Mouthwatering feasts for a cosy winter getaway.
With heritage architecture, world-acclaimed wine farms, superb restaurants, a vibrant museum and gallery circuit, cool boutiques and even hiking trails, the City of Oaks is just as alluring for mid-winter escapes as it is in summer. Discerning travellers, adventure seekers and lovers of the good life will find plenty to discover as the vines and oak leaves turn to red and gold.
So we were thrilled that Visit Stellenbosch (the official Stellenbosch tourism and information centre) and the Cape Winelands have brought back Stay & Play Stellenbosch this winter. They’ve collected together all the winter specials in accommodation, restaurants and wine in one place, making it easy to plan your stay, and added a host of one-off happenings to the mix. These are our picks of the restaurant specials that will have you heading straight to Stellies this winter.
Dusk
With dangling downlighters over the tables in an otherwise dark and mysterious space, Dusk is an experiential restaurant concept from chefs Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin, who have been deep-diving into sustainability and pushing fine-dining boundaries to the max. The seven-course winter tasting menu is an ideal way to get a curated snapshot of the Dusk experience: a thought-provoking menu imbued with theatre, which focuses on local and indigenous foods, foraging, fermentation and zero waste.
The special R995 (7 courses)
R1 396 (with wine pairing)
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 023 4100, reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Eike
A homage to Eikestad (the city of oaks), Bertus Basson opened Eike in an historic building on Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street in 2019. The intimate space is beautifully styled with sumptuous emerald-green velvet chairs, an up-to-the-minute geometric-tiled wall and a kitchen that overlooks the 30-seater dining area. The menu is a paean to the seasons and nostalgic food memories, reflecting Bertus and chef Kyle du Plooy’s passion for South African flavours. Expect twists on classics, such as smoked snoek with ham hock and quince; beef steak, oxtail and lentil potjie and beef fat sauce; and fire-roasted hake with octopus and herebone (heirloom beans).
The special 50% discount off the 4-course set menu on Wednesday + Saturday.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 007 4231, info@eikerestaurant.com
Where to find it 50 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Lievland Cafe
The elegant glass-walled café at Lievland Vineyards has two fires burning brightly, one on each side of the room. With its peaceful views over the farm dam, old oak trees, verdant lawns and vines, it’s an ideal setting for a cosy winter brunch with friends and family. Just a short drive from Stellenbosch, the Cape Dutch farmhouse embraced by gentle green hills exudes tranquillity and a slower-paced lifestyle, while the winter Lievlove Brunch is designed to be lingered over. The generous brunch menu comes in three parts, and for the winter special includes a glass of Lievland MCC or freshly squeezed orange juice to start you off. Dig into shared platters of charcuterie and cheese with fresh bread seed crackers and Melba toast, followed by a choice of hot breakfast dishes, then a selection of dessert pastries as you sip tea or coffee.
The special R295 (3-course brunch)
When Monday – Sunday, 8am – 11.30am
Contact 021 879 7892, cafe@lievland.co.za
Where to find it Lievland Vineyards, R44, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Rykaarts
Rykaart’s opened with a splash on Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street in 2022, but husband-and-wife owners Alex and Ella Rykaart decided to give up their pavement perch for a new home on a wine estate (and who wouldn’t?). They haven’t changed their winning food philosophy, though – simple, contemporary flavours, unfussy, welcoming and delicious. Long, country-style tables on a wide terrace offer never-ending views (all the way to Table Mountain) and the three-course set menu, served family-style, is perfect for lazy lunches. The food pairs perfectly with Longridge’s award-winning biodynamic wines; and the chefs have beautiful organic herb and vegetable gardens within arm’s reach…
The special R495 for a weekday lunch (three-course set menu)
Good to know There is a simple menu for children under 12 years.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, from 12pm (kitchen closes 3pm)
Friday + Saturday, from 6pm (kitchen closes 8.30pm)
Contact 021 855 2005, rykaarts@longridge.co.za
Where to find it Longridge Wine Estate, Helderbergpad, off Eikendal Road and R44, Raithby, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Spek en Bone
Bertus Basson and Michael Fuller’s lively wine bar just off Dorp Street, headed up by chef Michael Fuller, is named after Bertus and Mareli’s’ pet pig, Spek, and dog, Bone. The courtyard at the back is perfect for sunny lunches under an ancient vine, which is lit up with fairy lights at night. Focussed on superb tapas with bold flavours, and excellent wines, the menu is relaxed but adventurous. Korean-fried chicken is one stalwart, or roast fish with mango curry, potato gnocchi with mushrooms, or smoked pork neck with sauce gribiche. Can’t decide? Sign up for the full chef’s menu of seven plates to share.
The special 50% discount off the chef’s set menu on Tuesday + Saturday.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 5.30pm – 8pm
Contact 082 569 8958, info@spekenbone.com
Where to find it 84 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira
If you haven’t yet experienced chef Marthinus Ferreira’s exceptional cuisine at Jordan Restaurant, this winter special is your chance to get a curated glimpse of the menu. An artisanal bread service, a sumptuous main with sides, and a delicious dessert are all designed to be paired with a glass of Jordan Sophia. A complex red wine with notes of dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis, it’s perfect for warming up winter.
The special R395 (3 courses + glass of wine) for a Wednesday – Friday lunch
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Friday + Saturday, 6pm – late
Contact 021 881 3441, reservations@jordanwines.com
Where to find it Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
Lanzerac Sunday lunch
In the Jonkershoek Valley, surrounded by verdant vineyards and dramatic mountain vistas, historic Lanzerac has been the go-to place for Stellenbosch family celebrations for generations. At the Manor Kitchen restaurant, chef Stephen Fraser and team conjure up seasonal menus for elegant Sunday lunches, which might include delights such as flamed snoek and corn chowder, zucchini-wrapped crayfish, smoked fillet and slow braised beef cheek, prosciutto-wrapped coq au vin, or citrus-seared linefish.
The special R535 (3-course Sunday lunch)
Good to know Booking essential 24 hours in advance.
Time 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
There are plenty more restaurants and enticing specials on the list, so you definitely need a whole weekend (or two) to make the most of the seasonal spoils. Check out the list and plan your stay.
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