The 30 Hottest New Restaurants in Cape Town

From an irrepressible winebar on Bree to a Michelin-starred chef at the V&A and a chic café off Kloof Street… Cape Town’s highly acclaimed foodscape continues to impress, with new eateries popping up in and around the CBD, in the suburbs and all the way to the Winelands.

We’ve rounded up the 30 most noteworthy restaurant openings in the Cape – and even added some that are about to swing open their doors, because forewarned is forearmed! (And, we’re all about giving you the inside track, so to speak.)

Tuck in!

New Restaurants in Cape Town
New Restaurants in The Winelands

New Restaurants in Cape Town

Amura at Mount Nelson

The Mount Nelson’s storied legacy continues with an exciting new dining destination, from Michelin-star chef Ángel León. The Spanish chef’s first restaurant outside of Spain, Amura is an immersive marine-dining experience, with a seafood menu rooted in Spanish culinary tradition and brought vividly to life with South African ingredients and flair. Chef Ángel (who’s first and foremost a humble fisherman, deeply influenced by his father’s reverence of the sea) is renowned for turning often-overlooked ocean species into fine-dining stars.

Amura’s à la carte menu reflects that ethos, celebrating everything from delicate plankton and halophyte plants to humble by-catch fish, all elevated through fire-cooking, fermentation and spice. Think umami flavour bombs such as prawn toast, yellowtail chorizo and squid-ink croquettes, sublime oysters, and beautifully fresh yellowtail with a green escabeche sauce.
Opened December 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 3pm; 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where to find it Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Ongetem

Photo: Sam Linsell (left image)

It means untamed in Afrikaans, and Bertus Basson’s first foray into the innercity is anything but tame. It’s in Gardens just off Kloof Street in the shiny new Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel, and with Bertus at the helm, it’s not your stock-standard hotel restaurant (the tagline is butcher, baker, cocktail maker). He describes it as a raw, fearless and unapologetically bold culinary experience, which is exactly how we experienced it when we visited for a first bite. Bertus was at the pass himself, dish towel flicked over his shoulder, and steaks sizzling away over the open fire!
There’s a heap of South African nostalgia in a superb collection of small plates, wood-fired flatbreads, and punchy mains such as the hearty Karoo “cassoulet”. With motorcycle paraphernalia and funky neon signs, a courtyard to spill into (in good weather), top-notch cocktails, cool beats, and everything made in-house or sourced locally, it’s a fab addition to the Kloof Street vibe. As Bertus says, “This is a space built for the neighbourhood. It’s approachable, it’s real and it’s got heart.”
Opened May 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6am – 9.30pm
Contact 021 569 8880
Where to find it Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Le Bistrot de Jan

South African Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is bringing his award-winning flair to the newly renovated InterContinental Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. Le Bistrot de Jan’s Cape Town iteration opens in December, and what’s equally exciting is that chef Giles Edward is heading up the kitchen. (Cape Town foodies will remember him from La Tête – the innovative and uncompromising early champion of no-waste, nose-to-tail eating). Giles and Jan Hendrik will be shaping a menu that brings together the timeless flavours of France and the soul of Cape Town.
Expect the best views of Table Mountain, a splendid V&A Waterfront setting and a youthful, indulgent and innovative spirit that stays true to the flavour- and ingredient-driven philosophy of both chefs. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
Opening December 2025
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Where to find it Table Bay Hotel, V&A Waterfront

Tannin

Three floors of wine on Bree Street… 430 South African labels and counting! (They have another 300 in storage that there just isn’t room for yet.) Dominic and Lisa Wood have been busy curating a list of everyday favourites and rare treats over the past year. After owning a country inn in the UK’s Cotswolds for 10 years, this is a dream that Dominic has long been wanting to make a reality. Moving to Cape Town, the couple have gone all out creating a beautiful space in a restored heritage building, filled with art, plants and gorgeous decor. An already vibrant wine bar on the ground floor, a more contemplative dining room upstairs and a third floor for events; there’s gorgeous art from top to toe and a down-to-earth wine-driven energy. With an oft-changing selection of 40 far-from-ordinary wines by the glass and a menu of deliciously punchy small plates and creative platters from chef Blaine Coetzer to go with them, this is a fabulous addition to the CBD’s wine bar scene
Opened August 2025
Good to know Changing exhibitions in the back room of the wine bar add this to your First Thursday art viewing route.
Opening times Wine Bar: Tuesday – Thursday, 11.30am – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 11.30am – 12am
Restaurant: Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 010 825 6086
Where to find it 86 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Melting Pot

The nomadic inspiration behind John van Zyl’s The Melting Pot is reflected in the wild ride the restaurant has taken since John and Sage first opened their pop-up in Loop Street. It then moved to the spot above Honest Chocolate on Wale Street, before taking over the restaurant at Oak Valley in Grabouw, and most recently trading at the Time Out market. Now they’re settling into a new home in Cape Town’s De Waterkant (where The Charles used to be) and bringing a new iteration of their signature punchy global streetfood flavours inspired by their wide-ranging travels, and a menu where ordering “one of everything” comes highly recommended.
Opening November 2025
Contact info@themeltingpotct.com
Where to find it 137 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Ganesh

Not new-new, but certainly an exciting and novel chapter for this Obs institution… The team from Bodega Ramen (Ryan McDonagh, Bryn Divey and Jade Konz, themselves Obs locals) have taken over Café Ganesh, as owner Anthony Baker retires after 29 years… And after a small renovation (keeping its Obs character intact), it’s back! Tipping their hats to Anthony’s legacy, the exciting new menu is inspired by a trip they took together to Thailand and stars a short menu of Thai streetfood. We loved the moo ping pork skewers (dashed with their home-made prik nam pla sauce); the signature beef short rib phad krapao topped with a crispy fried egg; and the crispy, light-battered kingklip with peanuts and chilli caramel fish sauce and lime. Service is friendly and fast, the signature rum punch is a winner, and the Thai street café decor fits in perfectly with the laidback local scene. Long-time regulars will also be delighted to know they’ve kept the legendary crayfish samosas from Anthony’s menu, and also the nostalgic Tassies on the winelist!
Good to know Happy hour is daily (4pm – 6pm)! There are regular live-music sessions and vinyl nights (R50 entrance), so check out @ganesh_capetown on Instagram to plan your visit according to your preferred vibe.
Opened February 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 4pm – 12am
Sunday, 2pm – 8pm
Contact 062 585 9854
Where to find it 38 Trill Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Curate

When Ellerman House adds a new restaurant to their offering you can be sure it’s going to be something special. The Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel in Bantry Bay is a magnet for world-class accolades, and chef Kieran Whyte’s superb seasonal fare is all part of the allure. Over the past five years, he’s worked closely with chef Peter Tempelhoff to explore South African flavours with artistry and expertise – and Curate is the natural extension of this culinary journey. Taking over the extraordinary wine gallery at Ellerman House, expect an exquisite multi-course tasting menu and bespoke wine pairings for an immersive dining experience celebrating the land, heritage and seasons of South Africa.
Good to know No on-site parking is available
Opened May 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 7pm (seatings)
Contact 021 430 3200, curate@ellerman.co.za
Where to find it Ellerman House, 180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Café Sofi

Photo: Adel Ferreira

Sofi Electra was the indomitable mother of Natasha and Savva Sideris (of Tasha’s fame). This beautiful new café (lively stripes, soft yellows, deep manganese blues) is their tribute to her beautiful contradictions, designed to reflect her unique blend of elegance and eccentricity. She lived like her recipes, they say, eclectic, irreverent, inexplicably perfect. And that is the spirit channelled in Café Sofi, with a menu that takes you from lavish breakfasts through salads and sandwiches to café lunches, snacks to accompany aperitivi and generous dinner dishes… All honest-to-goodness food shaped by a refined sensibility. In the new Longkloof precinct just off Kloof Street, it’s a charming addition to the Mother CIty’s café society.
Opened September 2025
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 11pm
Saturday, 8am – 11pm
Sunday, 8am – 9pm
Contact longkloof@cafesofi.com
Where to find it 2 Park Road, Longkloof Precinct, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

East City Grill & Yakiniku

A rethink of the traditional steakhouse with fire all the way… East City Grill & Yakiniku offers two different dining experiences under one roof: bold South African fire-cooking, local Wagyu, seared steaks and swagger, or the gentle, interactive Japanese ritual of cooking meat communally at your own table-top grill inspired by Tokyo’s smoky yakiniku-ya. Headed by chef Jaycee Ferreira and tucked into the landmark hemp building, 84 Harrington, the emphasis is on provenance, flavour, craftsmanship, cultural contrasts and connection.
Opening November 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm (East City Grill); 6pm (Yakiniku)
Contact 021 518 3366, info@eastcitygrill.co.za
Where 84 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Maru

And now for something completely different… A Korean steakhouse that pairs its plates with champagne, in a cool Bree Street space (where Boma on Bree used to be) that channels New York. Alongside the fire-grilled steaks, the star of the menu is the deeply delicious double-fried chicken, served with sticky-spicy dipping sauces – paired with bubbles to cut through the richness. The substantial winelist features local MCCs, the French stuff and other sparkling wines from around the world. The newest member of the Pan Collection (which includes Scala, Hacienda and Nikkei) “Maru” means “place of gathering”, and this new hotspot looks set to be exactly that.
Opening October 2025
Where to find it Bree Street, Cape Town

Chingadas

Vibrant but chilled, Chingadas has taken over the heritage house in Gardens that was once Societi Bistro, with interleading rooms, fireplaces, intriguing nooks, vintage furniture, colourful tiles, vintage wallpaper, neon signs and a homely Tex Mex vibe that lifts the spirits. The spacious front courtyard has views of Table Mountain and leads into a long bar – the place for frozen margaritas (the smoked pineapple and chili is a storm in a glass). It’s family-friendly – and dog-friendly, too – and yet thoroughly grown-up! We visited on a chilly Tuesday evening and it was humming.
It’s the sort of place to gather around a table, eat with fingers and share a series of enchiladas, quesadillas and taquitos (all deeply delicious and made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients). Or build your own fajitas and have some bowls of nachos to share. It’s unpretentious, generous, fresh and sparkling with energy.
Opened April 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 201 0325
Where to find it 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Tambourine

A fiery new space dedicated to exploring seasonal produce from small local producers, Tambourine is all about farm-to-fork flavour; no frills. The exterior of the heritage building on Harrington Street (next to Belly of the Beast) is a kaleidoscope of colour; inside original old brick walls are enlivened by intriguing light-art installations, with comfortable leather chairs, low light and a casual vibe. In the kitchen chef Keane Munro crafts a short but flavour-packed menu cooked over an open fire, together with executive chef Kyle du Plooy (of sister restaurant Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George). We are still dreaming of the stunning charred baby cabbage with chestnuts, dates, blue cheese and chives… Then a beautiful Jerusalem artichoke risotto with smoked hay butter; and the essence of lamb in a jar of broth (all the aromas of a Sunday roast) that came with golden mieliepap topped with that covetable crispy isikhokho. Don’t miss the desserts… pure joy both in the chocolate-coated pink peppercorn marshmallow with salted caramel ice cream, and the baked-to-order madeleines (well worth the wait) with a light and lovely lemongrass custard.
Opened July 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 6pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 11pm
Contact 021 612 0528, info@tambourine.co.za
Where to find it 104 Harrington Street, District Six, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Ladurée

It’s the haute everything of the patisserie world… Paris icon Ladurée is opening in Cape Town! The most sublime macarons in the world is what they’re renowned for, but there’s a whole lot more to discover on their exquisite patisserie counter shelves. Delicate pastries whisked into life in a way only the French can, and a tearoom experience that is pure luxury, with champagne moments and seductive whispers of Paris in every tempting bite. Look out for the elegant pistachio shades of their iconic shop style at the V&A Waterfront for an oh-so-chic extravaganza of patisserie spoils.
Opening Summer 2025
Where to find it V&A Waterfront

Libertino

Homemade pasta, Insta-worthy lipstick-red interiors and an oh-so-Shazamable soundtrack – there’s a lot to love at Libertino, De Waterkant’s vibey new Italian eatery. If you like your pizza with a side of disco, take a right at the giant tattoo-rose graffiti on Jarvis Street and walk through the leopard-print curtains. At the top of a neon-lit stairway you’ll discover a spot that’s intimate enough for a candlelit date, and funky (town) enough for a fun night with friends.
There’s no meat on the menu – choose from yummy vegetarian or scrumptious seafood dishes. Portions are generous and the combinations are inventive. Try grilled nectarines with whipped burrata, charred artichokes with saffron-infused aioli, or share lemony Sicilian-style prawns to start. Mop up everything with the complimentary fresh focaccia. Pastas and pizzas are handmade from scratch on the premises daily and come in two sizes: single or shareable. As do the salads. Can’t decide between aubergine rigatoni, spaghetti vongole, truffle-and-mushroom fettuccine or the crema di zucca pizza with pumpkin cream, Gorgonzola, stracciatella and walnuts? Have them all! But be sure to leave a little room for an affogato or the excellent traditional tiramisu. While you’ll want to book a table inside, all the better to feast on the eclectic décor, there’s a terrace too, where the moon might just hit your eye like a big (burrata) pizza pie.
Opened December 2024
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 6pm – 11.30pm
Contact 081 508 8749, hello@libertino.co.za
Where to find it 47 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Figo

Sea Point welcomes a chic new rooftop dining venue this summer… Figo is Italian for cool, awesome, stylish, and that is exactly what Kove Collection’s newest opening promises. On top of The Cole, a sparkling new boutique hotel just a step away from the Promenade, Figo looks out across the bay from its 8th-floor rooftop perch, with easy-breezy attitude and an Italian-influenced menu of freshly rolled semolina pasta and fire-kissed seafood and meat. Cocktails, champagne, and music that sets the mood to “effortlessly chilled”.
Opens December 2025
Where to find it 1 Church Road, Sea Point, Cape Town

Mussel Monger and Dashi

They’ve made a name for themselves serving up the freshest mussels and oysters straight from Saldanha Bay. And now the Mussel Monger’s owner, seafood connoisseur Kyle John Dods, is taking his oyster-bar concept to its own flagship space at the shiny new Riverlands complex, together with sister brand Dashi Poké. Expect oysters and bubbly, tempura mussels or Moules Marinières at Mussel Monger; and fresher-than-fresh Japanese-inspired poké bowls of salmon trout, tuna or tempura prawns at Dashi, with crunchy toppings and umami sauces (and tempura fish tacos too). They keep things simple, fresh and delicious and, with their own sustainably farmed oysters and mussels, you know it’s straight from the source.
Opened July 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 180 0674, info@themusselmonger.co.za
Where to find it Riverlands Mall (Shop GP76), 51 Gogosoa Street, Observatory, Cape Town

Farro

After three years at Gabriëlskloof wine estate in Bot River, Alex and Eloise Windebank are bringing Farro back to their city roots – in Cape Town this time (Farro originally opened in 2018 in Johannesburg). While you can expect their legendary focus on local ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavours, Eloise and Alex are changing things up and exploring the format of a daily chef’s set menu. “Our vision has always been to welcome guests to a table and serve them something delicious they can trust us to curate,” says Alex. “With the momentum we’ve built, now feels like the perfect time to make this change.” They’re bringing back the old-school classic Farro Date Night experience, adding an intimate feel and a spritz of cocktail culture to their simply delicious bistro-style fare.
Opening 10 October 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 10.30pm
Contact 087 470 1371, hello@farrofoodandwine.com
Where to find it 30 Wandel Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Edge x Vue

Chef Vusi Ndlovu has found a permanent home for his Edge culinary concept: a creative and respectful exploration of African ingredients. Now he and partner Absie Pantshwa have taken over the rooftop hotspot in the heart of Cape Town (where they dazzled with a sizzling pop-up last season) and are adding a new chapter of fascinating, storytelling flavour to the Edge narrative. The restaurant continues its nuanced live-fire cooking, bubbles and cocktails as Vusi highlights the beauty and depth of Africa’s gastronomic heritage. Expect his signature focus on under-explored indigenous ingredients, progressive techniques and an experimental celebration of African traditions and fire cooking for a snapshot of Africa on each plate.
Opened December 2024
Opening times Tuesday  –  Saturday, 1pm  – 10pm
Contact  072 195 2205, info@edgerestaurant.africa
Where to find it 108 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town CBD
Book through DinePlan

In The Meantime

Authentic home-cooked Korean dishes and streetfood staples have been chef Sepial Shim’s stock in trade, as she’s woven a varied and nomadic route through Cape Town’s restaurant-scape over the past few years and acquired a devoted following of foodies and friends along the way. Her last venture at Maker’s Landing focused on her fermentary, there was a delicious outlet at Constantia Uitsig serving soul-warming dishes and her Korean Fried Chicken has been a highlight at OZCF for years (sadly she’s no longer trading there as she focusses on this new venture). Now she’s brought all that together in a new space in Woodstock, part-fermentary and production facility and part-eatery and the legendary Korean Fried Chicken is back on the menu, as well as a host of simple and delicious Korean-based dishes.
Good to know There is secure parking inside The Palms Centre (free for dinner guests). No liquor licence yet, but you are welcome to bring a bottle.
Opened June 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm
Contact info@sepialskitchen.com
Where to find it The Palms, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Our Local Sea Point

A second branch of Our Local has just opened in Sea Point – in the old Laughton’s Building on Main Road. It’s got the same eclectic, vintage, plant-filled rustic aesthetic as the original Kloof Street branch, with high ceilings, a dog-friendly bowl of water at the door, and an always-laidback vibe. Breakfast, brunch and lunch menus continue all the old favourites from eggs Arnold Bennet and shakshuka to avo toast and toasties, and the cake hatch features their divine flourless chocolate cake, worth visiting for alone.
Opened January 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 3.30pm
Contact 064 642 5004, eat@ourlocal.co.za
Where to find it 295 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005

Seebamboes

Surf and turf gets a dash of flair when the team behind Belly of the Beast and Galjoen start to play. Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart have collaborated with chef Adél Hughes and Jill-of-all-trades Liebet Jooste to develop a tasting-menu experience that riffs on gastronomic nostalgia in a contemporary reimagining surf and turf. The result? Playful, celebratory, original, delicious!

Seebamboes is an intimate space in the mezzanine above Galjoen (seating just 16 diners), with an unexpected view of Table Mountain visible over the chefs’ shoulders in the open kitchen. Combining sea- and land-harvested produce in more nuanced, experimental, and delicious ways (and with an offbeat local wine list), their aim is to make surf and turf memorable for all the right reasons.
Opened March 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6.45pm
Contact 079 093 0559, eat@galjoencpt.co.za
Where to find it 99 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925
Book through DinePlan

Kanji Sushi

The dynamo duo behind Kanji Ramen (the slurpworthy hub on Kloof Nek corner) is at it again. A fresh collaboration between chef Seelan Sundoo and veteran restaurateur Gavin Hagger (of Jerry’s Burger Bar) brings a dedicated sushi spot to the courtyard at Heritage Square. Relax under the ancient vine, soak up the chilled urban vibes and tuck in to an array of freshly rolled sushi in the heart of the city.
Opened March 2025
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

De Vrije Burger

Everybody knows Bertus Basson never rests… this season alone has seen several new openings in his stable. One more for the books: he’s bringing his burger joint to the city. Yes, you read right, De Vrije Burger is bringing its flippin’ lekker burger patties to Sea Point soon! Who doesn’t love a good burger? These ones have had fans trekking out to Stellenbosch and, more recently, braving the crowds at the V&A Waterfront. Now Sea Point locals will have their burger cravings satisfied right on their doorstep! Watch this space for more details as they emerge.
And subscribe to our newsletter so you’re among the first to know.
Where to find it Sea Point

Kiosk

It’s a deli, it’s a coffee shop, it’s a pizza hangout… This cheerful new spot at the Kloof Nek hub is anything you want it to be, with a central long table for easy conversation and community collabs. With irresistible daily bakes to go with your coffee, wine to go with pizza, breakfasts, fresh salads and folded fluffy-crusted pizza sandwiches, not to mention shelves stacked high with pantry goods to take home, it’s a cool new spot that locals are already popping into daily.
Good to know It’s dog-friendly too.
Opened August 2025
Opening times Daily, 7am – 11pm
Contact hello@kioskcommunity.com
Where to find it 15 Kloof Nek Road, Cape Town

New Restaurants in The Winelands

Arum

Farm-to-fire… Chef Peter Tempelhoff and team have brought an exciting new offering to Boschendal. Focussed on fire and the farm’s superb produce, Arum has transformed the original 1812 cellar, with three beautifully designed spaces and a bright conservatory looking out over the organic vegetable gardens of the heritage estate. Executive chef (and partner) Travis Finch works with the estate’s gardeners and farmers to create a short but delicious menu showcasing ingredients from the farm. “Arum is our way of telling its story – through its produce, history, and, of course, its wine,” says Peter.
Our first taste was a seasonal symphony of flavours… Angus beef from the farm simply grilled over the fire accompanied by a sumptuous ode to the humble carrot; a beautiful octopus with layers of smoky spice; stracciatella with roast beetroot; farm charcuterie with fabulous focaccia. And Jennifer Hugé is working her magic in cocktails and elixirs from the farm’s botanicals, and an inspired collaboration with the Boschendal winemakers to create a bespoke Arum label of single varietal wines… the superb Alicante Bouschet in particular is one to look out for.
Opened November 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 079 640 5284
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Toevlug

We’re not sure when Bertus Basson sleeps… Hot on the heels of the wildly successful launch of Ongetem in town, he’s opened a delightful new family-friendly eatery back in Stellenbosch territory, in the beautiful historic farmhouse at Annandale Wines, Willem and Louanne Briedenhann’s charmingly unspoilt heritage farm oasis. And chef Drikus Brink is taking up the new challenge after his superb sojourn at Clara’s Barn and Geuwels, harnessing his love for seasonal produce and flavour in a new menu driven by simplicity and produce-focussed cooking. On our first visit we fell in love with fresh, thoughtful flavours such as raw tuna con tomate; crispy artichokes with anchovy mayo; and beef fillet with confit garlic and a punchy Café de Paris butter. It’s the kind of heart-warming food you want to keep coming back for, and there’s an appealing kids menu too.
Good to know Familiér, the Annandale farm grocer shop, has moved across to the wine tasting barn.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday + Sunday, 8am – 3pm (last seating)
Friday + Saturday, 8am – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 007 5779, info@toevlug.co.za
Where to find it Annandale Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Epoché

A dining experience that goes beyond a seasonal pop-up, Hasher Family Wines welcomes chefs Edwin Vinker of Michelin-starred Kromme Watergang in the Netherlands to their farm for three months of exquisite summer feasts. They’ve built an elegant dining pavilion beside a shimmering farm dam, to celebrate the essence of summer in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Expect an intimate 15-plate culinary journey across six or more courses (paired with Hasher Family Wines) shaped by ocean currents, foraged treasures from land and shore, using fire, fermentation, texture and time to explore the narrative of evolving seasons.
When December 2025 – February 2026
Cost R2 150 (menu)
R900 (wine pairing)
Where Hasher Family Wines, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde
Book through DinePlan

Cantina

A slice of San Sebastián in Stellenbosch is how chef David Schneider describes the newest member of the Chefs Warehouse family. An informal eatery reminiscent of pintxos bars in Spain, it’s centered around an eye-catching communal table, with bright lemon tiles, and circled by bar stools. The comfortable banquettes with tables for two on each side, and pavement tables spilling onto Church Street, invite diners to linger longer. A partnership with Le Grand Domaine, the global winelist is curated to match Basque-inspired tapas where Spain meets France. Think classic paella to share, grilled sardines on toast, gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), bluefin tuna belly, braised beef cheek and much more – all served as easy-to-pair eats. There are no reservations and there’s already a relaxed and lively (even loud!) vibe reminiscent of the early days of the original Chefs Warehouse.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 9.30pm
Contact 065 672 9616
Where to find it 7 Church Street, Stellenbosch

Veld at Spier

Art-lined walls, high-beamed ceilings with hanging plants, a fireplace and views over the courtyard and indigenous gardens, the elegant signature restaurant at the newly renovated Spier Hotel is warm and welcoming. With a focus on sustainability, much of Veld’s menu is sourced from the farm (think Farmer Angus beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables from the Food Garden, bread and bakes from Vadas) and seafood comes from Abalobi. It’s refined but relaxed with homely dishes such as mushrooms on toast, smoked snoek fishcakes, roast chicken supreme and grilled Karoo lamb cutlets speaking to flavour, terroir and heritage.
Good to know There is a children’s menu. Veld is dinner only; the Garden Room (also at the hotel) serves lunch. Booking essential for both.
Opened April 2025
Opening times Daily, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 809 1100
Where to find it Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch
Book Veld
Book Garden Room

Terra

The talented team behind Mertia isn’t resting on its laurels nor the accolades accrued in just two years since opening in the heart of Stellenbosch… Marais Kirsten-Uys and chef Matt van den Berg are about to swing open the doors of something else just around the corner. This time they’re going casual and down to earth, as the name Terra suggests, with an easy all-day menu inspired by nature, that takes you from breakfast to lunch and dinner every day of the week. They describe it as the perfect refuge for “sout-van-die-aarde, lekker mense” – the salt-of-the-earth people of their home town. The new space will be headed by chef Jarryd Morris working with Matt on a shared culinary vision for an earthy everyday eatery.
Opening October 2025
Where to find it Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

The Restaurant at Newton Johnson Vineyards

The Overberg is having a minute! The latest announcement from Alex and Ella Rykaart – of a second restaurant at Newton Johnson Vineyards – enhances the Hemel-en-Aarde’s appeal even more. The husband-and-wife team behind Rykaarts (at Longridge in the Stellenbosch Winelands) will be taking their inimitable recipe for delicious, honest cooking and generous hospitality to this new terroir with a small seasonal à la carte menu of vibrant small plates, considered main courses, and understated indulgent desserts, where the flavours, produce and foraged ingredients of this beautiful valley above Hermanus will be in the spotlight.
Opening mid-November 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 066 342 8848, therestaurant@newtonjohnson.com
Where to find it Newton Johnson Vineyards, R320, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
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Bloom

A fresh new fine-dining experience is unfurling at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa… Bloom draws inspiration from the indigenous gardens and leafy Helderberg surrounds, evolving with the seasons to give a true taste of South African flavours. Bloom has been beautifully redecorated in tranquil earth tones into a sophisticated yet understated 30-seater dining room opening onto a tranquil terrace. Chef Sebastian Smith’s menu reveals a commitment to sustainability, seasonality and heritage on every plate, sourcing from local organic gardens and small-scale farmers: think Lourensford trout, Karoo lamb, asparagus and waterblommetjies in refined and beautifully presented dishes on the inaugural spring menu.
Opened October 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 7.30pm (seatings)
Contact 021 847 1160, restaurantmanager@erinvale.co.za
Where to find it Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa,1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
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The Kitchen Door at Gabrielskloof

A new chapter is starting at Gabrielskloof wine estate in Bot River… Chef Jen Ward has taken over the space where Farro was and created a warm and welcoming menu of fire-kissed farm fare for hearty breakfasts and nostalgic country lunches. You might remember her from Chefs Restaurant in Gardens (pre-Covid), where her skill with wood-fired cooking and simple traditional cooking techniques won her a devoted following. Now she’s playing with fire, bringing a fresh field of culinary artistry inspired by the produce and artisanal suppliers of the Overberg. It’s simple delicious hearty fare that feels like home: sourdough made with sweet potato and rosemary, roast Elgin apples, biltong-spiced sirloin, fire-roast vegetables and pickled waterblommetjies.
Opened August 2025
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 3pm (May – October)
Daily, 9am – 4pm (November – April)
Contact 028 284 9865 / 082 552 0915, hello@chefjen.co.za
Where to find it Gabrielskloof Wine Estate, Bot River, Overberg
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The Oyster Lounge at Abalone Hotel

There’s an ocean-fresh new ingredient to weekends away in Paternoster. The Abalone Hotel has just opened a chic new oyster lounge, where you can gaze out over endless ocean views from the lounge or out on the deck, while you tuck into a dedicated menu of, you guessed it, oysters. But there’s more to the menu than creative ways with the marvellous mollusc… A Japanese-Peruvian fusion of flavour inspires the sushi menu, while top-notch bubbly and crafty cocktails make it the ideal setting for elegant sundowners. And finish off with a decadent dessert from Amarula crème brûlée to Valrhona chocolate brownie.
Opened April 2025
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Contact 022 752 2044, stay@abalonehotel.co.za
Where to find it 3 Kriedoring St, Bek Bay, Paternoster

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