The 30 Best Restaurants In + Around Hermanus

With its fynbos-clad mountains, bewitching coast, slow-winding rivers, lagoons and vine-swathed valleys, all within easy reach of Cape Town, the Overberg has everything you need to wind down and breathe deeply. An equally wide-ranging landscape of fabulous food completes the picture-postcard perfection. Enchanting shore-hugging cafés featuring rock pools and caves, artisanal bakeries, creative bistros, Italian trattorias, wine farm restaurants and sumptuous seafood extravaganzas… you’ll find an embarrassment of choice that makes any stay in the area a gastronomic delight. Here are our top picks of where to eat in Hermanus, Onrus, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Stanford.

Have you visited any wonderful spots in the area? What are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

The best restaurants in Hermanus
The best restaurants in Onrus
The best restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
The best restaurants in Stanford

The best restaurants in Hermanus

Fisherman’s Cottage

As its name implies, this authentic 19th-century cottage specialises in the ocean’s bounty. Besides the deservedly famous seafood platters, there’s Cape Malay seafood curry with roti, traditional snoek and patat, or crayfish thermador. Chef Anton Verhoogt (ex Overture and Rust en Vrede) also cooks up a storm of tempting starters (pan-fried sardines, bouillabaisse, smoked pork belly with bacalao), and there’s flourless chocolate torte or malva pudding for dessert. Sit outside when the sun’s out, or inside the cosy interior on chilly evenings – both are decked with colourful paraffin lanterns and seaside antiques.
Opening times Monday – Tuesday, 5pm – 9pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
Contact 028 312 3642, bookings@fishermanscottage.co.za
Where to find it 3A Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Rossi’s Italian Restaurant

Located in a restored fisherman’s cottage (built in 1924) and in business since 1985, Rossi’s is a Hermanus institution. Rustic decor and a friendly atmosphere are part of the vibe, but it’s the crispy thin-crust pizzas (gluten-free options are available) that are its major drawcard. Not a fan of pizza? There’s steak, chicken, pasta and seafood dishes to choose from. Sit on the street-facing pavement in summer, or cosy up against the wood-fired pizza ovens during winter. It’s the perfect spot for a family meal or a relaxed date night.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact 028 312 2848, info@rossis.co.za
Where to find it 10 High Street, Hermanus, Western Cape

Theo’s Taverna

With its cobalt-drenched decor and bougainvillea-festooned pergola, Theo’s is a slice of the Greek Isles sprung up in Hermanus. Old photos on whitewashed walls and blue-checked tablecloths in the shady courtyard set a charming backdrop for a simple and delicious menu. A glossary of Greek phrases on the menu gets you in a Mediterranean-holiday mood as you choose from classic starters such as dolmades, keftedes and spanakopita. There’s a tempting selection of Greek-style grills and seafood mains, a veg moussaka, pitas stuffed with deliciousness, souvlaki skewers and, for the sweet-toothed, lots of syrup-drenched pastries. The winelist stars the best from the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Good to know A hit with locals, it’s best to book a week in advance.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 072 787 2505, 061 243 2297
Where to find it 10 Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape

Pear Tree Bistro

This cool, creative bistro on the popular oceanside Village Square is named for the “Pear Tree” nickname that chef-owner Petri Hendriksz acquired while working in the UK. Fresh seasonal ingredients are the basis of the varied bistro menu, which includes small plates, tacos and poke bowls, as well as popular mains such as corn nachos, miso sirloin and pork belly ribs. Now open for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, grab a wooden bench table outdoors for a fabulous ocean view (and live music on weekends) or cosy up indoors.
Opening times Daily, 9.30am – 9pm
Contact 028 313 1224, info@pear-tree.co.za
Where to find it 2 Godfrey Cottages, Village Square, 81 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape

Cafe 1904

Home-cooked food made with love and a warm welcome from owners, Johan and Endria Post, keep bringing locals back to this charming and colourful restaurant. Tucked into a cluster of historic fisherman’s buildings and part of the Old Harbour Museum, the indoor rooms exude an eclectic sense of layered history and the outdoor tables are shaded by a giant eucalyptus as old as the buildings. Chalkboards reveal a short menu of signature dishes: Thai kingklip, seafood platters and curries, smoked pork belly, oxtail, springbok carpaccio and seafood linguine.
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 5pm – 11pm
Saturday + Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Contact 082 564 6096, endria@cafe1904.co.za
Where to find it corner Old Harbour Museum, 82 Main Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Perlemoen

This humble 45-seater opened without much of a splash, but it undoubtedly has one of the best sea views from its tiny deck – you’re just metres from the crashing waves at the Old Harbour. As its name suggests, it specialises in the local delicacy, abalone (sourced from the nearby sea farm) – a rare treat, as wild perlemoen stocks around our coastline have been decimated. The changing menu features tasting plates of abalone in various forms: ceviche, carpaccio, risotto, fishcakes, pan-seared and served with curried aïoli. There are other seafood dishes too, as well as vegetarian and meat options, and local Overberg wines. Kudos to Jannie and Annabella Malherbe for renovating this old stone fisherman’s shack (Hermanus’s original perlemoen hatchery) and bringing it back to life.
Good to know A long flight of steps leads down to this spot right on the rocks.
Opening times Winter: Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Summer: Tuesday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 10am – 3.30pm
Contact 082 841 3547 (WhatsApp for bookings), oldharbourperlemoen@gmail.com
Where to find it Old Harbour, 64 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The Marine

Come for the cocktails, lose yourself in the views, then stay for supper: The Marine is one of those grande dame hotels that embodies the soul of the town’s glamorous side. Despite its old-school fabulousness, it is decidedly contemporary and sophisticated on the inside. And there are few finer places to take in the sunset than in The Sun Lounge & Bar, overlooking Walker Bay (the signature Whale Watcher cocktail really does live up to its name). Afterwards, dinner at the Pavilion is a chic black-and-white affair, with indoor and alfresco seating and a choice of classic or vegan menu.
Good to know There’s a lighter all-day menu ­of wraps, salads and gourmet sandwiches, plus baked treats, homemade ice creams and sorbets, culminating with afternoon tea.
Opening times Sun Lounge & Bar: Daily, 10:30am – 11:30pm
Pavilion: Daily, 7am – 10:30am, 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm
Contact 028 313 1000, reception@themarine.co.za
Where to find it Main Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Fabio’s Ristorante

This Italian family-owned hotspot is a favourite among locals (and out-of-towners) seeking a meal like mamma used to make. Situated under a crop of green trees with an ocean view from the sidewalk deck, this buzzy locale in the village centre serves everything from antipasti to zuppa del giorno, with pizza, pastas, salads, meat, seafood and traditional dishes, too. The extensive winelist is a mix of Italian imports and Overberg gems. You’ll feel like you’re in a cobbled alleyway off the main piazza in Milan.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11.45am – 9.30pm
Contact 028 313 0532, info@fabios.co.za
Where to find it 60 St Peters Lane, Hermanus, Western Cape

Burgundy Seafront Restaurant

On the edge of the bay and only a few metres away from the historic harbour, in whale season (July to December) Burgundy has front-row seats to the greatest show on earth – with tasty home cooking to boot. Freshly caught fish served with coconut-infused jasmine rice, seafood pasta, and generous seafood platters are the stars of the dinner menu. In the day there are also sandwiches (made with home-baked bread), burgers, wraps and salads, and a tempting array of cakes; plus pancakes, eggs bennie and a variety of breakfast treats. If the whales are in the bay, you’ll hear the whale crier blowing his kelp horn to alert visitors to the majestic creatures frolicking nearby.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 9pm
Contact 028 312 2800, info@burgundyrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 7 Harbour Road, Hermanus, Western Cape

The Rock, The Gecko and The Breakfast Room

The Rock is one of the oldest and best-loved restaurants in town, favoured as much for its seafood as the clifftop location and dreamy views out to sea (there’s a good chance of whale-spotting over lunch in season). Good sushi is served, and whatever’s most recently off the boat will be on the chalkboard menu. A bit more casual is The Gecko, the attached pub-style hangout with an outdoor deck and similarly enchanting views as you tuck into pizzas and draught beer. (In winter there’s a fireplace indoors, plus screenings of big sports matches and occasional live music.) The Breakfast Room is the third part of the puzzle, and open for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea (the baked goods are a treat). It’s a sunny space with cushioned cane chairs, lovely sea views and shelves packed with homeware, crafts and gifts.
Good to know The Rock is child-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The Gecko is also child-friendly and dogs are welcome
Opening times The Rock: Daily, 8:30am – 9pm
The Gecko: Daily, 11am – 2am
The Breakfast Room: Daily, 8:30am – 4pm
Contact 028 312 2920, reservations@therockhermanus.co.za
028 312 4665, admin@geckohermanus.co.za
028 312 2920, carol@thebreakfastroom.co.za
Where to find it 24A Still Street, New Harbour, Hermanus, Western Cape

The Gallery Café & Deli

Emilia Knight is a formidable baker, a kitchen force who likes to experiment and ramp up the taste experience. Especially if you’re craving a croissant with your morning coffee (handmade, flaky and buttery, perhaps oozing chocolate, maybe filled with milk tart or mimicking a Turkish delight, or the signature cheese and Marmite). Emilia’s constantly trying out new combinations, so the possibilities are endless – as are the queues. Stay for breakfast, or pop in later for lunch in the handsome, leafy courtyard of Walker Bay Art Gallery. The menu includes soups, lovely hummus to scoop onto oven-fresh sourdough, sandwiches, quiches, salads and more. Apart from the regular daytime menu, there are dinner events from time to time, usually themed.
Good to know For your caffeine fix, you won’t want to miss the coffee-focused annex/side hustle, Black Medicine (open from 5am).
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6am – 3pm
Sunday, 6am – 1pm; Monday, 6am – 2pm
Contact 076 837 4231, emiliaknight@gmail.com
Where to find it 22 High Street, Hermanus
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Char’d Grill and Wine Bar

The third of Petri Hendriksz’ cluster of popular Hermanus eateries (Pear Tree and Milk on the Beach are the others), Char’d is a steakhouse with a touch of steampunk that is all about the meat. Dry-aged and wet-aged steaks (with knowledgeable staff to talk you through the cuts), fabulous sides (mac and cheese, cauliflower gratin, onion rings and salads) are really all you need. Not feeling like steak? Go for a towering brisket burger, chicken wings, slow-braised short-rib or pork belly. Colourfully named cocktails, elaborate milkshakes and a memorable cheesecake complete the picture.
Good to know Catch the R95 burger and beer special on Monday – Saturday lunchtimes.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 9.30pm
Contact 028 312 1986, info@chardhermanus.co.za
Where to find it Market Square Street, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Dutchies on Grotto Beach

Just off the blue-flagged Grotto Beach, Dutchies is the answer to all your laidback beachy dreams: where the stunning view provides a one-in-a-million backdrop to a casual meal. Whether you opt for a seafood platter, sushi, or good ol’ hake and chips, rest assured it’s freshly caught, and pairs beautifully with a cocktail, chilled beer or a glass of wine. Outside seating under a milkwood tree or a cosy spot inside by the fire means you’re covered for all seasons.
Good to know It’s pet-friendly with bowls of water for beach-walking dogs.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 9pm
Contact 028 314 1392, info@dutchies.co.za
Where to find it Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape

Just Pure Bistro

The kitchen at this marvellous little corner bistro really has a handle on treating food well – everything’s fresh, in season and sourced from as nearby as possible. Not only does it look scrumptious, it is also (mostly) healthcentric, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb options – and they’ve been doing this since before such things were #trendy. Expect plenty of variety; from poke bowls and fresh juices to Vietnamese coffee and bunless burgers. The breakfasts manage to avoid looking and tasting like brekkies everywhere else. Of course, you can throw caution to the wind and opt for the sweeter, naughtier treats: buttery scones, baked cheesecake or a cream-pimped French toast that’s as decadent as any dessert.
Good to know Sunday brunch is an institution – cosy and casual inside, with good views of the bay if you sit on the deck.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 3pm; Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 028 313 0060, info@justpure.co.za
Where to find it Corner of Marine Drive and Park Lane, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar

Picture this: you’re seated on the water’s edge, devouring a Malay seafood curry and sipping a glass of local chardonnay. Is there a more perfect way to take in the coast of Hermanus? Add to that the atmosphere of the thoroughly unique setting… a cave. Named after Bientang, a Khoi strandloper, who lived in it over a century ago, it’s now a rustic-chic restaurant and wine bar that attracts ocean-lovers and foodies alike. The menu features sustainable seafood, plus crowd favourites such as steaks, ribs, burgers and curries, platters to share and breakfasts on weekends.
Good to know This is a prime whale-watching spot so be sure to book during season.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 11am – 8pm
Saturday, 9am – 8pm, Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 028 312 3454, bookings@bientangscave.com
Where to find it Below Marine Drive (100m from Old Harbour), Hermanus, Western Cape
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Ficks Pinchos & Wine

A glorious setting tucked into the cliffs and looking over the secluded Fick’s tidal pool to the ocean gives a magical allure to this hidden gem of a bar and restaurant. Under the same ownership as Dutchies at Grotto Beach, here the Gonggriip family take inspiration from the northern Spanish tradition of pinchos (tapas) to go with colourful cocktails and a good selection of wine. Come for a lazy lunch or sundowners and snack on crispy prawns, spicy lamb meatballs, patatas bravas and cauliflower tostada, plus flammkuchen-style pizzas, while the kids dip in and out of the pool or play on the rocks.
Good to know It’s reached by a staircase set into the cliffs, but there is a slope for wheelchair and pram access. No reservations are taken.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact 028 312 4082, info@ficks.co.za
Where to find it 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus, Western Cape

Onshore Eatery

This is the small artisan bakery and eatery you dream of finding on holiday. Opening up early to sell bread fresh from the oven to grab and take home for breakfast, Onshore also serves a pocket-sized selection of breakfasts, lunches, and all-too-tempting treats… pasteis de nata for the win! This is the dream of chef Rickey Broekhoven (previously chef at Newton Johnson and before that at Overture). He makes everything from scratch, sources locally and sustainably, and completes the picture with excellent coffee.
Good to know Look out for the monthly pizza evenings and occasional wine-pairing dinner events.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6am – 3pm
Contact 066 244 7228, hello@onshore-eatery.co.za
Where to find it 14 Hope Street, Hermanus, Western Cape

La Pentola

The breathtaking Walker Bay views at this first-floor Hermanus gem are an experience in themself. Then there’s the menu of chic, contemporary fusion dishes. Executive chef Shane Sauvage marries his favourite international cuisines with local flavours and Overberg produce, from seafood to duck, snails, exotic game and steaks served in KWV brandy. Another speciality is the sustainably farmed abalone, and there’s a flavour-packed range of vegetarian options too. Sip wines from the neighbouring Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as you keep an eye out for whales from your very comfortable leather seats.
Opening times Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact 028 313 1685, lapentolahermanus@telkomsa.net
Where to find it Shop 4, Ocean View, 87 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The best restaurants in Onrus

Milk on the Beach

There’s so much to love about this eatery on the Onrus estuary: views of the ocean, just a few steps away; family-friendly (including for dogs, who get bowls of water after their run on the beach); and superbly set up for locals to hang out, with wifi and charging stations, happy hours and free safes to store your valuables while you go for a dip. Formerly The Milkwood, new owner Petri Hendriksz has refreshed the look, feel and menu. There’s something for everyone, running from breakfast and teatime to tapas and early suppers. Think buddha bowls, sushi, sesame-fried calamari handrolls, eggs Benedict, five-week-matured steaks, beer-battered fish and chips… It’s the epitome of the perfect seaside spot – and the wooden deck over the river means sundowner holiday vibes all year long.
Good to know The wonderful Waffle Shack below doles out loaded waffles, hotdogs, fries and milkshakes by the dozen.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 8am – 8.30pm
Contact 028 316 1516, info@milkonthebeach.co.za
Where to find it 1 Atlantic Road, Onrus, Western Cape
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Moltenos

@christie.roux

Situated in a former post office, in the heart of Onrus, this family-friendly, no-fuss restaurant has been serving excellent wood-fired pizzas, seafood and steaks for more than 12 years and is a favourite with locals. The service is warm, friendly and attentive, with owners Gordon and Elenore Wilson going out of their way to check up on each table individually, making you feel right at home. Food-wise, the dishes are down-to-earth and made with love: calamari, pork belly, melt-off-the-bone lamb shank, generous pasta dishes, a long list of pizzas, or book for a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Opening times Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Contact 028 316 2658
Where to find it 23 Molteno Street, Onrus, Western Cape

Riposo Italian Eatery

A simple and charming Italian trattoria-style eatery in Onrus, Riposo is making a name for its short menu of wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and friendly family vibe. New owner Phillip Marais (previously at Creation Wines) is gradually adding to the menu with a daily chalkboard of specials – look out for the seafood pasta, seared tuna, grilled artichokes and the pizza of the day – and a well-chosen local wine list, backed up by Phillip’s long experience hosting and managing the Creation tasting room.
Good to know There is plenty of outdoor seating in the back courtyard
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 4pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 028 316 2967, info@riposo.co.za
Where to find it 15 Van Blommestein Road, Onrus, Western Cape

The best restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The Tasting Room at Creation

A foodie trip to Hermanus would be incomplete without a visit to Creation. Aside from its excellent wines, the estate is renowned for its creative food pairings, the headliner of which is a six-course wine-and-food pairing (with a vegan option). There’s also an à la carte breakfast/brunch menu as well as a daily blackboard menu (with wine-by-the-glass suggestions for each dish), as well as a six-course summer flexitarian canapé pairing of exciting flavour and texture combinations. Children will love the “young adults” menu and cordial pairing. Sit on the terrace and drink in the epic views of vineyards and the towering Babilonstoring peak.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 5pm
Contact 028 212 1107, info@creationwines.com
Where to find it Off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, Western Cape
Book through DinePlan

Mogg’s Country Cookhouse

Tucked away in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, surrounded by mountains, trees, fields and vines, you’ll find this family-run country-cooking gem. It’s the epitome of an idyllic farmhouse, where Julia Mogg and her team continue to dish up delectable, generous portions of wholesome food using produce from the garden (just as founder Jenny Mogg, Julia’s late mom, had done since 1996). 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 in exciting farm surroundings.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm (last seating)
Contact 076 314 0671, moggscookhouse@gmail.com
Where to find it Nuwe-Pos Farm, off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, Western Cape
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Spookfontein Restaurant

Backed by majestic Cape fold mountains and surrounded by fynbos, with panoramic views across the vineyards and valley, the restaurant at Spookfontein wine estate is a place to linger over long lunches all afternoon. Harmonious contemporary architecture mirrors the curves and folds of the mountains, a serene backdrop to chef Charl du Preez’ short seasonal menus inspired by locally sourced ingredients. Springbok with polenta and chakalaka, Asian-style yellowfin tuna, hake and chips, beef fillet with bordelaise sauce, all beautifully presented, are a few of the perennial favourites.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm
Contact 073 067 7936, restaurant@spookfontein.co.za
Where to find it Off the R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The Restaurant at Newton Johnson

Chef Tullishe le Roux brings a sense of adventure to the menu at this stalwart of the Hemel-en- Aarde Valley. With 15 years experience in Europe, ranging from Michelin-star restaurants to UK gastropubs, before returning home to Hermanus, she continues the sustainable ethos established by her predecessors using local, traceable and seasonal ingredients. Constantly changing menus might include spicy Korean chicken wings, pork dumplings, Sri Lankan chicken curry, or more traditional bistro fare such as parsnip soup, chicken liver parfait, and roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. The spectacular views across the valley towards the sea are the icing on the cake.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 083 667 5283, tullishe@thefoodcellar.co.za
Where to find it Newton Johnson Wine Estate, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus, Western Cape
Book through DinePlan

B’s Stro at La Vierge Wines

Situated on the delightful La Vierge wine estate, B’s Stro is the domain of chef and steak-master Bruce Henderson (previously of Hermanus institution B’s Steakhouse until it burnt down in 2016). He’s brought a classic steakhouse feel with a bistro twist to complement the La Vierge wines: excellent steaks and lamb chops, fish cooked to perfection, succulent calamari, Bruce’s signature ultimate onion starter, and delicious desserts. If the weather’s good, snack from the tapas menu on the outdoor patio, overlooking the vineyards from its eyrie-like location.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 028 313 2007, bruce@lavierge.co.za
Where to find it La Vierge Wines, R329, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Road, Hermanus, Western Cape
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The best restaurants in Stanford

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 Country Lodge 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 delightfully refined country lunch or dinner. The menu changes with the seasons but always celebrates regional ingredients and producers, be it Klein River’s Gruberg, pasture-reared chicken or hibiscus flowers from the farm garden. 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 – 4pm
Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm
Contact 072 198 0862, manorhouse@stanfordvalley.co.za
Where to find it Stanford Valley Country Lodge, off the R326, Stanford, Western Cape
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Madre

In this idyllic country setting, Madre and Morne Bester are welcoming hosts, sharing their beautiful heritage cottage and vine-swathed stoep with guests, making them feel immediately at home. Here many of the vegetables come from the garden and chef Madre works her magic with whatever is freshest and seasonal. Choose from the constantly changing chalkboard menu of small plates and mains – which might feature porcini mushrooms and potato gnocchi, waterblommetjies, burrata, sparkling fresh fish, or slow-roast lamb wrapped in vine leaves. It’s slow food for the soul with beautiful views and a garden to explore.
Good to know The short daily menu always includes one or two vegetarian options.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 5 pm
Contact 076 585 1504, morne.mtb@gmail.com
Where to find it 12 Du Toit Street, Stanford, Western Cape
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The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills Wine Estate

Overlooking sloping farmlands and a water lily-covered dam, this charming cottage opened in 2013 as a wine-tasting venue. Given its idyllic setting, it wasn’t long before a decision was taken to transform it into a 100-seater restaurant, that’s since become popular for its daily chalkboard menu and wood-fired pizzas. It is wonderfully child-friendly, thanks to its vast lawns, jungle gym and sandpit, and the large outdoor seating area is covered, making it a good destination year round. Inside, two cosy fireplaces – and some great Stanford Hills wines – beckon.
Good to know Stanford Hills Wine Estate also offers lovely, child- and pet-friendly accommodation and guests are invited to explore the farm and enjoy the many demarcated hiking trails and scenic beauty.
Opening times Daily, 8.30am – 5pm
Contact 072 639 6135, thetastingroom@stanfordhills.co.za
Where to find it Stanford Hills Estate, Weltevreden Farm, Stanford, Western Cape
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La Trattoria

A warm and authentic slice of Italy in Stanford, here the Giovanetti family share delicious home cooking, fresh handmade pastas and pizzas (son Lionello, originally a gelato maker back in Venice, attended the only pizza academy in Italy and now presides over the wood-fired oven). The Giovanettis first came to Stanford to open a gelato shop, House of Don Gelato, which was an instant hit (enjoy the seasonally changing fresh gelato for dessert). Then their hospitable home table overflowed with new village friends, until Papa Corrado decided it was time to open a trattoria. Sitting outside in the back garden feels like eating out on an Italian village piazza, and the cosy indoor tables are a home-from-home on chillier evenings.
Good to know Stop by the Don Gelato kiosk outside the restaurant (open Wednesday – Monday, 10.30am – 4.30pm) for the real deal in ice-cream.
Opening times Monday + Wednesday, 6.30pm – 9pm
Thursday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9pm
Contact 076 840 1084
Where to find it 23 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford, Western Cape

The Zesty Lemon

This bright and breezy eatery is situated in the beautiful garden alongside the breathtaking waterlily dam at the tranquil Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate, and makes for a wonderful family outing. In addition to serving a range of deliciously fresh breakfasts and light lunches, diners can also enjoy a selection of tasting plates paired with the estate’s wine. Enjoy your meal outside under the shade of the trees next to the water when it’s a beautiful day, or cosy up under the terrace roof next to the outdoor fireplace if it’s chilly – either way, the majestic scenery is always the top order of the day.
Good to know The eatery prides itself on hosting kids parties – all you need to do is pick your date, theme, food choice and activities, and leave the organising up to the venue.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 028 341 0647, zestylemonrestaurant@gmail.com
Where to find it Sir Robert Stanford Estate, R43, Stanford, Western Cape

Searles Garagiste

Eclectic decor with a laidback charm characterises this bistro, bar and lounge, a passion project of owner DJ Crabtree, a young winemaker and self-taught chef. He’ll shake up a sundowner, forage for mussels and wild asparagus, putting together a frequently changing chalkboard menu that ranges from panko prawn bao buns, or tempura fish tacos, to slow-cooked oxtail, or chicken and wild dune spinach on handmade tagliatelle. Sit people-watching on the streetside stoep or settle into the wood-floored heritage interiors packed with quirky collectibles.
Good to know Look out for the live music evenings featuring a succession of local artists.
Opening times Monday, 3.30pm – 10pm
Wednesday + Thursday, 3pm – 10pm
Friday, 3pm – 11pm
Saturday, 9am – 11pm
Sunday, 9am – 8pm
Contact 076 485 9343, derekjames@searles.co.za
Where to find it 21 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford, Western Cape

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