The 20 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch

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 fabulous new restaurants, spoils you for choice, and that’s before you even head out to the slew of stunning wine farms. The fact that it’s so accessible – less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town – makes it even more appealing.

From homely farm kitchens to cool town eateries and fine-dining tours de force, here are our top picks of where to eat in and around Stellenbosch.

What are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

De Eetkamer

Hidden away off the top of Dorp Street in central Stellenbosch, this heritage stable building with an oak-shaded courtyard has been buzzing since it opened in April 2022. Chef Marco Cardoso, who worked with Liam Tomlin for eight years (at Thali, Chefs Warehouse on Bree Street and La Cantina), has set up his own restaurant here, celebrating small-plate eating in an array of global flavours. At De Eetkamer, you can expect anything from Korean-style fried cauliflower to pan-fried gnocchi and Japanese-style fried chicken. The short menu changes seasonally 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

This dark and mysterious newcomer is a thought-provoking experiential restaurant concept from chef Darren Badenhorst (of Le coin Francais in Franschhoek) and his protegé Callan Austin, who have been deep-diving into sustainability (both in food and restaurant psychology) and pushing fine-dining boundaries to the max. With light over the tables and the open kitchen only, Dusk’s chiaroscuro setting offers a dinner-only, 13-course tasting menu (with reduced menu option) and beverage pairings, imbued with theatre and focused on seasonality, local and indigenous ingredients, foraging and fermentation.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, seating 6pm – 8pm
Contact 021 023 4100, reservations@duskrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
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Post & Pepper

Claire Gunn

This is a dream come true for young chef-owner Jess van Dyk (formerly of La Colombe) and manager Dimitri Hadzigrigoriou, who met while working in Franschhoek. Their shared desire to offer a fine-dining experience without the stuffiness or intimidating price tag led them to open a beautiful restaurant in Stellenbosch’s old post office, which serves reinvented SA classics infused with Asian influences – “fun dining”, as Jess likes to call it! Post & Pepper’s utterly delicious seasonal menu revolves around small plates served family style. Think furikake tuna or aubergine, beef dumpling, butter lamb curry, or fried mac ‘n cheese with celeriac, to name just a few – all exquisitely plated.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 203 5165, reception@postandpepper.co.za
Where to find it corner of Plein and Bird Street, Stellenbosch
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Rust en Vrede

An all-round first-class experience awaits at this warm and welcoming restaurant on a perfectly manicured estate in Stellenbosch. With sommelier James Mukosi on hand to guide you through the impressive international wine selection, stellar service from the minute you walk through the door, and prettily plated, contemporary French-inspired cuisine overseen by chef Fabio Daniel, it’s no wonder that fellow chefs and foodies continue to rate it among the best in the country. Housed in the original 1785 cellar, the award-winning restaurant is open in the evenings for a memorable six-course tasting menu.
Good to know A simple set menu Winemaker’s lunch is served daily in the tasting room.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, from 6.30pm
Contact 021 881 3757, dining@rustenvrede.com
Where to find it Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
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Gåte at Quoin Rock

Looking out over the Quoin Rock vineyards in the secluded Knorhoek Valley, exquisitely designed Gåte has established a niche of its own in the fine-dining world. Chef Paul Prinsloo (previously at Waterkloof under Greg Czarnecki) describes his approach as “modern” rather than strictly southern African, and pushes boundaries with perfectionism, intense focus and creativity. If you count the bread course, canapés, and generous petits-fours, the seven-course tasting menu stretches to 10 over a leisurely four hours (a parallel vegan menu reveals equal complexity). Or go for the simpler but still delectable three-course menu. Add to the experience with wine pairings from the multifaceted Quoin Rock and Namysto ranges.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm (last seating for tasting menu 1.30pm)
Friday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 10pm (last seating for tasting menu 6.30pm)
Contact 021 888 4750, gate@quoinrock.co.za
Where to find it Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
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The Vine Bistro at Glenelly

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 cured Franschhoek trout with dill, or octopus, mussel and chorizo ragù, followed by braised pork cheeks with Dijon mustard sauce, or a proper bouillabaisse with rouille and croutons. Finish with gorgeous desserts 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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Spek & 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 coconut and crispy ginger; potato gnocchi with mushrooms, or roasted butternut with vindaloo curry. Can’t decide? Sign up for the full chef’s menu of seven plates per person.
Good to know A conservatory off the courtyard serves as a private dining room seating eight.
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
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The Kraal at Joostenberg

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Where to go for a slow, hearty farm lunch, where much of the produce comes as crisp and as fresh as you can get it, from the garden or from the neighbours? If it’s the weekend, head to The Kraal at Joostenberg Wine Estate where the cattle have moved on and a smattering of wooden tables and wicker chairs have been set up under olive and fruit trees. The serene, shaded restaurant in a stone-walled courtyard serves a set three-course lunch menu that changes weekly, and features deliciously hearty dishes served family style in heaped serving dishes that fill the centre of the table, paired with the estate’s organic wines if you like. Lazy Sunday lunch sorted…
Good to know The cosy wine-tasting room inside a converted wagon house hosts lunches indoors if the weather turns (and also does complimentary tastings for lunch guests).
Opening times Friday – Sunday 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 079 641 1320, kraalrestaurant@joostenberg.co.za
Where to find it Joostenberg Wine Estate, Hoopenburg Road, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
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Ernie Els

On a view-drenched wine estate in one of the most coveted corners of this fertile valley, the striking architecture and contemporary interiors of this restaurant create an air of sophistication, while warm service and an accessible menu make for a laidback lunch in the country.
Chef Saskia Nel’s concise menu of classics – such as grilled linefish with Mediterranean vegetables; fillet medallions with irresistible rough-cut potato chips – echoes the owner’s Big Easy nickname – unfussy, honest country food.
Naturally, the food is complemented by a selection of delicious estate wine, and there’s an equally delicious kids’ menu.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3.30pm (lunch)
Thursday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 9pm (dinner)
Contact details 021 881 3588, bookings@ernieelswines.com
Where to find it Ernie Els Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
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The Table at De Meye

Surrounded by a charming garden with wide-spaced seating under trees, The Table evokes scenes from the Tuscan countryside, complete with good food, good wine and good company, Chef Brendan Thorncroft and his wife Leigh ensure that only the best produce from small-scale farmers in the area is used in their three-course sharing menu (which changes depending on what’s in season), all served on wonderfully mismatched vintage plates. It’s the epitome of la dolce vita: refined comfort food in an idyllic setting. In winter, dining beside the wood-burning stove with views over the lawns is just as heart-warming.
Opening times Thursday – 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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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 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 yellowtail cooked over the fire with sweet potato three ways; pickled ox tongue with waterblommetjie and potato dumpling; or lamb T-bone with cumin cauliflower; and desserts that give a new shine to the humble guava and custard, or cremora tart.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 007 4231, info@eikerestaurant.com
Where to find it 50 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
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Cavalli Estate

Overlooking a dam and immaculate indigenous gardens to glorious mountain views, stylish and contemporary Cavalli Restaurant is headed by chef Lucas Carstens. Like his predecessor, Lucas is passionate about cooking with the seasons, sourcing sustainably, foraging for wild ingredients and letting the integrity of the ingredients shine. Drawing inspiration from Cavalli’s own heirloom vegetable garden, his weekly menus might feature leek cannelloni with shitake, confit lamb with cavolo nero, or cured yellowtail with ginger pumpkin broth and delightful vegetarian options, always beautifully plated, fresh and enticing, and there’s a choice between à la carte or a five-course chef’s menu.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8pm
Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Contact 021 855 3218, restaurant@cavalliestate.com
Where to find it R44 (Strand Road) between Stellenbosch and Somerset West
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The Fat Butcher

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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 hearty burgers, lamb shanks, skaapstertjies (lamb tails), porcini risotto, 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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Hoseki at Delaire Graff

Fresh from a top-to-toe refurbishment, Delaire Graff’s brand-new Hoseki replaces long-standing multi-award-winning Indochine Restaurant. Hōseki (jewel in Japanese) occupies the same light-filled, luxurious space overlooking the Stellenbosch Winelands towards Table Mountain. Envisaged as an elegant Japanese dining experience, with subtle aromatics and a symphony of fresh contemporary flavours, the menu will change with the seasons, with herbs and vegetables sourced from the Estate’s greenhouse and vegetable garden, for an authentic farm-to-table experience honoring Japanese culture and traditions. This new culinary adventure headed up by chef Virgil Kahn promises the same expertise, creativity and finesse that wowed diners at Indochine since it first opened in 2010, but with a brand-new look, flavour and feel.
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

Über-restaurateur Bertus Basson turned a centuries-old barn on Vergenoegd Löw wine estate into a sleek, fine-dining venue (bringing the total number of eateries in his stable to seven). The characteristic Cape Dutch thatched building, complete with weathered rafters, oversized barn doors and dormer windows in the roof, now houses a welcoming bar-lounge area and a spacious restaurant with tables flowing outside onto the verandah, two fireplaces and a carving station. Yes, the menu pays loving attention to meats and roasts (inspired by the estate’s original incarnation as a cattle farm); expect delicious South African farm-kitchen recipes with a refined modern tweak from chef Drikus Brink, presented in three- and five-course menus.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm; Friday + 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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Muratie

Arriving at Muratie is like stepping into a time capsule. The historic family farm, with its ancient oaks and old cellars (complete with famous cobwebs), continues the Melck family tradition of generous farm hospitality, in painting-hung dining rooms, or outdoors on the shaded terrace. Chef Riaan van Schalkwyk preserves the authentic farm kitchen mood with simple and beautifully executed dishes: lamb shank; mushroom risotto; rustic burgers and fresh fish with chardonnay cream – generous portions served with vegetables from the farm garden. The Farm Kitchen is also known and loved for its classic farm breakfast and avocado-and-poached-eggs option – the ideal spot to refuel after a run or mountain-bike ride on the trails.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 865 2330, dine@muratie.co.za
Where to find it Muratie Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
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Jordan

It’s all new at Jordan Restaurant since spring 2022 – a new star chef, a total refurb, and a name to match. Wine estate owner, Gary Jordan, once declared his two favourite chefs in the world were George Jardine and Marthinus Ferreira. Now Marthinus has taken over the reins of the newly re-vamped restaurant from George, bringing his own signature style. Marthinus made his name with experimental, lightly nostalgic fine-dining cuisine at DW Eleven-13 in Jozi. With global influences from years spent working abroad under names such as Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, his sizzling new menu at Jordan Wine Estate merges classic flavours, innovation and flawless execution. Booking is essential.
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
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