Plettenberg Bay
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this is one of Plett's most upscale eateries. The speciality is dry-aged beef, though you'll also find some South…
Must-see restaurants in Western Cape
Hermanus
One of the town's top restaurants is an intimate venue decorated in bodega style – all bare brick and wine bottles. The small menu features delights like…
Knysna
Ile de Pain is a wildly popular bakery and cafe that's as much a hit with locals as it is with tourists. There's an excellent breakfast menu, lots of…
Stellenbosch
A vibrant bakery and bistro priding itself on locally sourced ingredients. The menu features salads, sandwiches and mezze-style platters, as well as fresh…
Garden Route
Readers and locals all recommend this elegant restaurant with a deck overlooking the lagoon. The South African–inspired menu changes monthly but always…
Garden Route
Whether you're after freshly baked bread and good coffee to start the day, inventive tapas plates to share at lunchtime or heavier evening fare like…
Winelands
The food at this stylish winery is on a par with the views: magnificent. Dishes, such as pan-roasted sea bass, Parmesan mousse and lamb shoulder with…
Winelands
Well known for its gourmet cuisine and attentive service, this is one of the Western Cape's best small-town restaurants. The menu changes regularly but…
Western Cape
This smokehouse has quickly gained a huge following for its slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned meats and Texan-inspired sides like corn salad, baked beans…
Franschhoek
The award-winning Cape Town restaurant has opened a breezy sister branch here. The French-inspired menu comes in seven- or 12-course versions and you can…
Stellenbosch
Expect innovative dishes like rabbit-leg wontons or beetroot chocolate fondant at this stylish winery restaurant. Book ahead.
Winelands
The only downside to this fabulous tea garden is that it's only open for half the year. Based on an organic fruit farm, it's a wonderful place to sit…
Winelands
The coffee machine here is manned by Joseph Matheatau, South Africa's first blind barista. The cafe is owned by Kaleidoscope, previously known as the…
Western Cape
You can sample true local cooking at this restaurant overlooking the ocean in Kassiesbaai. It's a cheap and very cheerful place serving South African…
Garden Route
Boasting one of Mossel Bay’s best locations, this low-key restaurant has picnic tables on the sand overlooking the ocean. Most of the dishes – including…
Western Cape
Prince Albert’s smartest dining option has an ever-changing menu featuring modern takes on local classics such as Karoo lamb and game steaks. There are…
Winelands
As well as excellent coffee roasted on-site, you'll find a selection of cakes, plus tasty salads and sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients. Locals…
Western Cape
All bread is baked daily on-site and everything else is homemade too. The ocean-facing deck is a great place for a sandwich, a salad or just a coffee…
Winelands
Based in the Tulbagh Hotel, this restaurant serves a range of dishes including a few vegetarian options. The shady terrace is a delight in the Tulbagh…
Franschhoek
Chef and owner Chris Erasmus has brought the foraging culture to the Cape at this hugely popular restaurant. Forest-floor ingredients such as river cress,…
Stellenbosch
It's a little off the beaten Stellenbosch path, but it's worth the drive to get to this well-respected restaurant in a winery. The delectable menu is…
Franschhoek
Named for South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, whose work is on show at the on-site museum, this elegant restaurant serves modern takes on…
Stellenbosch
Celebrated chef George Jardine of the long-established Jordan restaurant opened this small and very special spot in 2016. The emphasis is on local produce…
Winelands
This elegant spot within the Grande Roche Hotel is one of Paarl’s top restaurants, serving multicourse gourmet dinners and more casual bistro-style…
Stellenbosch
A very modern wine estate and restaurant where celebrated TV chef Bertus Basson focuses on local, seasonal produce prepared to perfection and paired with…
Franschhoek
If you fancy a change from all the French-inspired fine dining, Marigold serves elegant North Indian cuisine in its contemporary dining room.
Winelands
Recommended by locals all over the Winelands, this restaurant and wine bar has a comprehensive menu of upmarket dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck, roast…
Franschhoek
Based at Vrede en Lust winery, this is a refreshingly unfussy place to eat in a region known for haute cuisine. You'll find salads, sandwiches and a build…
Western Cape
Once voted the top Italian restaurant in the country, La Sosta is something special. The beautifully presented food includes treats like butternut-and…
Western Cape
This homely restaurant has been serving the same three traditional dishes since 1998 – bobotie (a lightly spiced mince dish), chicken pie and lamb. There…
Knysna
It can work out to be quite pricey since sides are ordered separately, but the seafood here really is worth it. It's a simple spot with tables on a sandy…
Western Cape
The food from husband-and-wife team Brydon and Innes gets excellent reviews. The small menu is inventive and refined, utilising plenty of local produce…
Winelands
The menu is fairly small but superb, offering a mix of Asian, Italian and South African dishes. Tables inside can be a little noisy due to the proximity…
Plettenberg Bay
Highly recommended by readers and right on the beach, this is the place for seafood in Plett (well, just outside Plett). Enrico has his own boat that,…
Franschhoek
Franschhoek's favourite son, celebrity chef Reuben Riffel, is behind this Asian fusion restaurant in a fabulous, light-filled space off the main road. In…
Franschhoek
If you want to go all-out on the French-inspired cuisine here, try the five-course menu with wine pairings (R595). Tastings (from R55) are available and…
Franschhoek
Loved by locals and recommended by travellers, this long-running restaurant marries South African ingredients with fine-dining techniques. Watch chefs…
Western Cape
This award-winning, eclectic place serves a mixture of traditional and contemporary fare, much of it made with produce from the owner’s garden. Advance…
Western Cape
Locals rave about this stylish place based in the Old Gaol building. The small menu features intricate dishes that use local ingredients such as springbok…
Western Cape
The menu here is vast, but opt out of the sushi or pasta in favour of something a little more local. The bobotie (spiced mince with a savoury egg custard)…
