A first-class dining experience awaits…
Rust en Vrede is one of those quintessential Winelands experiences that every discerning gourmand worth their weight in confit needs to experience at least once.
We dined here on one of those dreamy evenings when the manicured gardens were in full bloom and the treed valley and vineyards beyond somehow managed to melt away our stress and transport us to another world.
Our evening began on the view-soaked terrace, where congenial and clued-up sommelier James Mukosi suggested an aperitif that hits all the right notes. We could have been anywhere in the world but there was nowhere else we would rather be…
Best cellar
Housed within the estate’s historic 1785 cellar, with its gables, thatched roof and original yellowood ceilings, the restaurant has been consistently rated by local and international chefs as one of the finest places to eat since it opened in 2007.
In charge of the open-plan kitchen is chef Fabio Daniel, whose contemporary French cuisine is flecked with flavours from his Brazilian and Italian heritage. Having worked under both previous head chefs, David Higgs and John Shuttleworth, Fabio continues the tradition of sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local sustainable producers – and then applying equal parts imagination and culinary mastery to them.
Food aside, it’s the finer details that elevate the experience from good to memorable, such as vases of flowers plucked from the estate’s garden, complemented by warm, professional service in a sophisticatedly pared-back and relaxed setting.
A six-course dinner
Chef Fabio’s perfectly portioned six-course menu is available with or without sommelier James’ carefully curated wine pairing, which features a selection of the finest Cape wines, from Stellenbosch and the Swartland to the Overberg and West Coast. The menu changes depending on availability of ingredients, but here’s a taster of what to expect.
First course Fish of the day, with avocado and salsa verde
Wine Storm Wild Air 2021
Second course Langoustine, with black garlic and vanilla bisque
Wine Beaumont New Baby 2018
Third course Crème fraîche risotto, with apple and Gruberg cheese
Wine Donkiesbaai Pinot Noir 2018
Fourth course Beef Carnival, with cauliflower and farofa (toasted cassava)
Wine Rust en Vrede Estate Red 2013
Fifth course Bananas with dulce (blonde chocolate) and miso
Wine Cederberg Bukettraube 2022
Sixth course Magic Forest: Pineapple & Matcha
Wine Keermont Fleurfontein 2018
Cost R890; R1 580 with wine pairing
If you’re looking to disappear for a memorable evening in the Winelands, or to celebrate a special occasion, or purely for the love of food, Rust en Vrede is a superb choice.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 11pm
Contact details 021 881 3757, dining@rustenvrede.com
Address Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
