with roaring fire), Klein Constantia does Father’s Day in elegant but informal style. The special dish of the day is a slow-braised Chalmar oxtail served with couscous pilaf and gremolata paired with a glass of the Estate Red Blend. Order it as a standalone dish, or as part of the fresh and delicious bistro set menu, where everything is home-made, from the bread to the Vin de Constance ice cream.
Good to know No children under 12. There will be a lucky draw on the day for all the dads coming for lunch (or for a tasting) at Klein Constantia… the prize being a case of three magnums of Estate Red Blend.
Cost Dish of the day: R250 (includes glass of Estate Red)
Bistro set menu: R395 per person (2 courses); R495 (3 courses)
Note: All fathers will receive a complimentary glass of red wine with their meal.
Time 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 794 5188, bistro@kleinconstantia.com
Where to find it Klein Constantia Estate, Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
The Kraal at Joostenberg
The Kraal’s deliciously seasonal farm-fresh lunches are always a delightful occasion for all the family. Depending on the weather this Father’s Day, sit outside in the sunshine, or cosy up by the fire inside the wine-tasting room. Either do a wine tasting and a simple local cheese lunch with bread and salad, or settle in for the three-course set menu served family style. On the menu is a luscious baked Dalewood Lanquedoc cheese with sourdough bread and salad; roast beef fillet with roast potato wedges and baked beetroot; and a warm chocolate and almond cake with vanilla ice cream.
Good to know Booking essential. The wine tasting fee is dropped for purchases R500 or more.
Cost R485 (3 course lunch)
R95 (tasting 5 wines)
R150 (local cheese lunch)
Dates 14 – 16 June 2024
Time 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch)
10am – 4pm (tasting)
Contact 079 641 1320, kraalrestaurant@joostenberg.co.za
Where to find it Hoopenburg Road, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Mint Restaurant & Wood-Fired Grill at Taj Cape Town
Elegant, cosmopolitan and at the heart of Cape Town’s buzzy innercity, Taj Cape Town exudes a sense of grandeur, and the five-star hotel’s chic Mint Restaurant & Wood-Fired Grill is known for their magnificent special-occasion buffet spreads. For Father’s Day the focus is on traditional South Africa flavours from the fire, going large with a whole lamb spit braai, whole chicken, dhania sausage and braaied snoek, with a plethora of sides and salads. For dessert it’s all about the classics with malva pudding and custard, and baked peppermint tarts.
Good to know Receive a complimentary 500ml Devil’s Peak lager on arrival
Cost R450 per person (children 12 and under pay half price)
Time 1pm – 4pm
Contact 021 819 2000, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Address Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, corner St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Book Through DinePlan
Scala Pasta/Bar
The atmospheric below-street-level space with its open kitchen has been buzzing since chef Luciano Monosilio arrived from Rome to stir up the Italian scene in Cape Town, taking it up a few notches. The pastas are served as sharing plates, a beautiful marriage of traditional and cutting-edge cool, with a fabulous cocktail menu (try the negronis). If you’re celebrating with Italophile dads, the Father’s Day menu is bound to wow: focaccia and grissini; chargrilled melanzane; stewed meatballs with salsa verde; the signature carbonara; pacchero with confit garlic, mussels and fried kale; pappardelle alla teramana; pici cacio e pepe; and an final flourish of vanilla and Campari roulade with dark chocolate ricotta cream.
Good to know Dads get a complimentary whiskey sour.
Cost R999 for 2 to share
Times 12pm – 4pm
Contact 021 424 7204, capetown@scalapasta.co.za
Where to find 81 Church Street, Heritage Square, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
The Vine Bistro at Glenelly
If hearty servings of delicious French-inspired cuisine, excellent wine and sublime Stellenbosch views are what the Dad(s) in your life appreciate, the Vine Bistro on Glenelly Wine Estate is just the spot. Chef patron Christophe Dehosse’s modern bistro classics are inspired by traditional French cuisine, no fuss just a ton of flavour. The à la carte menu for Father’s Day features their fabulous bouillabaisse with rouille and croûtons; braised pork belly with Jerusalem artichokes; and pan-fried springbok loin with pomme pavé and black pepper sauce; among other delicious dishes… and there is an excellent wine list with several older vintages available by the glass.
Cost R485 (2 courses); R545 (3 courses)
Time 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 809 6444, bistro@glenelly.co.za
Where to find it Glenelly Estate, Lelie Street, Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Pullman Cape Town
For a family-friendly Father’s Day lunch with 5-star innercity polish head to Cape Town’s newest skyscraper hotel. The first Pullman in South Africa, it enjoys views over the city skyline in the architecturally dramatic Triangle House (where Radisson Blu used to be). The barbeque buffet in The Stratus Room features a lamb spit braai, farm-style boerewors, and lemon and herb chicken, with mielie pap, tomato and onion gravy, butter chicken and sides. Starters of breads, salads, mini fish cakes, pâtés, mezze and pitas, and a selection of classic desserts complete the spread.
Good to know Dads received a complimentary bottle of Barista Black.
Kids aged 9 – 15 years eat half-price. Under 9s eat free.
Cost R395 per person
Time 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 467 4000 or Janice.yorke@accor.com
Where to find it 22 Riebeek Street, Cape Town
Belthazar
For Dads who love fine wine and steak this is the place to do Father’s Day right. Belthazar’s slick New York vibe is amplified when you look up at the warehouse stacking overhead of iconically named wine boxes from the venue’s formidable wine collection. And for Father’s Day lunch there’s a complimentary tasting of 50 of the Cape’s finest wines for Dad. Not to mention a deliciously straightforward 3-course set menu: it kicks off with a choice of minestrone or house salad; moves on to succulent rump steak or linefish; then a sweet finale of crème brûlée or malva pudding. And of course Table Mountain and harbour views deluxe from this prime V&A Waterfront setting.
Good to know Dad gets a complimentary glass of bubbly, plus a free wine tasting of 50 wines with the set menu or à la carte lunch. A separate wine tasting is available on the day for those not lunching: R99 for 50 wines (no under 18s)
Cost R395 per person (3 courses)
Time 12pm – 4pm
Contact 021 421 3753, info@slickrestaurants.com
Where to find it Shop 154, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
President Hotel
This classic Bantry Bay resort-hotel offers an easy-breezy, family-friendly, Miami vibes setting for celebrating Father’s Day, in the shadow of Lion’s Head and beside the ocean. A sumptuous Sunday lunch spread awaits, with a buffet format that means even the pickiest eater will find their comfort food (there’s a dedicated kids’ buffet too). Think carvery (roast lamb, Yorkshire pud and mint sauce), braai (boerewors, peri-peri chicken and braai broodjies), fresh pasta station, a rainbow of salads, charcuterie, artisanal breads and more, followed by an equally dazzling array of desserts.
Cost R395 per person
R150 (children 6-12 years)
Free (children 0-5 years)
Time 1pm – 3pm
Contact 071 368 9529 (WhatsApp), bookings@presidenthotel.co.za
Where to find it 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Cavalli Restaurant
Cavalli (Italian for “horses”) is not merely famous for its magnificent animals; it’s regarded among foodies and scenery-seekers as a top-drawer wining-and-dining destination in the Helderberg. Food, wine and stallions aside, the striking architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows looking over sculpture-studded fynbos gardens make it a wonderful destination to enjoy an “everyday gourmet” six-course Father’s Day lunch. Not to mention the roaring fire keeping things cosy. Chef Lucas Carstens’ seasonally driven menus are uncompromisingly “green”, with produce foraged from the gardens and surrounding farms to create perfection on a plate.
Cost R850 per person (6 courses excluding wine)
Time 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 855 3218, restaurant@cavalliestate.com
Address Strand Road (R44), Somerset West
Book through DinePlan
Stellenzicht
Head out to Stellenzicht’s eco-friendly fynbos-drenched wine pod on Father’s Day weekend for a laidback wine tasting, perhaps with a charcuterie platter or one of their delicious thin-based wood-fired pizzas. They have a special offer just for the weekend… when you buy a bottle of Thunderstone Red (and it’s definitely one you’ll want to take home to sip by the fire), you’ll receive a free pair of Stellenzicht braai tongs.
Cost R165 (bottle of Thunderstone Red)
Time 9am – 5pm
Contact 021 569 0362, winepod@stellenzicht.com
Where to find it Stellenzicht Wines, Upper Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch
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Heirloom
An elegant snapshot of the luxurious new dining experience at Heirloom, the Father’s Day set menu cherry picks dishes from the dégustation and à la carte menus for an elegant lunch of three delicious courses. Kick off with a cocktail before tucking into a wagyu beef fillet tartare, followed by a choice of poached chicken with pomme puree, morel jus and crispy skin; or kingklip with burnt citrus, zucchini and grapefruit beurre blanc. And finish with a salted caramel Kidavoa chocolate tart and a coffee cocktail.
Cost R650
Time 12pm – 2pm
Contact 021 410 7068, capegrace.heirloom@fairmont.com
Where to find it Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
The Marine
If you’re heading to Hermanus for the weekend, there’s a lavish Father’s Day lunch to look forward to. Overlooking Walker Bay in the Marine’s Pavilion restaurant (you may be lucky enough to spot whales), chef Oelof Vorster and team have ramped up their traditional Sunday lunch into a four-course feast. Kick off with home-made ciabatta, salted lavash and whipped butter; choose between starters of fishcakes with sweet chilli jam and salsa, or beef shin ravioli with truffled mushroom velouté; the main is a full-on Sunday roast with all the trimmings; and for dessert a choice between malva pudding or hazelnut ice cream with honeycomb, meringue, chocolate sauce and caramelised banana.
Cost R395
Time 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Marine Drive, Hermanus
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Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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