The 20 Best Restaurants on Wine Farms around Cape Town

“Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilised pleasures,” said Michael Broadbent, the late British wine critic and writer.

And we couldn’t agree more, particularly if you happen to be doing so in one of the Cape’s best wine farm restaurants, with breathtaking views and a relaxed rural ambience completing the picture.

Our dilemma is this: with over 300 wine estates dotted in and around Cape Town – from Constantia and Durbanville to Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl – where does one even begin?

We’ve whittled down the list to the best of the best – our 20 favourite wine-farm restaurants – so that all you have to do is hop in your car and follow the scent of nectar.

Franschhoek
Stellenbosch + Somerset West
Constantia
Durbanville

Franschhoek

La Petite Colombe

A visit to Franschhoek is simply not complete without a meal on the Leeu Estates property at La Petite Colombe. Amid the striking art, architecture, vines and views, expect the most beautifully plated cuisine to match. The sibling of Constantia’s La Colombe is a relaxed yet refined and flawlessly five-star eatery, helmed by chef Peter Duncan, who brings his rural roots and family history to his cooking. A theatrical array of dishes flows from his kitchen – from the “lounge snacks” to the sweets trolley, and with dazzling presentation, professional service, a smart winelist (and lauded cocktails), there’s a sense of occasion that makes dining here very special.
Good to know The full Chef’s Experience and Reduced Menu both have vegetarian versions.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 202 3395, [email protected]
Where to find it Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road (off the R45), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Orangerie Restaurant

Located on Le Lude estate, Orangerie’s French-inspired interiors create a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere, with high arched doors spilling onto a charming garden terrace with vineyards beyond (make time to wander and explore the rose gardens while you’re there). Using fresh ingredients sourced from surrounding forests, meadows and mountains, chef-proprietor Nicolene Barrow draws on her classical French training (from Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London), to create a varied seasonal menu with a contemporary spin: think West Coast mussels steamed in Le Lude Brut, ginger-glazed pork belly, and duck breast with butter-poached petit cabbage and quince.
Good to know Afternoon (or morning) tea with Le Lude’s cap classique is a real spoil. Book 24 hours in advance.
Opening times Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3pm
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 8.30pm
Morning Tea: Daily, 10am, 10.30am + 11am
Afternoon Tea: Monday – Saturday, 3pm
Contact 021 876 2961, [email protected]
Where to find it Le Lude, Bowling Green Avenue (Lambrechts Road), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Arum

Farm-to-fire… Chef Peter Tempelhoff and team’s new offering at Boschendal is a deep dive into the farm’s superb produce. Arum has transformed the original 1812 cellar, with three beautifully designed spaces and a bright conservatory looking out over the organic vegetable gardens of the heritage estate. Executive chef (and partner) Travis Finch works with the estate’s gardeners and farmers to create a short but delicious menu that changes with the daily harvest. Perhaps Angus beef from the farm, simply grilled over the fire accompanied by a sumptuous ode to the humble carrot; a beautiful octopus with layers of smoky spice; stracciatella with roast beetroot; or farm charcuterie with fabulous focaccia. And Jennifer Hugé works her magic in cocktails and elixirs from the farm’s botanicals, and an inspired collaboration with the Boschendal winemakers to create a bespoke Arum label of single-varietal wines… the superb Alicante Bouschet in particular is one to look out for.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 079 640 5284, [email protected]
Where to find it Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

L’Ami Family Brasserie

Immensely chic but with an informal farm vibe, the family-friendly brasserie at the re-imagined heart of La Motte Wine Estate opens onto a long wrap-around stoep spilling out to central lawns and spreading oak trees. The menu has a French Med-meets-South-Africa flair, revolving around the Spanish Vulcano Gres open-coal grill, which churns out flavoursome and innovative “flame-to-fork” dishes inspired by seasonal farm produce. Think fresh tuna grilled in vine leaves, beef tartare on superb sourdough from the estate’s bakery, plus perfectly grilled steaks, lamb and venison with classic sauces. L’Ami is all about feasting with friends and family, a place to linger all afternoon in serene wine farm surrounds.
Good to know There’s also a small plates menu available 2.30pm – 4.30pm, and a children’s menu.
Opening times Lunch: Wednesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3pm
Dinner: Friday + Saturday, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 876 8000, [email protected]
Where to find it La Motte Wine Estate, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley
Book through DinePlan

Chefs Warehouse at Maison

A tin-roofed farm cottage with shutters and a stoep overlooking shaded lawns, vineyards and mountains is the site of tremendous culinary pleasure. The countryside iteration of Liam Tomlin’s celebrated Chefs Warehouse group, there is a firm focus on sustainability here, using the whole animal (or fish or plant) and making in-house charcuterie, preserves and pickles. Chef Xavier Francis conjures superb, frequently changing four-course tapas-for-two menus accompanied by boutique wines, and the relaxed farm setting with chickens wandering by and vines edging the lawn is all part of the appeal.
Good to know Wood-fired pizzas, a kids menu (that also includes linefish and a risotto), charming farm animals and rustic picnic tables on the lawn make this the one Chefs Warehouse that you can comfortably visit with kids. There are pescatarian, vegan and vegetarian menus too.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 876 2116, [email protected]
Where to find it Maison Estate, R45, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Stellenbosch + Somerset West

Rust en Vrede Restaurant

There’s an enduring magic to this restaurant in the original 1785 cellar on a perfectly manicured estate. Starting on the terrace, with a glass of champagne and 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 (or “surprise” Experience Menu) for dinner that marries his Brazilian-Italian heritage with French technique and local ingredients in harmonious chords of entrancing and unexpected flavours. It’s a delight from start to finish, with thoughtful pairings from sommelier Cameron Bishop (there’s an impressive international winelist).
Good to know Dinner only. No children under 12.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 10pm
Contact 021 881 3757, [email protected]
Where to find it Rust en Vrede Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Hoseki

Living up to its name (hōseki means “jewel” in Japanese), this elegant Asian eatery is the “jewel” of Delaire Graff estate with glorious views from its perch high on the Helshoogte Pass. From blue-leather seating and copper-topped tables to exquisite chopsticks and crockery, Hōseki is a visual delight (indoors and out), with a feast of flavours to match. Culinary precision, creativity and finesse combine in modern-Japanese dining, with four- or eight-course omakase menus (and optional wine-pairing) taking you through the regions of Japan. À la carte options include wagyu steaks, feather-light tempura, ramen, sushi, tacos and robata grills. In addition to top-notch sustainable sourcing, chef Virgil Kahn uses fresh produce and Asian herbs grown in a greenhouse on site.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 4pm (last seating 2pm); 6pm – 11pm (last seating 8pm)
Contact 021 885 8160, [email protected]
Where to find it Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

The Table at De Meye

It’s the stuff of Winelands fantasy and the epitome of la dolce vita: long, sybaritic lunches in the countryside with people you love, delicious home-cooked food and good stuff to drink. Leigh and Brendan Thorncroft offer an honest-to-goodness experience on the beautiful (yet under-the-radar) De Meye wine farm. Under oak trees in a charming garden, with picnic blankets beside each table for impromptu lounging between courses, guests tuck into a set three-course menu of refined, slow-cooked, comforting dishes served on mis-matched vintage crockery. The menu changes often, depending on what’s in season on the neighbouring farms. In winter, the historic whitewashed farmhouse with conservatory addition and wood-burning stoves is an equally attractive setting. It’s the kind of place you’ll return to time and again.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (Thursday – Sunday in winter)
Contact 072 696 0530, [email protected]
Where to find it De Meye Wine Farm, Muldersvlei Road, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Toevlug

Bertus Basson’s latest opening is a delightful family-friendly eatery in the beautiful, historic farmhouse at Annandale Wines, Willem and Louanne Briedenhann’s charmingly unspoilt heritage farm oasis. Here chef Drikus Brink has embraced the new challenge (after his superb sojourn at Clara’s Barn and Geuwels), harnessing his love for seasonal produce and flavour in a new menu driven by simplicity and produce-focused cooking. On our first visit we fell in love with fresh, thoughtful flavours such as raw tuna con tomate; crispy artichokes with anchovy mayo; and beef fillet with confit garlic and a punchy Café de Paris butter. It’s the kind of heartwarming food you want to keep coming back for. There are also appealing breakfast and kids menus, plentiful tables on the terrace, and a play area at the other end of the wide lawn.
Good to know Familiér, the Annandale farm grocer shop, has moved across to the wine-tasting barn.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm (last seating)
Dinner: Friday + Saturday, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 007 5779, [email protected]
Where to find it Annandale Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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 chilled tomato consommé with basil; springbok loin with spinach, mushroom and Parisienne gnocchi; 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 The menu changes frequently during the year. Their Les Jeunes à Table set menu with wines is a not-to-be-missed special for under 30 year olds.
Opening times Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm (summer months only)
Contact 021 809 6444, [email protected]
Where to find it Glenelly Estate, Lelie Street, Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch
Book Through DinePlan

Chorus Restaurant

In this heavenly Winelands setting, high up on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Waterkloof Estate’s famous glass-box dining space hovers over the vineyards. Its mesmerising views over False Bay, framed by an amphitheatre of mountains, are more than worth the long, winding drive up through the vineyards. As is the food, a masterful symphony of flavour that builds over several mystery courses. The “Eenvoud” (“simplicity”) menu has sketches and hints but no descriptions – you’ll need to just surrender to the chefs’ skill for meticulously crafted dishes inspired by local ingredients, seasonality, zero waste and authentic SA flavours. Wine-pairing is optional, but should be mandatory – given where you are.
Opening times Lunch: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm
Contact 021 858 1491, [email protected]
Where to find it Waterkloof Estate, Waterkloof Drive, off Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West
Book Through DinePlan

Tokara Restaurant

As much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds, this wine estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg has a prime position on the famous Helshoogte pass, with views of vines, olive groves and mountains from its slope-hugging, art-filled tasting lounge and restaurant. For lunch, it’s contemporary à la carte; by night, a tasting menu – all with excellent wines. Chef Carolize Coetzee deftly conjures “refined plaaskos” (farm food): imaginative plays of sweet/savoury and textural contrasts, using seasonal ingredients from the garden and local suppliers. Take a stroll after lunch – the sculpture garden is stunning, and there are enticing paths leading to a secret “selfie deck”.
Good to know For more-casual dining, there’s the Deli that opens onto an enchanting treehouse-inspired kids’ playground.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm (Sunday dinner November – March only)
Contact 021 885 2550, [email protected]
Where to find it Tokara Wine Estate, R310 Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Idiom Restaurant

Lying on the slopes of majestic granite mountains, and cooled by winds from the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards at Idiom Wine Estate benefit from a unique combination of climatic conditions, resulting in a spectacular and award-winning range of wines. The glass-walled restaurant combines old-world Roman architecture and contemporary design with an outdoor terrace that boasts spectacular views over mountains and vineyards to the sea. The three-course lunch menu features a delightful mix of Italian and South African cuisine, think ostrich carpaccio, grilled lamb rack with smoked labneh, and duck tortellini with van der Hum reduction.
Good to know There’s also a breakfast menu. Thursday themed wine dinners and Friday sunset dinners offer scenic evening dining with sunset views.
Opening times Saturday – Wednesday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Thursday + Friday, 9.30am – 9pm
Contact 021 858 1088, [email protected]
Where to find it Idiom Wines, Da Capo Vineyards, Off Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West
Book Through DinePlan

The Jordan Restaurant with Marthinus Ferreira

The sublime setting at Jordan Wine Estate is maximised in its signature restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors immerse you fully 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, bringing his lightly nostalgic, classic European approach to a four-course lunch and tasting menus. A truly delightful bread and snack course kicks off the lunch experience, followed by a play on classic dishes with bobotie tartar and herb-crusted sirloin with roast celeriac and fondant potato. 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 Summer (November – March): Daily, 12pm – 3pm (last orders 2pm); Thursday – Saturday, 6.30pm – late
Winter (April – October): Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm (last orders 2pm); Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm – late
Contact 021 881 3441, [email protected]
Where to find it Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

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 Chalmar sirloin steaks, slow-cooked free-range pork belly, seared yellowfin tuna and sustainably caught linefish. And for dessert, Eric’s takes on apple crumble or banana pain perdu finish things off perfectly.
Good to know Booking is essential. The Grillworks open-fire menu of Thai steak salad, halloumi and roast butternut, baked camembert and more to accompany a wine-tasting on the tasting room terrace is another delicious and smoke-infused food option.
Opening times Lunch: Daily, 12pm – 3.30pm
Dinner (November – April): Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 881 3588, [email protected]
Where to find it Ernie Els Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan

Constantia

Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia

In a glass cube suspended above a vine-clad valley on Beau Constantia wine farm, diners tuck into a four- or five-course fine-dining set menu delivered with casual, shared plate finesse. Chef Ivor Jones (who co-owns the eatery with celebrated restaurateur Liam Tomlin) creates an array of imaginative dishes inspired in equal parts by nostalgia, journeys, global flavours and sheer kitchen-genius experimentation. While it’s all based on the harvest from the farm’s gardens, other important ingredients are delight, surprise, magic and joy. The open kitchen, coupled with chic interiors, incredible views and world-class wines, makes this a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Good to know The Protea Pod is a private dining space (separate from the main restaurant) for  8 – 10 guests.
Opening times Lunch: Daily, 12pm – 2pm (last seating)
Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm (last seating)
Closed Monday in winter
Contact 021 794 8632, [email protected]
Where to find it Off Constantia Main Road (M41), Constantia Nek, Cape Town
Book Through Novel

Beyond Restaurant

The wine-country cousin of chef Peter Tempelhoff’s lauded Fyn takes pride of place on Buitenverwachting farm. It’s an elegant spot where huge windows frame the vineyards, reminding diners of nature’s bounty – and the farm’s name: “beyond expectations”. Chef Sebastian Stehr takes an à la carte route, celebrating ingredients in the classic European tradition, so that each dish is superbly balanced and unfettered by frills and foams. It’s a distinctly slow-food (yet still inventive) approach, making skilful use of seasonal produce – with an eye for less common or heirloom varieties, and indigenous herbs and plants grown in their kitchen garden. To save you having to make choices, there is also a six-course Tasting Experience.
Good to know The Youth Menu is available for children under 13.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm (closed Sunday evenings in winter)
Contact 021 794 0306, [email protected]
Where to find it Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Book Through Novel

Tryn

Tryn occupies one side of the historic werf at Steenberg in elegant Cape Dutch style and honours the fiercely independent spirit of pioneer founder Catherina Ras (aka Tryn). Sophisticated but relaxed, there’s an oak-shaded terrace giving onto lawns on the werf side (where kids can explore and play lawn games), a wide terrace leading out of the main restaurant and looking out over vines on the other, and a grand fireplace keeping things cosy in winter. Chef Kerry Kilpin’s elegant but hearty à la carte menu blends classic French techniques with global flavours and local ingredients, for creative and mouthwatering dishes and indulgent desserts (the dark chocolate sphere is a dream).
Good to know It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes thoughtful children’s menus.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 713 7178, [email protected]
Where to find it Steenberg Wine Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Durbanville

De Grendel Restaurant

With its awe-inspiring views of Table Mountain across a dam, vines and farmlands, De Grendel is an instant escape from the city despite being only 20 minutes from the CBD. Forget for a minute, if you can, the spectacular location… the estate’s award-winning wines and classic fine-dining are a winning recipe for celebratory date nights and lunches. Menu descriptions simply list the ingredients (including organic produce from De Grendel farm and garden) without any verbal flourishes, leaving it to the plate itself to wow you. The mouth already waters reading descriptions such as bouillabaisse, linefish, prawn, mussels, squid, fennel tomato, grana Padano; or venison loin, beetroot, sweet potato, shimeji, berries, pink peppercorn and cherry… but it’s the beautifully executed flair and flavours that have put the restaurant on the must-dine list since 2012.
Opening times Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 1.30pm (last seating)
Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
Contact 021 558 7035, [email protected]
Where to find it Plattekloof Road (M14), Durbanville, Cape Town
Book Through DinePlan

Jéan Restaurant at Klein Roosboom

This boutique winery is one of the Cape’s true hidden gems, the restaurant windows opening straight onto the vines. Chef Loríanne Heyns takes an uncomplicated approach, balancing seasonal flavours and putting a spin on SA food heritage. Famous for the breakfast bagels, you could also start the day with Turkish eggs with spicy zough sauce, za’atar-spiced cucumber salad and butter-toasted flatbread; or banana bread French toast with bacon and honey roast banana. Menus change with the seasons but lunch might include their popular Korean-fried chicken burger, braised pork belly with miso maple root vegetables, dukkah and hanepoot jus, and wild mushroom sorghum risotto. There’s a separate Sunday brunch menu that adds brunchy burgers, savoury waffles and Sunday roasts to creative twists on the breakfast menu. And there are picnics too.
Good to know Jéan Restaurant hosts the fun ‘Tux & Tekkies’ event, which sees you dress up for a sunset or full-moon walk that starts at the tasting room, takes you through the vineyards to canapés atop a hill, and ends with dinner in the restaurant.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday + Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Friday + Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Contact 086 057 2572, [email protected]
Where to find it Tygerberg Valley Road (M13), Durbanville, Cape Town
Book Through DinePlan

You might also be interested in:
The Best Restaurants in Franschhoek
The Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch
The Best Restaurants in Constantia
The Best Restaurants in Durbanville

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for hot new openings, secret spots and incredible escapes – straight to your inbox every week.