Renowned for its vineyard-dotted hillsides, ancient architecture, quirky galleries and boutiques, and some of the best local cuisine in the land, the city of oaks is as much a cosmopolitan hotspot as it is a cultural and culinary centre.
And the fact that it’s so accessible – less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town – makes it even more appealing. While we could easily spend a week in the region’s best cellars, sipping velvety cabernets and creamy chardonnays, it would be remiss not to take advantage of Stellenbosch’s feted gastronomic scene.
From homely farm kitchens to fine-dining tours de force – and even a sushi bar – here are our picks of where to eat in Stellenbosch.
The Table at De Meye
Like a scene straight out of A Year in Provence, The Table Restaurant on the beautiful De Meye wine farm is owned and passionately run by Leigh Williamson and Brendan Thorncroft who have created an honest-to-goodness experience that’s uplifting and memorable.
It’s the stuff of Winelands fantasies: long, sybaritic lunches in the country with people you love and the joys of delicious home-grown food and good stuff to drink; the kind of place you’ll return to time and again.
Rust en Vrede
An all-round first-class experience awaits at the warm and welcoming restaurant on the magnificent Rust and Vrede estate. With sommelier James Mukosi on hand to guide you through the impressive wine selection, stellar service throughout your meal, and exquisitely plated, vibrant and delicious French-inspired cuisine overseen by chef Fabio Daniel, it’s no wonder that two of SA’s finest chefs – Bertus Basson and Luke Dale-Roberts – rate it among the best restaurants in the land.
Housed in the estate’s original 1785 cellar, the restaurant has garnered several prestigious awards, including a spot in the San Pellegrino Top 100 Restaurants in the World and Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World.
Indochine at Delaire Graff
Unrivalled views, superb service and world-class cuisine made with fresh ingredients picked daily from the estate’s garden, Indochine at Delaire Graff represents everything that people love about the Cape Winelands, all rolled into one.
Executive chef Virgil Kahn prepares exquisite Asian-fusion dishes (with strong South African flavours) that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. His much-lauded menu is inspired by his time in Asia, where he travelled and worked at various establishments, including the Michelin-starred Saint Pierre in Singapore, garnering knowledge, skills and experience that are evident in his cooking.
Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery
Formerly Hoghouse BBQ & Bakery, this spot on Spier was relaunched in 2018 as Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery. Here, head chef PJ Vadas (previously of The Roundhouse Restaurant and Camphors at Vergelegen) serves hearty meat dishes (with beef, pork, chicken and eggs sourced from Farmer Angus), farm-fresh bread, and an old Hoghouse favourite: pastéis de nata.
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