The Table at De Meye: An Idyllic Setting for Lunch in Stellenbosch

For long, languid lunches in the country, this under-the-radar wine farm delivers in spades.

Long considered one of the Winelands’ hidden gems, The Table at De Meye is entering an exciting new phase in its journey, having been taken over by new owners – Leigh Williamson and chef Brendan Thorncroft (formerly of Restaurant Seven, Restaurant Jardine and Jordan Restaurant). The couple – longtime patrons of the restaurant – understand better than anyone what made it so special and, as such, have made a point of retaining the authenticity, charm, and delicious cooking that its predecessor was so loved for.

As Leigh says: “We feel so grateful to have this opportunity to provide people with delicious food – in a manner that we truly believe in. Sharing food at a table with family and friends in such a beautiful setting is just perfect. This is why we visited The Table in the past – it just ticks all the boxes; It’s the ultimate Winelands experience.”

The epitome of countryside dining

Surrounded by a charming garden, with long tables shaded by trees, The Table at De Meye evokes images of the French or Italian countryside, complete with languid lunches in idyllic surrounds, wonderful company, and the joy of delicious home-grown food and good stuff to drink.

It’s no wonder some of the country’s top chefs have rated it as their favourite Winelands restaurant. Chef Giles Edwards (La Tête) says: “The Table at De Meye is casual, simple dining at its absolute best. It reminds me of the old adage: “What’s done in love is done well”. Michelin-starred Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen (Restaurant JAN in Nice, France) is also a longtime fan.

Previous owners, husband-and-wife team Jess Shepherd and Luke Grant, are handing the reins to Brendan and Leigh in September 2019, who are committed to bringing the same passion and hands-on dedication that made De Meye a much-loved destination for six years.

As such, Brendan and Leigh have retained the tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and stemware from the previous restaurant, ensuring that guests return for the idyllic country-style dining experience that The Table represents: under the shade of ancient trees, or in the historic white-washed farm building during the colder months.

Simply delicious

Chef Brendan is a protégé of legendary chef George Jardine, having worked closely with him for seven years, including four years at his acclaimed restaurant on Jordan Wine Estate; so he’s no stranger to fine Winelands dining.

He’ll be heading the kitchen at The Table, while partner Leigh will be handling the front of house. “We share a very strong passion for food, and love to cook simple but delicious dishes,” she says. It goes without saying that only fresh, seasonal produce, sourced from small-scale farmers in the surrounding countryside, will be utilised in the preparation of the dishes.

Expect the same three-course sharing menu that the restaurant has long been known for. Although the options change weekly, depending on what’s in season, guests can expect freshly baked sourdough bread from Schoon de Companje with homemade farm butter, 12-hour braised lamb shoulder for mains, and decadent desserts such as millionaire chocolate tart with orange-blossom ice cream.

The epitome of la dolce vita, The Table at De Meye delivers when it comes to refined comfort dishes in idyllic country surrounds.

Opening 1 September 2019

Book through DinePlan

Uncover the hidden gems of the Cape by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.