Quartz at Quoin Rock: A New Era of Relaxed Fine-Dining in Stellenbosch

The winds of change have ushered in a new food era at Quoin Rock “Relaxed fine-dining” is how the owners of this chic Stellenbosch wine estate describe their new restaurant, Quartz, an elegant re-imagining of the light and airy venue, which spills out onto the terrace with glorious views of valley, vineyards and the Simonsberg mountain. The space that was home to Gåte (their previous fine-dining restaurant) has naturally transitioned into an elegant wine-tasting room, where an exploration of the estate’s fine wines is recommended to attune your palate.

After which guests should stroll through to a lunch table at Quartz, where you can choose either three or four courses from the plentiful à la carte menu, each dish with an optional recommended wine pairing.

Relaxed fine dining

Quartz is a polished lunchtime haven that entices you to return again and again. Working with the experienced kitchen team, chef and culinary director Edmond Viljoen has devised a succession of exquisite dishes, building the food around the wine. No theatrics, just the essence of the hero ingredient amplified by a few well-chosen supporting flavours. With a choice of seven starters, seven mains, and four desserts (plus gelato and sorbet) there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

First tastes of the summer menu

A delightfully delicate miniature tart of fresh spring vegetables was our amuse-bouche at the launch lunch, and we shared a taste of every dish on the menu. Impossible to decide on a favourite starter, but I’d definitely return for the smoky chargrilled tiger prawn with avocado, burnt leek and a fresh fennel salad; the refreshing burrata salad with peach and pine-nut brittle too; and the alluring basil sorbet crowning a tomato tart.

Among the mains (all beautifully executed) my highlights were the succulent lamb rib with carrot and apricot; and the tender chicken leg confit with a delicious grilled green salad peppered with bacon and pea shoots. Then a spicy Cape Malay crab curry, and a freshly delicate pea gnocchi with lemon stracciatella… this is why you need to visit more than once!

The star of the dessert show is undoubtedly the sculptural apple caramel ‘tart’… creamy but light with enticing caramel depths, it’s a dream on a plate; and, as a confessed chocoholic, the dark chocolate namelaka with chocolate hazelnut ice cream was deep dark perfection.

A little bit extra

If you’re looking to elevate your lunch to the max, there are optional add-ons: order a clutch of oysters as pre-starters, choose to add a scoop of caviar to certain dishes, or stretch dessert out to linger longer through the afternoon with an additional gelato or sorbet to accompany your final glass of Quoin Rock Vine Dried, a vibrantly fruit and honey sauvignon blanc dessert wine.

A refreshing new way to experience this sumptuously chic Stellenbosch wine estate.

Good to know Children over 12 years are welcome.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm (last seating)
Contact 021 888 4750, quartz@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
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