The Cape winelands are blessed with many of South Africa’s best restaurants.    To make it simpler for hardened foodies, here follows a short list of my top 10 restaurants in the Cape Winelands that should not be missed.  We then provide a breakdown of some of our favourite restaurants in the Cape Winelands including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek &  Paarl

Pam’s Top 10 Cape Winelands Restaurants:

EPICE in Franschhoek town Épice takes you on a journey through spice, with fine dining inspired by the flavours the chef grew up with. Each dish has a story, and the celebration of local ingredients makes this a special stop to add to your Franschhoek stay. Franschhoek Town

BABEL RESTAURANT Set on Babylonstoren wine estate, Babel brings the farm to your table. Much of what you’ll enjoy is grown or made right there on the property, with seasonal produce at the heart of every meal. A lovely way to taste the freshness of the farm. Babylonstoren Farm,  Paarl

THE KRAAL AT JOOSTENBERG One of my absolute favourite dining experiences in the Cape Winelands. Set beside the cellar on Joostenberg Farm, The Kraal serves a relaxed, family-style lunch with no menu to choose from. Instead, generous platters of seasonal farm produce are brought to the table to share. Every ingredient has a story, and every meal feels like a celebration of the farm. Joostenberg Farm, Paarl

LA PETITE COLOMBE Set on Leeu Estates, La Petite Colombe pairs beautiful valley views with a memorable fine-dining experience. As part of the award-winning La Colombe group, it earned three stars at the 2026 Eat Out Awards, while its head sommelier received the Wine Service Award.   Note that lunch takes approximately 3 hours! Leeu Estate, Franschhoek

DELAIRE-GRAAF  Offers a mix of gorgeous contemporary architecture,  one of the best views as it is high up a mountain with sweeping views of the valley below,  a wonderful art collection, gorgeous decor , great service and a really good a la carte menu.  This is a great choice for lunch when exploring the Stellenbosch vineyards as it is located in the middle of the region. On Delaire-Graaf Wine Estate.   Stellenbosch

CHORUS Perched on the mountainside, Chorus’s striking glass cube feels as though it’s floating above the vineyards, with sweeping views towards False Bay. Inside, seasonal, multi-course dining brings a thoughtful South African touch to the table. It’s an unforgettable setting for a meal by one of our best-known chefs, Bertus Basson Waterkloof Estate, Somerset West. Note that all of Chef Bertus Basson’s restaurants are excellent – so check out his other options on his website.

THE TABLE AT DE MEYE Located at De Meye Wine Estate.  Stellenbosch.   The restaurant was the first restaurant to do the “family style” lunches in the Cape Winelands.  They continue the tradition and you simply arrive, sit under the trees in summer and platters of season food with regionally sourced ingredients arrive on the table!  It is our favourite place to celebrate summer! De Meye Wine Estate,  Stellenbosch

POST & PEPPER Post & Pepper is especially lovely in the evening, just an easy walk from the historic heart of town. In the old post office, chef-owner Jess van Dyk serves playful, beautifully crafted small plates that put fresh twists on familiar flavours, with South African and Asian influences. A talented chef with a real gift for making dinner feel fun and relaxed. Stellenbosch Town

JORDAN RESTAURANT Chef Marthinus Ferreira’s contemporary farm-style cooking lets seasonal produce from local farms take centre stage, with Jordan wines to match. The restaurant’s terrace is a beautiful spot to linger over the meal, with views across the vineyards and Stellenbosch mountains.You can enjoy either a three-course à la carte lunch or the tasting menu. Dinner is tasting-menu only, with wine pairings available. Menus change with the seasons, so check the Jordan Restaurant menus and details when you book. Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch

ARUM RESTAURANT Arum brings the celebrated FYN team to Boschendal, with Chef Travis Finch leading the kitchen. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant where Travis and his team work closely with the estate’s gardeners, growers and breeders, drawing on more than 40 kinds of estate-grown ingredients. The menu follows a farm-to-fire approach, weaving smoke, char and gentle flame through the dishes. Fermenting, pickling and ageing add even more depth, with plenty of creativity and fun along the way. Boschendal Wine Estate,  Franschhoek

some of our favourite restaurants in the Cape Winelands including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek &  Paarl

Some of our favourite restaurants in the Cape Winelands including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek &  Paarl region:

FRANSCHHOEK:

Oku

One of my absolute favourite places in town, Ōku is right on Franschhoek’s main road, yet stepping inside feels like entering a calm, little haven. The tranquil, zen-inspired interior sets the mood for vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, made with local and seasonal ingredients. Choose the 15-course Kaiseki tasting experience or order from the à la carte menu.

La Petite Ferme

La Petite Ferme is one of the prettiest places to dine in the Franschhoek Valley, with views that are hard to beat. Well-known chef Richard Carstens is now at the helm, bringing a fresh chapter to the restaurant’s seasonal country cooking.

A minimum of two courses makes lunch a leisurely affair, but with the valley spread out before you, there’s no need to rush. Request a terrace or outdoor table when you book, then settle in and enjoy the view.  Open daily for lunch and dinner.   Location:  La Petite Ferme wine estate – about 5 minutes drive from Franschhoek town.

La Motte Wine Estate Dining options

A visit to the La Motte wine estate is wonderful experience.   The estate is owned by Hanneli Rupert.  The Rupert family are one of the wealthiest families in South Africa and have always had a love affair with art. Here you can taste their wine, visit their farm decor & food shops, visit their curated art gallery and view some local art and stay for lunch or dinner!  The estate has a variety of wonderful restaurants to choose from.    The most informal and relaxed option is the Bakery which has a Garden cafe.    Here you can enjoy a pastry, a cake or a lovely light farm inspired lunch.   L’Ami is a beautiful family brasserie.    It is also relaxed, has beautiful decor and a wonderful chef who celebrates the fresh produce from the estate, local flavours and uses fire cooking.    It also has a kids menu.    Jan Franschhoek is the fine dining option on the estate and is open for dinner.   It is the creation of South Africa’s first Michelin star winner (for his restaurant in Nice, France).    This is an intimate fine dining tasting menu experience.     If you are keen to experience the creativity of Jan Franschhoek Restaurant – you need to book well in advance! JAN Franschhoek is a seasonal experience at La Motte, running from September to April.  During the current season, dinner is Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 18:30, and lunch is Sunday only, starting at 12:30. Guests meet at La Motte Manor House 30 minutes beforehand.

Chefs Warehouse at Maison Estate

Is co-owned by the famous  Chef Liam Tomlin (former owner of Bank Restaurant in Sydney) and the very talented Chef David Schneider. and It is wonderful to see Chef Liam Tomlin growing his Chef’s Warehouse group in the Cape.   Chef Liam (who is Irish) had a top restaurant in Sydney called Bank.   When he settled in to the Cape he had NO plans to ever open a restaurant again.  He started off by doing cooking classes and selling cookbooks and cooking paraphernalia.   He eventually buckled and opened Chefs Warehouse in central Cape Town.   This is a simple creative kitchen with very limited wastage – each day you create 8 dishes.   These 8 dishes come out for a couple to share.   The signature is a highly creative kitchen serving dishes inspired by seasonal cuisine at a fair price.  Over time Liam’s signature become one of training and empowerment.   Every talented young chef in the city wanted to work in his kitchens.  In turn he grew them and let them loose in his new restaurants as he opened new ones in Constantia & Franschhoek.      Chefs Warehouse Maison continues the tradition of offering Tapas dishes for the table to share.   They summarise the essence of the restaurant much better than I can!

“Maison means home in French. Place of comfort, nourishment and sharing. Chefs Warehouse Maison is that relaxed contemporary country restaurant with the gentle ease and hospitality you’d expect from an old Winelands friend, who just happens to be a fantastic chef.   Maison is home, but better. Great food that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A stoep and a lazy oak-shaded lawn with nearby vineyards, and the odd chicken. The perfect place for a long, lingering meal with your favourite people.”

Open daily for lunch and dinner on Maison Wine Estate.

The main road in Franschhoek has many wonderful little restaurants on the pavement – chose the one that you fancy most – nearly all of them are really good.  It is wonderful to sit on the pavement in Franschhoek with a great glass of wine and enjoy the world go by.  One of my favourites is the French Connection Bistro on the main road – excellent and relaxed with great mountain view.  On my last visit I had the steak and it was excellent and excellent value for money!  We also LOVE  Tuk Tuk Micro Brewery – they have a lovely buzz there at night and on weekends as most of the locals hang out there.   They do light dishes and for those beer phobes – they also serve wine!  They are located next door to Le Quartier Franscais on the main drag (across from Foliage)

STELLENBOSCH REGION:

Stellenbosch has become one of the Cape Winelands’ most vibrant foodie destinations. I love that so many young chefs have opened restaurants here, alongside a wonderful choice of wine bars and coffee spots.

Take time to explore the old part of town around the church, where Cape Dutch and English architecture meet lovely little shops, wine bars and pavement cafés. With so many relaxed, delicious places to eat, Stellenbosch makes a wonderful base for exploring the Cape Winelands.

Spek & Bone

This is one of my favourite summer restaurants!   I am in LOVE with Spek & Bone. This is the chilled offspring of the renowned top local Chef Bertus Basson and is co-owned by the talented Chef Micheal Houghton.  It is located in a peaceful courtyard in the middle of the oldest part of Stellenbosch town.   It is a simple concept – take a lovely hidden courtyard in the oldest part of Stellenbosch Town and create a chilled wine bar with delicious shared plate dishes…….that are created by Chef Michael, Chef Bertus and their  talented team of Chefs.  This is the perfect spot for a long afternoon with friends.   Note closed on a Sunday.   Otherwise open for lunch and dinner.                 

Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery at Spier Wine Estate – Stellenbosch

Is owned by Chef PJ Vadas – who is one of South Africa’s most talented chefs – yet the concept is extremely simple – great locally sourced produce – cooked really well.  They focus on Smoked and BBQed meat.   If you are a carnivore with a sweet tooth – this spot is for you!   This is a group of friends working together.   They have a passion for sourcing the best local produce they can find – and that does all the way from the locally sourced meat and eggs from Farmer Angus on Spier through to the kombucha, the flour, the beer and the coffee.    This spot is family friendly and you sit out on the terrace under the trees.   It is also the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a group of friends – I would advise you to order portions of meat and sides to share – that way you get to enjoy lots of different flavours!   This was my first visit since the spot had been the Hoghouse Smokehouse – it is now Vadas Smokehouse – not much changed  –  same Chef – perhaps the ownership structure changed!   Verdict – an absolute favourite chilled lunch spot for real food with real flavour!                         

 Rust en Vrede Restaurant  

Is located on the multi award winning Rust en Vrede estate.  The estate is best known for its red blend which has been listed by US Wine Spectator magazine as one of the top 100 wines in the world for many years.  The restaurant has converted the old wine cellar to create a beautiful space for a fine dining restaurant.  Note that this restaurant is only open at night – which means – it is best to experience it if you are staying over in the Stellenbosch region.  There is  huge attention to detail – they had plates made specially for their dishes, only use Riedel glasses and even have Laguiole knives to make the experience unforgettable!   The chef is a Brazilian with Italian Heritage – Fabio Daniel (married to a South African!!)   He literally worked his way up through two head chefs at Rust en Vrede and was made head chef in 2017.   Open Tues – Sat for dinner only.  Tel no: +27 21 881 375 Cost $$$$ Note that they have a light lunch option on the estate – you can either have a steak or salmon – this is served in the winery and is a separate offering from the main restaurant which is only open at night.

The Restaurant @ Jordan by Chef Marthinus Ferreira –

Chef Marthinus Ferreira is one of South Africa’s top Chefs.   His open plan restaurant has a view of vines and mountains in the distance.  It must be an inspirational space to work in!  Location: Jordan Wine Estate Stellenbosch. Open daily for lunch (in summer) &  Thurs, Fri & Sat night for dinner  Food Style: Fine Dining   

Middelvlei Boere Braai 

This is an absolute must to try if you are an adventurous foodie who wishes to learn about our local South African cuisine and culture.  This is your opportunity to try a very local experience of enjoying a traditional Braai (BBQ).  On Middelvlei wine estate (45 minutes from Cape Town) they offer a three course braai on the lawns in front of their tasting room.  Sampling a traditional braai is hard to do while traveling to South Africa – the reason is that it is a home activity and not found in restaurants. Read more about the experience on our blog.  We would highly recommend the experience so that you understand our favourite way of entertaining in Southern Africa.  It is very kiddy friendly. Booking is essential:  +27 21 883-2565 or  info@middelvlei.co.za.  Open daily for lunch.    #authenticsouthafricancuisineexperience #braai

Terroir has closed down and been replaced by The Kleine Zalze Restaurant

Talented Chef Nic Van Wyk has taken over the old Terroir Location on Kleine Zalze Estate.

They have LOTS of fabulous outdoor tables and the focus will now be on keeping the offering simpler.

From their website:

“The food I like to cook is quite timeless,” says Van Wyk. “My approach has always been about being honest, authentic and generous in my cooking. That is what we offer at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant. Not necessarily fine dining but certainly top-quality delicious food.” The menu at the Kleine Zalze Restaurant will change regularly to offer a compact selection of plats du jour; a collection of delicious dishes inspired by classic cuisine. Alongside the plats du jour Van Wyk has also created a small selection of tapas plates, perfectly pitched for a lighter meal at the restaurant or to complement a wine tasting.

Location: Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, Stellenbosch.  Open daily for lunch and dinner. 

Delaire Graaf Restaurant

Located on the Delaire-Graaf Wine Estate on the Hellshoogte Mountain pass in Stellenbosch.    The Graaf family are diamond dealers and the budget for the revamp of the old Delaire Estate was extremely high.  The end result is quite simply gob smacking.  This estate always boasted one of the best views of the wine region.  Take the stupendous view and add innovative modern architecture, a cellar enclosed in glass for the public to view, a refined tasting room, a glamorous restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating and a high calibre local art collection with sculptures dotted around the garden – you have a winery that is now a destination that must be included on a visit to the wine region.

The setting (panoramic mountain views) and the décor are unbeatable!   This is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.  It is gob smacking in terms of the views and the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous.  Every year or two the chefs turn over  – and as such I once again need to dig to find out who the current chef is!   They however have a great track record of attracting a talented team to “man” their kitchens!     You feel like you are royalty and living the good life by simply spending an afternoon here.  I would highly recommend booking in advance.  Open for lunch & dinner daily. Tip – book for an early table or you don’t get a table with a great view!  Update:  One can only book 6 months in advance for lunch!

Table at De Meye.   

On the De Meye Wine Estate.   The Table at De Meye is an absolute favourite of ours for weekend lunches with a group of friends!  They are only open for lunch Thursday to Sunday.   In summer you sit under the trees all afternoon  – in winter you sit in the cozy farmhouse.   If feels like going to someones home for a long Sunday lunch.   There is no choice on the menu – starters are brought to share, mains are served in big bowls to serve yourself like you would at home – eg a salad, roast veg and a roast chicken.   All ingredients are sourced from farms around them and every ingredient has a story.  They also have their own vegetable garden that they harvest for the weekend.    They do cater for dietary requirements – but they must be mentioned on booking!   This is a foodie journey at every step – and each mouthful is a flavour journey.   I would highly recommend a visit! (Note new owners taking over September 2019!  Same concept and I am sure just as much passion!)

Tokara 

Has been one of the Cape’s top restaurants for the last 10 years!  It was home to Chef Richard Castens for many years.   He was a huge fan of molecular gastronomy.   I began to move towards “real food”  and as such had not been to Tokara for years!  I am now watching the new Chef with great curiosity.   She is focusing on regional ingredients, bringing in flavours from her South African heritage and harvesting veg from the farm…………….she looks wonderful.  Her food looks fantastic and real!    You can feel her excitement on her instagram!   I cannot wait to go and try out Chef Carolize Coetzee’s food!  Address:  Tokara Estate, Hellshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch.  Open Tues – Sat for lunch & dinner. (Tip – the restaruant boasts a large number of William Kentridge artworks – so if you are an art lover – this is a great option as well!)   Tip 2 – book on the terrace for summer – this restaurant has one of the best views in the winelands – you are seated on top of a mountain above the grape vines!

Tokara DeliCATessen 

The Tokara Wine Estate have two restaurant options – the fine dining restaurant located in the same building as the winery and tasting room and the DeliCATessen next door.   One can simply park at the main restaurant and do a walk through the olives and art to get to the deli side.   This is a wonderful space to visit if you want a lighter lunch, if you have kids traveling with you or if you are an art lover.   It is located in its own contemporary building and has a variety of sculptures on display in the garden (which are all for sale – so they swop around a lot!).   This is a deli where you can taste the estates oils and stock up on everything from parma ham to chocolate to take home with you.   The menu offers a delicious assortment of lighter dishes that are all delicious – simple with a gourmet twist of fabulous flavours.   The garden area has fantastic creative items in for the kids to play – a birds nest to climb in – a wonderful funky wooden jungle gym for climbing and many toys that can be taken inside or outside.   However during the week one sees few kids there – it is a tranquil space and one I spend a lot of time at!   It is very well priced and offers great value for money.

Restaurants in the TOWN of Stellenbosch:

TIP WHEN STAYING IN STELLENBOSCH TOWN:  Head out to the “big” restaurants on wine estates during the day and then have a light dinner in the old central area of Stellenbosch at night.  There are loads of quirky places either on Kerk/Church Street or just off it.  Some of my favourite places that I have discovered are:

Spek & Bone 

Not to be missed by foodies!!!   Fabulous small spot.  Relaxed.  Vibey.  Great Chefs.   Wine bar with small plates of food for sharing.   Every dish is a taste sensation!  Order as many small dishes as you can for a wonderful tasting journey.   This is the  baby of Chef Bertus Basson of Overture.   They have an amazing wine list – this is an absolute treat for me as a local wine fanatic as there are so many wines on the list that I have not only not tried – but not even heard of!   There is a talented team of creative chefs in the kitchen.   Note this is not a fine dining spot – it is simply the perfect place to head to with a group or friends to spend a fun afternoon or evening enjoying wonderful food and fantastic wine (excellent value for money).   Do not miss the peppermint crisp ice cream cones at the end of the visit.   This is my new favourite soul home in the town of Stellenbosch.   I would highly recommend a visit.

TIP – it is hidden behind Oom Samie se Winkel in Dorp Street in Stellenbosch Town.

 

Some chilled options in town:

• The Fat Butcher – fabulous steak house!  Your are in a region that is obsessed with great red meat.   This spot is 100% passion about great meat.   Fantastic steaks – plus “real” burgers for the kids.  It is in a wonderful old building with a courtyard.   Highly recommended for the food.   Slow on the service and not brilliant on forward bookings – however perhaps if you book on the day you will have better luck!
• Hudsons Burgers – great burgers.  Real meat.  No additives.   Wonderful location on Dorp Street.  Plenty of outside seating.   Hudsons is the creation of Cape Town owners – so it is a proudly Cape burger!   This spot attracts the students – and is great for people watching!
• Die Werf
• Craft – a wonderful beautifully decorated  craft beer and tapas bar.  Fabulous vibe and a celebration of simple delicious flavours.  I loved every bite and can highly recommend the tomato and mozzarella flammkuchen.  Andringa Street – just off Church Street (Note they have to close by 10pm!)
• Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar – this is more of a spot to have a drink and to enjoy the beautiful setting!  I love the old vines that they have used as part of the decor.  The bar showcases the Bartinney Estates wines – which are fabulous! Make sure you do not miss having a glass of chardonnay – it is my favourite chardonnay from the region.  We tried the cheese plate – which was tiny pieces of cheese!  If you nibble – head elsewhere for dinner.  They closer really early – I think 7pm – so start the evening here!  It is just off Church Street.  Entrance Bird Street.
• De Stomme Jonge – quirky little bar with some delicious light eats.  This is a fun spot to pop into for a drink and to people watch.  It is frequented by lots of friendly locals! 3 Ryneveld Street – just off Church Street.

PAARL REGION

SOMERSET WEST REGION:

CHORUS AT WATERKLOOF ESTATE

 This building is literally a contemporary architectural block of glass that juts out of the mountain with views of the vines and sea in the distance.   It is also built next to and on top of a gravity fed cellar.   The wine here is some of my favourite in the Cape and the estate is producing some of the best organic wines in the country.   They are a champion conservation estate and focus on biodiversity as well as using biodynamic principles.  Amazing wine.  An amazing space and energy

Vergelegen

Has two restaurants on this wonderful historic estate.

Stables – serves light meals.  It is perfect if you have kids with you as the play area is close to the restaurant – but not too close to disturb the other dinners!  The chef does innovative light meals with an emphasis on freshly sourced ingredients – this may be the cheapie restaurant on the estate – but the decor is gorgeous!  The second restaurant is called

Picnics – this is one of my favourite picnics in the winelands!   You book and arrive!   They carry your picnic to your lovely table in the camphor forest.   Picture tables among the trees with along white table cloths!  For the kids they provide a blanket or a poof.   This is such fun for a long relaxing afternoon with a group of friends.   Great fun for the whole family too as the kids run off and play among the trees!

DURBANVILLE:

De Grendel Restaurant (Durbanville Winelands – about 20 minutes from Cape Town central) – I cannot recommend this highly enough – gob smacking views of Table Mountain and the city makes this one to make sure you get to for an early booking to see the sun set.  Combine this with a fine dining experience that is great value for money.  Some background on those behind the food: Diners sensing Michelin-star excellence on the palate will be spot-on as De Grendel Restaurant is a culinary collaboration between De Grendel and Crown Hotels and Restaurants who owns the Michelin starred The Crown at Whitebrook (voted 2011 Best Restaurants in Wales) and Celtic Manor. My verdict: Book immediately – this is a really special treat!! I am in love with this spot.  The dinner blew me away, as did the view, the dishes, the presentation and one of the nicest sauvignon blancs on the planet!   Info: Tel +27 21 558 7035.  Directions: Head out of Cape Town on the N1 Paarl direction, Leave the N1 at exit 18; continue left down the Plattekloof Road for another 5 km, De Grendel is on the right (it has its own traffic light and is signposted)