Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac: Dining with a Sense of Occasion

A sense of occasion takes hold as you drive up the oak-lined avenue to Lanzerac. The beautiful Jonkershoek Valley on the fringes of Stellenbosch is spectacular in and of itself… with the heritage buildings, lush gardens and spreading oak trees enhancing every visit with a sense of history (it’s the third-oldest wine farm in Stellenbosch dating back to 1692). At the heart of the estate, the Manor Kitchen seals the deal with a celebratory dining experience, whether you’re coming for a weeknight à la carte spoil, the seven-course Experience menu, a lavish Saturday afternoon tea, a sumptuous breakfast, or Sunday lunch with the family.

Gourmet artistry

The Manor Kitchen’s name reflects its ethos – special yet welcoming. Large leaded windows opening onto a courtyard terrace make it light and airy by day; by night, it’s super romantic dining beneath the glittering chandelier and star-shaped ceiling detail, with a whimsical sense of grandeur to the opulent decor.

A glass wall looks into the kitchen, where you can watch chef Stephen Fraser and his team bring imaginative concepts into tangible form. His menu leans into contemporary dining, inspired by the seasons and local ingredients. Even more so on Friday and Saturday nights, when he really pushes the boat out in the seven-course Experience Menu, a culinary journey of note complete with wine pairings carefully selected from Lanzerac’s Jonkershoek, Keldermeester Versameling and Heritage ranges.

The à la carte menu is shorter but equally delicious; think crayfish cacio e pepe on chive linguine; crispy pork belly with apple celeriac purée and scallops; or berry-crusted venison with pickled shimeji mushrooms and cauliflower elements.

A sumptuous spring brunch

A special offering for the duration of Taste Stellenbosch, this is a full-on brunch to linger over all morning as you sip on Lanzerac Pinotage Rosé and Cap Classique. Start at the cereal bar for everything from granola and rooibos-stewed fruit to berries, yoghurt and chia pots. Add seasonal fresh fruit and berry bowls. Then browse iced cocktail oysters, artisan cheese and charcuterie, and smoked and cured fish plates. Croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, breads, bagels and scones complete the initial spread. But that’s not the end… from 10am there are add-ons such as smoked salmon on English muffins; prosciutto wrapped asparagus; and scrambled egg and boerie mince wraps. From 11am you can add a savoury selection of sushi, wagyu beef sliders, rump steak on ciabatta. And a sweet selection that makes for a decadent finale to the occasion with strawberry cheesecake, dark chocolate blondies, pinotage macaroons and more.
Cost R950
Available until 20 September
When Monday – Saturday, 8am – 1pm

Leisurely Sunday lunches

A long, lazy, wine-soaked Sunday lunch at Lanzerac is one of the traditions established by the estate’s long history of hospitality. Relax over excellent wine and the seasonal à la carte menu, where a confit duck salad or Saldanha Bay oysters might be your chosen starters, followed by a duo of lamb belly and cutlet with potato gratin, or smoked beef fillet with roast carrots and cabernet jus.

A timeless afternoon tea

On Saturday afternoons Manor Kitchen brings a timeless English tea to the table, with a superb spread from canapés, hot croquettes, savoury bites and fingers sandwiches, to scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, cupcakes, petits fours, tartlets and eclairs, and of course delicate macarons. These are served with loose-leaf TWG teas (choose one to pair with your savouries and a second for the sweet treats) and a glass of Lanzerac cap classique. You can also opt for bottomless cap classique throughout your meal.

Sumptuous breakfasts

The Manor Kitchen hosts an opulent breakfast each morning (which is open to outside guests). Settle in for an unhurried spoil that covers the full spectrum of sumptuous breakfast dishes: granola glasses, fresh fruit and pastries, charcuterie, perhaps chilled oysters with a glass of cap classique, as well as full English cooked breakfasts, buttermilk flapjacks, eggs Benedict and marmite mushrooms.

Sommelier service

With plenty of options to toast the occasion, the winelist (one of the best in the region) ranges from champagne, cap classique, prosecco and cava to the estate’s award-winning pinotage, and every other varietal in between, which sommelier Rosemary Munyoro pairs expertly with the tasting menus.

A destination where families have been celebrating milestones for generations, Lanzerac’s Manor Kitchen puts the special in every occasion.

Opening times
Breakfast: Daily, 7am – 10:30am
Afternoon Tea: Saturday, 2pm – 5pm
Lunch: Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: Daily, from 6pm
Contact 021 887 1132, [email protected]
Where to find it Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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