Cape Winelands Restaurants

The Cape Winelands is almost as well known for its restaurants as it is for its wines

In recent years the Cape Winelands has become home to some of South Africa’s most respected and well known restaurants. Franschhoek in particular has become the self appointed culinary capital of the winelands with the high street literally littered with top restaurants.

The Cape Winelands is ideally suited to providing excellent restaurants. The Winelands is close to the ocean and therefore seafood is readily available. Many of the farmers in the winelands not only grow grapes but concentrate on growing fresh organic ingredients. Olive oils and cheeses compliment the freshiest of ingredients. The chefs are trained locally but often receive international training and experience at some of the top restaurants in Europe. Compared to other culinary capitals of the world, the Cape Winelands is relatively young, however the chefs have been able to set their own style and seem to beautiful and creatively combine the English, African, Cape Malay and Dutch styles that are so part of the culture of the winelands.

Its absolutely essential to plan your restaurants in the Cape Winelands. Speak to your Rhino Africa consultant about your particular preferences and have them prebook your restaurants for you.

These are a few of our personal favourites – we are constantly researching new restaurants so read our Travel Blog to check for new ones.

Reubens
Franschhoek
021 876 3772

Recently Reuben Riffel opened Ruebens in Franschhoek and has in several short years has built up a reputation as being one of the finest restaurants in the country. Having won the Chef of the Year award in Eat Out Magazine, Rueben’s restaurant is difficult to get into. His style is relaxed and informal and the food is funky, uncomplicated and innovative.

Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais
Franschhoek
021 876 2151

Margot Janse and her restaurant the Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais has been regarded as one of the top restaurants and chefs in the country. Margot uses the finest local ingredients but combines them with current trends likes foams.
She is well known for her excellent sauces.

La Petite Ferme
Franschhoek
021 8765 3016

La Petite Ferme has a fantastic reputation. Located at the top of the valley and overlooking Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme was originally famous for serving Franschhoek Fresh Trout. Today the menu has developed and the restaurant has become a ‘ must do’ on many visitors itineraries. Only open at lunchtime, spend the best part of the afternoon relaxing in the restaurant, sipping wine and admiring the view.

Haute Cabriere
Franschhoek
021 876 3688

Opposite La Petite Ferme you will find Haute Cabriere. This restaurant has been built in the mountain and incorporate the cellar. The menu has been designed to compliment the Haute Cabriere wines and sparkling wines. The restaurant is indoors and therefore we believe the restaurant is the perfect choice for the winter or as an evening restaurant. All menu items can be ordered as main courses and as starter portions.

Bread & Wine
Franschhoek
021 876 3692

In complete contrast Bread and Wine at Moreson wine estate is a lunchtime venue. Situated in a courtyard the restaurant serves tapas style food which can be ordered deli style. Order a platter and allow the waiting staff to recommend the perfect bottle of wine to compliment your meal.

Bosmans Restaurant
Paarl
021 863 2727

Bosmans Restaurant is located at Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl. The restaurant ranks as one of the finest in the country, and has maintained a traditional feel about it for many year, although the restaurant has recently been refurbished which gives it a lighter more airy feel. The restaurant boasts and impress cellar of over 6000 bottles of wines.

The Goatshed
Paarl
021 863 3609

The Goatshed is a barn style building built on the Fairview Estate. Cheese is the specialty and they do a fantastic cheese platter from which you can taste up to 25 of the cheeses, all of which are produced on the farm. The farm creates goats cheese and cows milk cheese in both traditional and modern method.

Boschendal Le Pique Nique
Stellenbosch
021 870 4272

Boschendal is one of the pioneering picnics on wine farms and has been delighting guests as far back as 1980. Booking in advance is absolutely essential. The beautifully presented and tasty picnics are served on the lawns under the pine trees. The views of the traditional manor and mountains is postcard perfect.

96 Winery Road
Stellenbosch / Somerset West
021 842 2020

96 Winery Road is an absolutely delightful restaurant set on the Zandberg Farm between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The décor is surprisingly simple and farm house style – but the food is sure to delight you. The restaurant has a fantastic reputation amongst ‘ Cape Town’s foodies’ booking is completely essential.

Tokara
Stellenbosch
021 808 5959

Chef Etienne Bonthuys is a chef with a fantastic reputation in South Africa. His combinations are unusual and spectacular. The restaurant has a superb location . Anyone serious about their food should definitely book a table to experience the food !