The Cape, with its diverse ethnic mix, offers a range of cuisines that will be tempt those of all tastes. From the spicy Cape Malay curries to the traditional township fare, unique meats and fresh seafood, dining out in the Cape is bound to be one of highlights of your visit. Food is generally reasonably priced, high quality, and well prepared.

Make sure you experience as many of the different dining opportunities as possible, to get a real appreciation for the flavours of the Cape!

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This Cape Winelands Restaurants Guide gives a breakdown of what type of cuisine you could expect to find, as well as listing a few restaurants which you may like to try. More general information about food in South Africa can be found by going to our South Africa Restaurants Guide. And to help burn off some of those calories, why not enjoy some of the fantastic shopping in Cape Winelands page, which will give you some hints and tips about souvenirs you make like to take home, and where to find them.

Cape Winelands Restaurants & Food Guide

The Cape Peninsula is reknowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Whilst in the Cape, you may wish to:

- Savour the fragrant spices and powerful flavours of Cape Malay cooking.
- Experience traditional township meals such as morogo and "samp and beans", at places like Igugu le Africa or one of the Township B&Bs in Khayelitsha.
- Sample some unique African meats, such as the low fat ostrich steaks or even springbok or kudu.
- Travel along the West Coast where you will find the very best seafood in the Cape, although anywhere along either coast normally offers something fresh and tantalising.

Cape Malay Cooking

Curries and pastries are two of the most popular features of Cape Malay cooking. Fragrant spices are a key ingredient, and give the cuisine its distinctive taste. Particular favourites include:

Bobotie - ground beef and raisins, covered in a creamy crust made of egg
Breyani - with a spicy base made of rice and lentils, breyani also features fish, meat or poultry
Samoosa - minced meat or vegetables in a covered pastry, a popular snack
Koeksister - normal taken with tea or coffee, this is a sweet plaited pastry

African Fare

African fusion restaurants abound in Cape Town, and a number of them are excellent locations to try some African fare. Unique dishes are created by combining and experimenting with African ingredients and recipes. There is a tremendous amount of variety available on the menus, and as such surely something to please everyone. Established, well-known African fusion restaurants include Mama Africa, on Long Street, and the Africa Café, located in the City Bowl.

The Township Culinary Experiences

If you'd like to try something a bit more authentic, in terms of the types of meals eaten every day by many locals, your best option is to try some of the traditional township fare. As mentioned previously, dishes such as morogo (wild spinach) and "samp'n beans" are popular, as are various wood fired meats. A boisterous "shebeen" (township bar/restaurant) is the best place to enjoy one of these meals.

Meat & Braai (BBQ)

As is the case everywhere else in South Africa, meat is both popular and plentiful. Whether it's the juicy lamb from the Karoo, low fat ostrich steaks from Oudtshoorn, springbok, kudu or even the huge beef steaks on offer, carnivores will find themselves spoiled for choice. The quintessential South African braai is an absolute must if you are offered the opportunity - less a meal than a way of life in South Africa. If its game meats you're after, you'd be best served going to restaurants specialising in them, such as Lobst's in Paarl and Lapa Lanterfanteer in Gansbaai. One local snack which you may also wish to try is biltong, basically dried meat. Normally made from beef, it is also made from kudu, springbok and ostrich meat. It's especially popular as "padkos", which translates from Afrikaans as food for the road.

Cape Town is famous for its wonderful choice of restaurants catering to all budgets and palates. Here's just a sampling of the Cape's best eateries (and some of our personal favourites)...

Restaurants List

The Backsberg Restaurant

Set in beautiful gardens, the Backsberg restaurant offers a variety of delicious meals and fine wine. We serve lunch daily from Monday to Sunday and have both inside and outside seating options. Come and enjoy our traditional lamb on the spit, famous roast potatoes and Linda's chocolate Roulade. In winter our traditional lamb spit braai is served indoors.
On Sundays we have a set menu, R170 per person, 3 courses consisting of a starter, lamb on the spit, a buffet of salads and dessert. While enjoying your meal, you can listen to the mellow sounds of Guy Feldman on guitar. We do cater for vegetarians if you contact us a few days in advance. Bookings are essential.

Type : Wholesome, farm-style food

Address : On the Backsberg Estate farm, Simondium Road, Paarl

Phone : (021) 875 5952

Email : restaurant@backsberg.co.za

Website : http://www.backsberg.co.za

Opening hours : 10:00 to to 16:00

The Brazen Head (Stellenbosch)

One of the great attractions of Ireland is the freshness and purity of its food: few countries enjoy such a high reputation for quality of homegrown produce. Food is now a very important part of the success of The Brazen Head. The food offering features hearty, wholesome, reasonably priced Irish and South African fare that will appeal to the local palate. Authentic Irish beverages are also central to The Brazen Head. Great Irish brands like Guinness and Kilkenny, famous Irish whiskeys like Tullamore Dew and Jameson's along with Bailey's are all available at The Brazen Head.

Type : Traditional Irish Food and Drink

Address : Adjacent to Eikestad Mall Parking Area

Phone : +27 (0)21 882 9672

Email : brazenhead@telkomsa.net

Website : http://www.brazenhead.co.za

Sommelier at Sante Winelands Hotel & Wellness (Paarl)

This luxury restaurant offers a true gourmand's feast as our chef incorporates the spoils of this fruitful valley into all meals, adding a unique local flavour. In addition, the wine list is a veritable showcase of all the finest cellars in this world famous wine region. Dietary choices include the Detox Cleansing Diet, Weight Loss Diet or the Healthy Gourmet option. The Wellness Restaurant specializes in "Ã la Carte" health cuisine with a South African slant, while the Health Bar serves lighter meals in a casual al fresco setting. Light meals may also be enjoyed on the Hotel Pool Deck, as well as the Living Room. Nutritional consultation is done in close cooperation with our chef.

Type : Ã la Carte" health cuisine

Address : Simonsvlei Road, Road 45, Paarl-Franschhoek Valley

Phone : +27 (0) 21 875 8100

Email : info@santewellness.co.za

Seasons at Diemersfontein (Wellington)

A bright, fresh contemporary restaurant set in the heart of the Wellington winelands, Seasons offers panoramic views over the farm dam and horse paddocks across to surrounding mountain ranges and Paarl Rock. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Type : Variety of dishes using fresh, local and seasonal

Address : Approached from Cape Town, the most pleasing route is as follows: Take the N1 north until you reach exit 47, the R44 which you follow in the direction of Wellington (left) for 28km. Do not turn off this road. You will pass various turnoffs and crossroads, which you should bypass, until you reach a long uphill stretch, with the town of Wellington on your left. You will arrive at a T-junction with the cemetery on your right. Turn right and drive downhill for approximately 1km. You will see the signs to Diemersfontein on your left.

Phone : +27 (0)21 864 5050

Email : restaurant@diemersfontein.co.za

Website : www.diemersfontein.co.za

Opening hours : 08:00 to to 22:00

Primi Colony (Somerset West)

The espresso style cooking method creates food of distinction from scratch on order. Specialising in pasta, pizza, focaccia, anti-pasta and a variety of meat, fish and chicken specialty dishes, Primi Piatti use strong taste combinations and the freshest and best quality ingredients. Primi Piatti strives to create a consistent x-factor through the quick delivery of service and food that is unparalleled.

Type : Italian

Address : From Cape Town side take the N2 to Somerset West, the Airport direction. Take the R44 turn-off, Primi Colony is inside the Somerset Mall.

Phone : + 27 21 850 0029

Email : somerset@primi-piatti.com

Website : www.primi-world.com

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 22:00

Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant (Paarl)

The setting on the slopes of Paarl Rock is exceptional. Patrons dine al fresco on a white-washed patio with a unique view and the relaxing burble of the Koi pond, or inside in a restaurant decorated in the Cape Vernacular style, with bricked-in chicken nests, antique window frames with deep-set ledges and original stone fireplaces. The ambience is delightfully informal with the accent on country hospitality, offset by elegant tableware and professional service.

The fine art of gastronomy as practised at Pontac Manor is rooted in classical French cuisine, with the culinary range amplified and enhanced by local influences and flavours, particularly apparent in the masterfully executed sauces. The menu includes the Pontac Classics and an ever-changing range of seasonal specialities: for those who enjoy sampling a variety of choices, everything on the menu is available in full and half portions.

Type : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Address : Coming from Cape Town on the N1: Leave the N1 at the first Paarl turn-off and turn left into the Main Street and drive towards the town centre. Follow the road for 4,3 kms and turn left into Pontac Street - the road leads directly into the entrance gates of Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant.

Phone : +27 (0)21 872 0445

Email : reservations@pontac.com

Website : http://www.pontac.com

Picnics Restaurant at Vergelegen (Somerset West)

Seated in the shade of the Camphor forest, enjoy the delicious fare offered in the picnic baskets, complemented by our renowned range of wines. As an hors-d'oeuvre we offer a smoked salmon parfait served with a traditional French-style baguette. Preceding the main course is a roasted vegetable quiche. The main course will be served at the table on a handcrafted pottery platter consisting of a charcuterie selection of cold cuts: a marinated chicken kebab and home-made ham, served with bow-tie pasta tossed with summer greens and pesto vinaigrette, and an Italian Caprese salad of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and calamata olives. The cheese course consists of Forest Hill Brie cheese which comes from the winelands area, served with savoury biscuits. Conclude the meal by indulging in lemon & almond biscotti and coffee.

Type : Picnic Baskets

Address : See website for map

Phone : +27 21 847 1334

Email : ladyphillips@vergelegen.co.za

Website : http://www.vergelegen.com

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 14:00

Opstal Estate & Restaurant (Worcester)

The Opstal restaurant and conference centre opened at Opstal Estate, giving visitors to the Breedekloof Wine Route even more reason to spend time in this unspoilt part of the Cape Winelands. The restaurant offers sweeping views through a picture window of the vineyards and mountains in the valley.

Type : Stylish South Africa Fare

Address : See website for map

Phone : +27 (0)23 344 3001

Email : wine@opstal.co.za

Website : http://www.opstal.co.za

Opening hours : 10:00 to to 23:00

Morgenhof Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Morgenhof Wine Estate, situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains outside Stellenbosch, produces award-winning wines that fall under the Simonsberg appellation.

In the heart of the Cape winelands, Morgenhof's exquisite setting is ideal for weddings or any special occasion, from breakfasts, brunches and lunches to afternoon teas, cocktail parties and dinner dances. There's even a helipad for unusual arrivals!

Type : Both International and South African Fare

Address : Morgenhof Wine Estate; Klapmuts Road; Stellenbosch

Phone : +27 21 889 2024

Email : carolyn@morgenhof.com

Website : http://www.morgenhof.com

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 16:00

Monneaux Restaurant at Franschhoek Country House (Franschoek)

Lunches are served under a spreading pepper tree on the magnificent fountain terace whilst dinner is a more elegant but relaxed affair in the enclosed verandah and dining room The restaurant has been rated consistently as one of the country's Top Restaurants over the past number of years.

Type : Fusion of Western & Eastern Influences

Address : Situated at the Franschhoek Country House on the R45 only 2km before the main town of Franschhoek on the way in from Cape Town

Phone : +27 21 876 3386

Email : info@fch.co.za

Website : www.fch.co.za

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 14:00

Marc's Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden (Paarl)

On entering Marc's Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden, one immediately senses the passion that has gone into creating a truly excellent dining experience with fine fare superb wines and good company being the order of the day. A warm, elegant lounge and a convivial wine and cigar bar provide just the right surroundings for those waiting for a table or simply wanting to take a break from the day

Type : Mediterranean Cuisine

Address : Take the N1 from Cape Town and then take the Paarl turnoff. Turn left into the Main Road. After the first traffic light, you will see Marc's on your right.

Phone : +27 (0)21 863 3980

Email : chezmarc@mweb.co.za

Website : http://www.restaurants.co.za/marcs

Lord Neethling Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

The five roomed Lord Neethling restaurant is housed in the original homestead, a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture with gable dated 1814, and a declared national monument. The Restaurant serves continental and traditional Cape cuisine as well as light meals. Seating on the verandah in front of the manor house or under the oak trees.

Type : Continental and Traditional Cape Cuisine

Address : If you are coming from Cape Town, take the N2 highway in the direction to Cape Town International Airport and proceed on N2 until EXIT 33. Turn left at EXIT 33 in the direction of STELLENBOSCH and follow the road until you come to a T-junction after approximately 13km. At the T-junction, turn left, and you will see 14 flag poles with flags which mark the entrance to the Estate about 200 meters away.

Phone : +27 (0)21 883 8966

Email : rnanny@iafrica.com

Website : www.lordneethling.co.za

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 22:00

The Duck Pond (Stellenbosch)

The Duck Pond serves country style food focusing on a lighter, healthier approach while using the freshest ingredients and products from the area. The restaurant is fully licensed and promotes Welmoed Wines at reasonable prices. A limited range of beers and spirits are served. Breakfast by appointment and lunch.

Type : Country Food

Address : The restaurant is situated inside the Wine Tasting center at the Welmoed Winery on the R310 (Baden-Powell drive).

Phone : +27 (0)21 881 3310

Email : info@duckpond.co.za

Website : http://www.duckpond.co.za

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 15:00

Hartenberg Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)

Offers special local fresh fare for lunch during the summer season. Snoek pate, cold meats, salads and cheese along with fresh breads and carafes of House wines. Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and religious holidays.

Type : Simple, fresh picnic style lunches

Address : Bottelary Road (M23) From N1, take R304 exit towards Stellanbosch. Turn right on M23.

Phone : +27 (0)21 865 2541

Website : http://www.hartenbergestate.com

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 14:00

Bread & Wine and The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais (Franschhoek)

The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais offers multi course affairs of exquisitely presented culinary delights showcase chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent. Guests can choose a four, six or eight course dining experience from a constantly evolving menu. Voted one of the Worlds top 50 restaurants in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by UK Restaurant Magazine Bookings essential. Dinners Only - Mon - Sun.

Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant & Farm Groce. Situated on Môreson, a working wine farm, 10 minute drive from Le Quartier. Home baked breads, sublime soups, country terrines. Imaginative salads and highly original dishes. Open Everyday for lunch from 12:00 - 15:00

Type : Contemporary French

Address : 16 Huguenot Road, PO Box 237, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa

Phone : +27 21 876 2151

Website : http://www.lequartier.co.za/

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 22:00

Bouillabaisse Seafood Deli (Franschhoek)

Type : Seafood/fine Dining Fusion

Address : 38b Huguenot Road Franschhoek 7690

Website : http://www.seafooddeli.co.za

Opening hours : 10:00 to to 22:00

La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek)

Contemporary African, Malay and international influences to be enjoyed in a cosy country -style ambience.

Type : Cape Provencale

Address : Franschhoek Pass Road Take the N1 from Cape Town towards Paarl Take exit 47, signed Wellington, Stellenbosch & Klapmuts Turn right immediately and continue for 300m over the four way stop Take the R45 left, towards Franschhoek Follow the road for +/- 7 km, take a right at the T junction Continue for +/- 20 km into Franschhoek Once in Franschhoek, continue along main street until you reach a T junction with the large Huguenot monument in front of you Turn left and proceed up the pass for +/- 2km You will find La Petite Ferme on the right hand side.

Website : http://www.lapetiteferme.co.za

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 16:00

De Leuwen Jagt (Paarl)

The elevated setting of this restaurant is simply superb. The mountain views stretch from the Simonsberg to the distant Table Mountain and are suitably enhanced by acres of cultivated vineyards in the foreground.

Type : Cape Malay

Address : Seidelberg Wine Estate Suid Agter Paarl Road Paarl

Website : http://www.deleuwenjagtrestaurant.co.za

Opening hours : 11:30 to to 17:00

Boschendal (Franschhoek)

Situated in the original cellar of the Boschendal Manor House, the restaurant serves delectable Cape-French buffet luncheons, every day of the week.

Type : Buffet, Light meals, Picnics

Address : Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road Groot Drakenstein Franschhoek 7690

Website : http://www.boschendal.com

Opening hours : 10:00 to to 17:00

Bosman's Restaurant (Paarl)

Grande Roche - Fine dining, luxurious, elegant. An award-winning fine-dining experience.

Bistro Allegro - caters for savory and sweet tastes in a less formal environment.

Type : Fine Dining/Bistro

Address : Grande Roche Hotel Plantasie Street Paarl 7646

Website : http://www.granderoche.com

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 21:00

De Volkskombuis (Stellenbosch)

De Volkskombuis Restaurant in Stellenbosch, specialises in traditional Cape cuisine, in authentic Cape Dutch surroundings. Established in 1977, this restaurant became well known for their excellent cuisine with a comprehensive selection of fine wines form an award-winning winelist.

Type : South African

Address : Aan de Wagenweg Stellenbosch 7600

Phone : +27 (0) 21 887 2121

Website : http://www.volkskombuis.co.za

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 21:30

Flavous at the Devon Valley Hotel (Stellenbosch)

Flavours is about bringing people together and celebrating the good things in life. The Devon Valley Hotel's signature restaurant, Flavours, has a gentle, homely ambience and promises to offer guests and visitors authentic, contemporary Cape cuisine in a picturesque setting.

Type : Cape Provencale

Address : Devon Valley Road Stellenbosch 7599

Opening hours : 07:00 to to 21:00

Mamma Roma (Stellenbosch)

With plenty of parking and glorious views the location is excellent and whether you want a leisurely lunch or an al fresco dinner for 2, Mamma Roma has all the right ingredients to make your meal a memorable one.

Type : Italian

Address : Shop 39 Stellenbosch Square Webers Valley Road 7600

Opening hours : 12:00 to to 16:00

De Oewer Riverside (Stellenbosch)

Specialising in global cuisine, with a touch of Mediterranean and fusion, de Oewer provides an interesting menu for the discerning diner. Special menu’s for functions and weddings. Serve breakfast on special request. Relax after work with a glass of wine and a variety of interesting snackplatters to choose from. Enjoy our very popular Snoekopita, Lambshank, Africa salad or our famous Mediterranean burger.

The wine list has been chosen to make the wonderful wines of this area available. We have a comprehensive selection of fine wines from an award-winning winelist. Take your pick of many high quality wines by the glass, a treat to compliment any meal. We have included Food and Wine matching suggestions throughout the menu, please keep in mind that these are subjective and that there are no set rules to follow.

Type : Global cuisine with Mediterranean fusion

Address : Aan De Wagen Road Stellenbosch

Phone : +27 (0) 21 886 5431

Email : oewer@volkskombuis.co.za

Website : http://www.volkskombuis.co.za/oewer/food.php

Opening hours : 08:00 to to 23:00

Le Pommier (Stellenbosch)

Le Pommier restaurant in the heart of Stellenbosch is housed in a national monument, epitomising all that is Stellenbosch. The farm used to be an apple-orchard, and it is for this reason that the restaurant is named as such.

Nestled at the foot of the Simonsberg and boasting mountain views and a relaxing ambience, Le Pommier also has its own wine shop offering some of the finest wines, as well as its own Le Pommier range.

Type : Traditional

Address : Helshoogte Pass (approx. 6km outside Stellenbosch) Bonhoek Valley Stellenbosch 7600

Opening hours : 07:30 to to 23:00

Terroir Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Made the 2008 Wine Magazine top ten Smart Casual restaurants in South Africa.

Type : Provencal-inspired

Address : Strand Road (R44) Stellenbosch 7613

Phone : +27 (0) 21 8808167

Website : http://www.kleinezalze.com/terroir/

Opening hours : 18:00 to to 22:00

Restaurants in Cape Winelands

Make sure you experience as many of the different dining opportunities as possible, to get a real appreciation for the flavours of the Cape!

Cape Winelands Restaurants & Food Guide

Cape Malay Cooking

African Fare

The Township Culinary Experiences

Meat & Braai (BBQ)

Cape Town is famous for its wonderful choice of restaurants catering to all budgets and palates. Here's just a sampling of the Cape's best eateries (and some of our personal favourites)...

Restaurants List

The Backsberg Restaurant

The Brazen Head (Stellenbosch)

Sommelier at Sante Winelands Hotel & Wellness (Paarl)

Seasons at Diemersfontein (Wellington)

Primi Colony (Somerset West)

Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant (Paarl)

Picnics Restaurant at Vergelegen (Somerset West)

Opstal Estate & Restaurant (Worcester)

Morgenhof Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

Monneaux Restaurant at Franschhoek Country House (Franschoek)

Marc's Mediterranean Cuisine and Garden (Paarl)

Lord Neethling Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

The Duck Pond (Stellenbosch)

Hartenberg Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)

Bread & Wine and The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais (Franschhoek)

Bouillabaisse Seafood Deli (Franschhoek)

La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek)

De Leuwen Jagt (Paarl)

Boschendal (Franschhoek)

Bosman's Restaurant (Paarl)

De Volkskombuis (Stellenbosch)

Flavous at the Devon Valley Hotel (Stellenbosch)

Mamma Roma (Stellenbosch)

De Oewer Riverside (Stellenbosch)

Le Pommier (Stellenbosch)

Terroir Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

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