Next-level wining and dining in the city of oaks.
Renowned for its vineyard-dotted hillsides, Cape Dutch architecture, quirky galleries and boutiques, and some of the best local cuisine in the land, the city of oaks is a culinary destination in itself.
The relaxed pavement dining scene among historic buildings and majestic oak trees, fuelled by cafés, wine bars and a delicious sprinkling of restaurants, spoils you for choice – and that’s before you even head out to the wine farms. All of this, less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
These are our top picks of where to eat in and around Stellenbosch.
Rust en Vrede
There’s an enduring magic about dining at Rust en Vrede. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of champagne and the lightest of flavour-packed canapés, the old oaks and lawns leading to vines and a wooded mountain kloof conjure an away-from-it-all appeal. Without theatrical flourishes, chef Fabio Daniel serves a superb six-course tasting menu that marries the flavours of his Brazilian-Italian culinary heritage with local South African ingredients in harmonious chords of entrancing and unexpected flavours. Housed in the original 1785 cellar, it’s a delight from start to finish, with thoughtful wine pairings from sommelier Cameron Bishop (there’s an impressive international winelist), and seamless polished service that makes you feel immediately at home.
Good to know The restaurant is open in the evenings only for the memorable six-course tasting menu – or the “surprise” Experience Menu.
By day, a simple set-menu Winemaker’s Lunch is served in the tasting room or on the terrace.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 11pm
Contact 021 881 3757, dining@rustenvrede.com
Where to find it Rust en Vrede Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
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Mill Street Bistro
A relaxed but impeccable new bistro in the heart of Stellenbosch, Mill St Bistro wowed us when we visited in October. Chef-owner Phil Carmichael has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, alongside icons such as Michel Roux Jnr, Gordon Ramsay, and Jason Atherton (and gained his own star at Maze Prague) but he’s taken the down-to-earth bistronomy approach at his Stellenbosch bistro, staying true to his classical French training, with a focus on sustainable provenance, and fuss-free, but totally delicious flavours. A fresh and zingy yellowtail tartare scooped up in crunchy romaine lettuce leaves; a decadently rich mushroom parfait with herby wood-fired flatbreads; superb pork belly on sauerkraut with puffy crackling and apple-and-jalapeño ketchup; and a beautifully fresh Cape bream on a mussels-and-ginger succotash were all highlights of the short à la carte menu. Not to mention the most divine crème brûlée with citrus compote; and an intense chocolate mousse sprinkled with smoked salt and a drizzle of olive oil. There’s a short but exciting winelist (with a great selection by the glass), an open-fire oven, fascinating shelves of home-made pickles, ferments and kombucha, and a view over the open deck to the Mill Stream Monument.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 020 1301, reservations@millstbistro.co.za
Where to find it Cluver Markotter Building, Mill Street, Stellenbosch
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The Table at De Meye
It’s the stuff of dreams and the epitome of la dolce vita: a table under an oak tree laid with vintage crockery and a long, sybaritic lunch with people you love. This honest-to-goodness experience comes to life on the beautiful (yet under-the-radar) De Meye wine farm, where Leigh Williamson and Brendan Thorncroft offer a set three-course menu of refined, slow-cooked comfort food. It’s seasonal, hyper-local and delicious, with shared platters served along with freshly baked bread, homemade butter and delightful desserts. In winter the tables move inside the white-washed farmhouse and glass-walled conservatory, cosying up beside wood-burning stoves with views over the lawns.
Good to know Brendan and Leigh recently opened a second location at Oak Valley in Elgin.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Contact 072 696 0530, bookings@thetablerestaurant.co.za
Where to find it De Meye Farm, Muldersvlei Road, Stellenbosch
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Mertia
Hidden in the upstairs section of an old bank building in Stellenbosch, this intimate 28-seater restaurant is sophisticated yet understated and comfortable. Two sons of Stellenbosch, Marais Kirsten-Uys (back home after a stint at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco) and Matt van den Berg (ex La Colombe and Test Kitchen) have dialled down the fine-dining smoke and mirrors to create seasonal seven- and 12-course tasting menus their fathers would call a “proper meal”. Delivering nostalgia and the flavours of home with plenty of delightful flourishes, expect superb wine pairings from sommelier Kudzai Beka and impeccable service all around.
Good to know The seven-course menu is available only at lunch, the 12-course menu at lunch and dinner. You can also pop in for cocktails in the intimate bar from 4pm.
Opening times Tuesday, 5.30pm – 10pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Contact 076 644 8448, reservations@mertia.co.za
Where to find it 20 Bird Street, Stellenbosch (entrance off the Millstream side street)
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De Eetkamer
Hidden away at the top of Dorp Street, this heritage building (formerly a stable) with an oak-shaded courtyard, now pays homage to heartwarming gatherings around the dinner table. (De Eetkamer translates simply as “The Dining Room”.) Here, chef Marco Cardoso celebrates elegant, indulgent small-plate eating in an array of punchy global flavours without a hint of pretension – from the Korean-style fried cauliflower (a menu fixture he dare not remove) to pan-fried gnocchi with pomodoro, mozzarella and pancetta, and linefish tartare with fermented garlic honey and chili crunch. The short menu changes seasonally, the winelist features a fair number of unique labels, and the desserts are not to be missed.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 5.30pm – 9pm
Contact 021 001 8308, reservations@de-eetkamer.co.za
Where to find it 3 Drostdy Road, Stellenbosch
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Dusk
With downlighting over the tables and the open kitchen only, this dark and mysterious eatery in Stellenbosch is the “disruptor” project of chefs Callan Austin and Darren Badenhorst. Taking a deep-dive into sustainability and “whole-process” cooking, Dusk pushes fine-dining boundaries to the max. The dinner-only, 13-course tasting menu is a thought-provoking experience imbued with theatre and focused on seasonality, local and indigenous ingredients, foraging and fermentation. When a palate cleanser is called “Wash your mouth out with soap”, you can expect a few surprises.
Good to know Also check out Nocturne, their cocktail bar-restaurant at the same address.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 023 4100, reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
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Gåte at Quoin Rock
Folded into the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg, the striking architecture and design of Gåte (pronounced “gah-tay”), Quoin Rock’s fine-dining restaurant, is echoed in the culinary creativity that awaits. The intimate light-filled space looks out over vines and valley, and with head chef Paul Prinsloo at the reins, you can expect complex layers of flavour: the freshest seasonal ingredients often echoing natural forms and shapes with deft craftsmanship and a touch of theatre. Whether you go for the three-course lunch menu with choices, the culinary journey of the seven-course tasting menu, or the vegetarian tasting menu (all with optional wine pairings), each dish promises an adventure of discovery.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Friday + Saturday, 5.30pm – 10pm
Contact 021 888 4750, gate@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road (R44), Stellenbosch
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Post & Pepper
A desire to offer a fine-dining experience without the stuffiness or intimidating price tag led Jess van Dyk (formerly of La Colombe) to open a beautiful restaurant in Stellenbosch’s old post office. She serves reinvented South African classics infused with Asian influences in sharing plate style – “fun dining”, as Jess likes to call it! Post & Pepper’s utterly delicious seasonal menu revolves around small plates served family style. Think miso yaki kingklip, Bombay butternut, pork belly lollipops, or smoked mac ‘n cheese with Spanish-style ragù, to name just a few – all exquisitely plated.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 203 5165, reception@postandpepper.co.za
Where to find it 146 Bird Street, Stellenbosch
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Spek & Bone
Bertus Basson and Michael Fuller’s lively wine bar just off Dorp Street is named after Bertus’s pet pig, Spek, and dog, Bone. The hidden courtyard is perfect for sunny lunches under an ancient vine, which is lit up with fairy lights at night. Chef Michael Fuller focusses on superb tapas with bold flavours, and excellent wines, in a relaxed but adventurous menu. Korean fried chicken is one stalwart, or roast hake with mussels and Cape Malay curry; potato gnocchi with Dalewood Huguenot cheese, or roast cauliflower with kalamata olives and harissa. Can’t decide? Sign up for the full seven-plate chef’s menu.
Good to know A conservatory off the courtyard serves as a private dining room seating eight.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 8pm
Contact 082 569 8958, info@spekenbone.com
Where to find it 84 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
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Hōseki at Delaire Graff
Chef Virgil Kahn heads this elegant Japanese dining experience at Delaire Graff wine estate, which epitomises the acme of Winelands dining: a feast of flavours, with a visual spread and views to match. Expertise, creativity and finesse combine with subtle aromatics and a symphony of fresh contemporary flavours in creatively re-imagined modern-Japanese small-plate four- or eight-course omakase menus (with optional wine-pairings from sommelier Duane Jansen). Hōseki’s la carte options range from prime wagyu steaks to far-from-ordinary tempura, ramen, tacos and robata grills – and a bento box selection. In addition to top-notch sourcing, chef Kahn uses fresh produce and Asian herbs grown on the estate, and draws on his work experience in the East, including at Michelin-starred Saint Pierre in Singapore, and at Nobu.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 885 8160, restaurant.bookings@delaire.co.za
Where to find it Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
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Clara’s Barn
Don’t be misled by the rustic name – this is indeed a centuries-old Cape Dutch barn, complete with weathered rafters, big barn doors and dormer windows in the thatched roof, but it’s also an elegant fine-dining venue on Vergenoegd Löw wine estate. A welcoming bar-lounge area leads into a spacious restaurant with two fireplaces and a carving station and tables flowing outside onto the verandah. As one of Bertus Basson’s stable of restaurants, you can expect delicious, authentic South African farm-kitchen recipes with a refined, modern (and playful) tweak from chef and co-owner Drikus Brink, presented over five wine-paired courses. You’ll also get to feed your curiosity about local ingredients such as waterblommetjies, bokkoms, suurvygies, makataan and vetkoek, which pop up on the ever-changing menu.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm; Thursday – Saturday 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 202 4373, claras@vergenoegd.co.za
Where to find it Vergenoegd Road, off Old Faure Road, Stellenbosch
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Good to Gather at Rozendal
Rozendal serendipitously pivoted from a wine-producing farm to an artisanal vinegar producer when a visitor helped transform a flawed wine harvest back in 1988. Today, the vinegar cellar doubles as Good to Gather restaurant on weekends in winter – spilling into a tree-shaded courtyard in summer, with views of the picturesque farm (where alpacas, cows, a pig, two horses, and some chickens reside.) For chef Jess Shepherd and husband Luke Grant, respect for produce is paramount and you’ll taste it in their three-course, sharing-style menus. It’s inventive, wholesome, bounteous and truly, deeply farm-to-table. Their legions of loyal fans (and the limited number of tables) means you need to book months in advance, but it’s well worth it.
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 12pm – 2pm (last seating)
Contact 066 486 0417, jess.chef@gmail.com
Where to find it Rozendal Farm, Omega Road, Rozendal, Stellenbosch
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Ernie Els Wines
Winding up and up the single-track road to Ernie Els Wines, you emerge on top of the world, high on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains, where the long terrace soaks up panoramic vine-drenched views towards Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch. After a wine-tasting of big-hearted reds (for which the estate is known), head through to the chic restaurant for a laidback lunch, where chef Eric Bulpitt explores comforting seasonal flavours in generous plates seasoned with a pinch of panache. Expect the likes of perfectly grilled free-range grass-fed sirloin steaks, slow-cooked pork belly, West Coast mussels and sustainably caught linefish. Eric’s signature bread-and-butter pudding served with homemade vanilla-bean ice cream finishes things off perfectly.
Good to know The Grillworks open-fire menu of plankie steaks, portobello mushrooms and more to accompany a wine tasting in the courtyard is another delicious and smoke-infused food option.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm (lunch)
Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm (dinner)
Contact details 021 881 3588, bookings@ernieelswines.com
Where to find it Ernie Els Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
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Rykaart’s
A shaded table between organic herb beds on a wide terrace with never-ending views (all the way to Table Mountain)… Rykaart’s picture-perfect setting on Longridge Wine Estate is a dream come true for husband-and-wife team Alex and Ella Rykaart. Country-style tables are laid with family-style serving platters of simple, unfussy, contemporary and delicious food to share. Think carrot risotto, garden salads, grass-fed beef sirloin, potato fondant, and confit tomatoes… just a few examples from Alex’s three-course set menu which changes often with the seasons. The fresh flavours pair perfectly with the award-winning biodynamic wine from the estate and you can wander the beautiful organic herb and vegetable gardens between courses. Or just settle in and soak up the views and country charm over a leisurely lunch and lively conversation.
Good to know There is a simple menu for children under 12 years.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 855 2005, rykaarts@longridge.co.za
Where to find it Longridge Wine Estate, Helderberg Road, off the R44, Stellenbosch
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The Vine Bistro
Alongside the Glenelly wine cellar, looking across fynbos gardens and vine-clad slopes, The Vine Bistro is renowned for chef-patron Christophe Dehosse’s down-to-earth menus evoking the traditional French cooking of his home country. Here, he creates hearty modern bistro classics inspired by local ingredients in à la carte menus that change each week, accompanied by a superb winelist. Perhaps artichokes, braised kale and confit pork cheeks; confit duck leg with roast parsnips and celeriac mousseline; or a proper bouillabaisse with rouille and croutons. Finish with gorgeous desserts (the opera cake is divine) or an excellent artisanal cheese board. With its Parisian café tables, terrace seating and beautiful views, this is a true hidden gem.
Good to know Their Les Jeunes à Table set menu with wines is a not-to-be-missed special for under 30 year olds.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm
Contact 021 809 6444, bistro@glenelly.co.za
Where to find it Glenelly Estate, Lelie Street, Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch
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Eike by Bertus Basson
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 five-course set menu is a paean to the seasons and nostalgic food memories, reflecting Bertus and head chef Daniël Oosthuizen’s passion for South African flavours. Expect tongue in cheek twists on classics, such as pap en vleis with tomato smoor; beef sirloin, oxtail pie with sweet mustard and turnip; or a re-imagined prawn cocktail; and desserts that give a new shine to the humble guava or strawberry.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 8pm
Contact 021 007 4231, info@eikerestaurant.com
Where to find it 50 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
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The Fat Butcher
As the name implies, the Fat Butcher is all about the meat. A classic steakhouse with a Stellenbosch vibe, it’s in a historic building in the centre of town with wooden floors, leather booths and a shaded courtyard at the back. Pasture-reared and grain-fed beef in a wide choice of dry-aged prime cuts and signature steaks is joined by Dormer lamb ribs, shanks, rump and skaapstertjies (lamb tails), hearty burgers, porcini risotto, burrata and panzanella salad, and more. Plus traditional starters such as chargrilled corn, marrow bones, and steak tartare, as well as luscious salads and seafood for the less meat-inclined.
Good to know You can buy meat to take home from the in-store butchery.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 882 8705, reservations@fatbutcher.co.za
Where to find it 1 Van Riebeeck Street, Stellenbosch
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Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira
The sublime setting at Jordan Wine Estate is maximised in its signature restaurant. Glass walls concertina right back so you really are immersed in the stunning views over the dam and serene valley, as you’re warmly welcomed with polished service and impeccable attention to detail. Chef Marthinus Ferreira has made the space his own since he moved here two years ago from DW Eleven-13 in Joburg, bringing his lightly nostalgic, classic European approach to the three-course lunch menu and evening tasting menus. A truly delightful bread and snack course kicks off the lunch experience, followed by classic dishes such as potato gnocchi with spinach and truffle, and herb-crusted sirloin with potato dauphinoise. Side dishes aren’t really necessary (and are priced extra) but Marthinus’ roast potatoes are so good it’s hard to resist. And divinely pretty desserts round off the meal (with petits fours to follow, so save a corner for those).
Opening Times Monday – 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
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Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac
The third-oldest farm in Stellenbosch and the first to commercially bottle pinotage, Lanzerac is a magnificent slice of history and Jonkershoek scenery, and a quintessential landmark. Under the helm of chef Stephan Fraser, the opulent Manor Kitchen offers a seven-course wine-paired dinner experience on weekends, daily à la carte dinners, and lavish à la carte Sunday lunches that continue the estate’s tradition as a place to mark family occasions in style. Plus on Saturdays it’s the setting for the timeless afternoon tea. Take time before and after to wander the beautiful manicured gardens and soak up the sense of history of this serene pocket of the Stellenbosch landscape.
Good to know For casual daytime meals, platters and gourmet sandwiches and milkshakes, there’s the Tasting Room and Deli or the atmospheric Taphuis for sharing plates and classy pub grub. Both have kids’ menus (build-your-own-pizza at the Deli).
Opening times Daily, 6pm – 10pm
Sunday 12pm – 3pm
Contact 021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
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Tokara Restaurant
Perched on a cliff overlooking a valley of vineyards all the way to False Bay, Tokara Restaurant is worth visiting for the views alone. Executive chef Carolize Coetzee (formerly Dornier Bodega, Simonsig Cuvée and Delaire Graff) delivers “refined plaaskos” (farm cuisine): elegantly plated, delicately balanced flavours of seasonal, home-grown ingredients. Lunch is à la carte, while dinner offers a five-course set menu (with the option to extend to seven) as well as a vegan set menu.
Good to know Tokara Wine Estate is also home to the family-friendly Tokara Delicatessen for laidback, view-drenched Winelands breakfasts.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm (dinner November – March)
Contact 021 885 2550, reservations@tokara.com
Where to find it Tokara Wine Estate, R310 Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
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9 Responses to “The 20 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch”
Lee Kotze
Been to most agree they are next level, miss Cavalli.
Mertia, as far as we’re concerned, a total rip-off can never compare with these giants. Arrogant, unfriendly, haughty. Food 5 out of 10
Magdalene
I have been to many, Clara’s Barn and Tokara just wonderful!
Magdalene
Have been to all. Tokara and Clara’s Barn my favourites!
Wolfgang Breidert
Why is Chorus not included?
Inside Guide
Hi Wolfgang
Chorus is in Somerset West, close to Stellenbosch. Check out our Somerset West favourites here.
Athena
Great list, but it has a very special restaurant missing: Good to Gather should absolutely be added:
You’ll need to update your article to 21 best restaurants.
The Inside Guide
Thanks for your comment, Athena. We LOVE Good To Gather; reason we left it off is because it’s only open on weekends. But, perhaps we increase the list, as you suggest.🤣
Antoinette Theron
How could you not have included Le Siemma?? Definitely worth a visit!!
Candice
La Siemma closed unfortunately 🥲