Lust Bistro & Bakery: A Family-Friendly Winelands Eatery at Vrede en Lust

A leafy green enclave in the Simondium wine district (between Franschhoek and Paarl) with glorious views of the Simonsberg, Vrede en Lust is a serene family-owned wine farm, rooted in over 350 years of heritage. A Cape Dutch manor house, state-of-the-art cellars powered by solar panels, and a welcoming daytime bistro make it a popular stop for locals. Strategically placed just off the main Franschhoek Valley road, Lust Bistro & Bakery is the place for a hearty breakfast before a morning of wine tastings, relaxed family lunches, cyclists’ coffee stops, wine tram interludes and everything in between. Sit outside under umbrellas on the wide deck, or cosy up indoors by one of the two roaring fires on chilly days.

New chef, new menu

Coming from a fine-dining background, chef Angelo van Wyk is loving the chance to go back to his roots and cook from his soul. “We’re focussing on simple ingredients that make the food come alive. We want the elegance to come out, but also the homely aromas of a curry that reminds you that simple food can be special, it can make you happy.”

Heartwarming bistro dishes are served in generous and affordable platefuls (no need for sides). There’s deliciously crispy harissa-spiced pork belly on the starter menu, which comes on a sweet potato and potato mash, with crunchy grilled corn bits. A gently fragrant butter chicken comes with roti and poppadom as well as rice. For winter there’s also braised oxtail, bouillabaisse, burgers, line fish and steak; and each month there’s a new blackboard special menu from which you can select two or three courses (R295 or R325 respectively). And don’t miss the malva pudding… Angelo has created a beautifully light version laced with orange zest and topped with caramelised popcorn.

A wood-fired oven

A feature of Lust Bistro & Bakery has always been its wood-fired bread oven, where they bake sourdough breads early each morning. During the day it’s kept burning for a succession of flatbreads with a variety of appealing toppings: butternut and feta; chicken tikka; beef brisket; Caprese; or bacon and avocado. Crisp, thin-based and rectangular, these make excellent grab-and-go snacks and easy-to-share lunches. And they feature in a Weekend Feast special designed to gather a bunch of friends around and start off the weekend in relaxed style (R750 for six flatbreads and three pints of beer.)

All-day breakfasts

Whether you’re popping in first thing for a much-needed breakfast before hitting the wine tram, or refuelling after a morning cycle ride, the short breakfast menu covers all the options. Build your own breakfast plate, grab a brekkie bun, or relax over eggs Benedict. And for the sweet-toothed, a banana bread French toast hits the spot with salted butterscotch sauce and Chantilly cream.

Bakery Counter

If you’re rushing to catch the next wine tram or need padkos for a road trip, head to the bakery counter for a grab-and-go menu that includes the flatbreads and an array of sandwiches on Lust’s home-baked focaccia. And pick up a loaf of sourdough or a croissant to take home.

A family-friendly eatery for all occasions on the serene Vrede en Lust Wine Estate.

Good to know It’s a cashless establishment. There are kids’ menus too, and pets are welcome at the outside tables (and everywhere else at Vrede en Lust). One section (with fireplace) can be divided off as a private space for gatherings, baby showers and other functions.

Opening times Monday – Saturday, 7.30am – 5pm
Sundays + public holidays, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 874 1456, reservations@lustbistro.com
Where to find it Vrede & Lust Wine Estate, intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium
Book through DinePlan

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