A Journey Through South Africa’s Western Cape
Part 1: An Epicurean Adventure
This November we saw ITV, and sister streaming channel ITV X, launch a unique travel series, fronted by music legend Gary Barlow, taking viewers on an incredible journey through South Africa’s renowned wine regions as well as Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. With breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class culinary experiences, the series highlights how South Africa has so much to offer.
We have teamed up with Glen Christie of Vineyard Ventures (our longstanding partners on the ground and wine specialists extraordinaire) to write a series of three blogs covering not-to-be-missed restaurants, wineries and experiences focusing on South Africa’s Western Cape region. From our own extensive travels across South Africa, we know that the Cape is a jewel for epicurean adventurers and easy to travel around by car.
The Western Cape offers the opportunity to embark on a world class culinary safari, which you can tailor to suit your personal style and pocket. Home to some of Africa’s (and the World’s) most celebrated restaurants, wineries and experiences where every moment feels like an invitation to connect on an emotional level with a land that’s as rich in cultural history as it is in natural beauty.
Welcome to the first of our series of blogs featuring outstanding restaurants in Western Cape’s hotspots; Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
A Fusion of Flavours, Craft, and Heart
Cape Town is a city alive with diversity, where each corner offers a glimpse into the flavours of South Africa’s past and the culinary creativity and innovation of it’s present.
The city of Cape Town had its origin in 1652, when the Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station for its ships on the shores of Table Bay. The location was magnificent, on well-watered, fertile soil, beneath the precipitous walls of Table Mountain. Today it still presents a spectacular refreshment station and attracts “foodies” from all around the world.
From innovative tasting menus crafted by award-winning chefs to fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic, the city blends local flavors with global influences. And while Cape Town itself offers an enviable array of world class establishments, it is also just the gateway to a wider fine dining experience in the Cape wineland area, incorporating Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Dining here is a celebration of the Western Cape’s culture, heritage, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Stellenbosch is a 45 minute drive from central Cape Town, while Franschhoek is a 60 minute drive so they are doable from a Cape Town base or better still as part of a broader road trip.
- Reservations are essential for most restaurants.
Rather than aligning with the Michelin Guide, South Africa awards “Plates” and we have provided stars to represent these from their recently published Gourmet Guide 2025.
Fine Dining
Cape Town’s first-class dining venues will generally involve a set menu with five to 12 courses, so allow yourself plenty of time (between two and four hours). Most of these restaurants also offer outstanding wine pairings with the Chef’s menu.
FYN*** – “A union of interesting Cape ingredients, with a nod to Japan” is how chef Peter Tempelhoff describes his restaurant, one of Cape Town’s “must have” reservations. Chic and unusual décor in an inner-city building. Consistently rated in the top 2 restaurants in SA. Best for dinner. Inner city. 15 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. Set menu. [Cape Town, Central] https://fynrestaurant.com
La Colombe*** – set menu with 11 courses. extremely creative, real theatre of food. Competes with FYN above for top restaurant in South Africa. Attentive, knowledgeable service complements the feast of tastes and textures perfectly plated and presented. Resident sommelier expertly presents excellently paired wines with each course. Serene dining space among the trees, high up on the hill above Constantia. Best for a long, relaxed dinner. 25 min drive from the city. [Cape Town, Constantia] https://lacolombe.restaurant
Pier*** – sister restaurant to La Colombe. Ocean-led Chef’s 10 course set menu, focused on fish and seafood, reflecting its seaside location in the V&A Waterfront. Subtle spicing throughout the menu gently reflects the flavours of original South African cuisine. Lunch or dinner. [Cape Town, V&A Waterfront]. https://lacolombe.restaurant
Chef’s Warehouse @ Beau Constantia*** – delicious four course Chef’s menu and heavenly desserts. Panoramic vineyard views, recommend for lunch or early dinner. Situated on a wine estate, can combine with a wine tasting before lunch. 25 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. [Cape Town, Constantia] https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za/beau-constantia
Salsify*** – Super menu, good views, above Camps Bay on the southern slopes of Lion’s Head. Located in the “Roundhouse” – an historic 19th century hunting lodge. Lunch or early dinner to appreciate the views. Highly rated. World class 10 course set menu. [Cape Town, 15 min drive from the V&A Waterfront]. https://salsify.co.za
Aubergine**– This gem of a restaurant is hidden in the central suburb of Gardens – Chef Harald Bresserschmidt has been successfully operating Aubergine for more than 20 years based in an old, renovated heritage cottage. Exceptionally good food and an extensive wine list, with friendly sommelier. It’s not a loud or noisy restaurant, perhaps “sedate” is the word, but one of the few “fine” restaurants that offers an a la carte selection in addition to the chef’s set menu. [Cape Town, Central] https://www.aubergine.co.za
Jordan Wine Estate** – Chef Martinus Ferreira’s set menu is imaginatively paired with Jordan wines. Sweeping vineyard views and superb food! Winery also has a casual dining area combined with the wine tasting section. [Stellenbosch area]. https://www.jordanwines.com/dine-with-us/jordan-restaurant/
Le Petite Colombe*** – Part of the famous Le Colombe family, this Franschhoek sibling offers the same high levels of service and creativity as the original in Cape Town. Enjoy the delightful multi course menu whilst looking out over the Leeu Estate vineyards. Highly recommended and not to be missed if staying in Franschhoek. [Franschhoek] https://www.lacolombe.restaurant/la-petite-colombe
Le Coin Français** – Acclaimed local chef Darren Badenhorst’s restaurant is now a multi award-winning leader in Franschhoek, which claims itself as South Africa’s culinary capital. His carefully curated tasting menus are classic French in style, yet elegantly contemporary, embracing the essence of the Franschhoek valley in heritage, cuisine, art and wine. [Franschhoek] https://lecoinfrancais.co.za
Epice** – Another member of La Colombe’s family, Epice is the “spice” cousin! Chef Charné Sampson’s love for spices is showcased here – it’s not about the heat, but the layers of flavour bursting through each course. Maintains the usual superb La Colombe standard of service and innovative presentation. Well worth a visit for something different. [Franschhoek] https://www.lacolombe.restaurant/epice
Big Bang for Palate & Pocket
The region boasts an exciting food scene, with options to suit any traveller’s palate and pocket. Here we share hearty, upmarket dining offering unbeatable value.
Grub and Vine – Chef Matt Manning has built a solid reputation for excellent food. Dinner recommended. A la carte or Chef’s menu. Suggest a pre-dinner drink at the Culture Wine Bar – superb range of local and international wines and bubblies. [Cape Town, 10 minutes from the V&A Waterfront] https://grubandvine.co.za/home/
The Pot Luck Club** – lots of small courses, leaning towards Asian-inspired. There’s a great wine list and great vibe, with an interesting location in trendy, arty Woodstock. Would recommend for lunch or dinner. 15 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. Lots of different small plates to choose from. [Cape Town, Woodstock] https://thepotluckclub.co.za/home/
Bellagio – Broad menu, delicious food and decent cocktail menu – five minutes from the V&A Waterfront. [Cape Town] https://www.bellagiorestaurant.co.za
Upper Union* – at the Cape Cadogan boutique hotel in Gardens (10 minutes from the V&A Waterfront). Small plates with a subtle thread of South African flavours running through the extensive menu. A la Carte or chef’s menu. [Cape Town, Central]. https://www.upperunion.co.za
Belly of the Beast* – the food is great. But there are rules: You have to be seated by 18h30 (if you are late, you miss the first course). It is a set menu that is not published in advance, so it’s a surprise on the night (they will accommodate allergies and so on, but only if advised in advance). It is, however, worth all the rules. There is also a sister restaurant called “Galjoen” (a type of South African fish) that operates on a similar principle but specialises in fish and seafood. 10 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. [Cape Town, East City] https://bellyofthebeast.co.za | https://www.galjoencpt.co.za
Postcard Café – located on the Stark-Conde wine estate (producers of some fine red wines including The Three Pines range) in the Jonkershoek valley, surrounded by magnificent, jagged and towering mountains. Light, casual lunchtime fare. [6km from Stellenbosch] https://stark-conde.co.za/visit-us/#postcard-cafe-dt
Tokara – en route from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, excellent food and great views. Glorious semi-outdoor deck for warm sunny days [7km from Stellenbosch] https://www.tokara.com/tokara-wine-estate/tokara-restaurant/
The Vine Bistro @ Glenelly Estate – on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, this is a real French style bistro – compact and delicious menu, super views and close to the town. [Stellenbosch] https://glenellyestate.com/the-vine-bistro/
Secret Dining Venues
Living in the area, with food and wine her passion, Glen’s inside knowledge of off-the-radar eateries is second to none. Here are her favourite hidden gems:
Osteria Tarantino – Small Italian restaurant, owner managed by Enrico Tarantino. Think homemade pasta, gnocchi, carpaccio, and tiramisu – all are excellent representations of traditional Italian cooking. Tucked away up a little alley in De Waterkant, a suburb adjacent to the centre of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront. There’s no website so you need to call to make a reservation. [Cape Town, V&A Waterfront] +27 76 505 1771
Quentin at Oakhurst – well known SA chef has settled into an old farm barn, tastefully renovated with its original character preserved. There’s a broad menu, with something for everyone, but with a thread of South African flavours and tastes running through. The menus are seasonally changing, but favorites include West Coast mussels, roast kingklip (a local firm white fish), lamb curry, and the rose and pistachio frozen nougat for dessert is not to be missed. Good cocktails and wine list. There’s a traditional Sunday lunch buffet too. [Hout Bay, 20km South of Cape Town] https://oakhurstbarn.com
Spek en Bone – Part of well-known chef Bertus Basson’s group of restaurants. Tucked away in a little courtyard, down an alley with only a black awning as street frontage, the style is Asian inspired South Africa fusion. Artful, fun and delicious. Named after the owner’s pet pig (“Spek”) and dog (“Bone”). [Central Stellenbosch] https://bertusbasson.com
De Eetkamer (“The Dining Room”) – casual dining with a choice of 11 small plates. The menu ranges between international flavours and South African spicing and combinations. Lovely atmosphere. [Central Stellenbosch] https://www.de-eetkamer.co.za
Orangerie at Le Lude wine Estate – start with a sparkling wine tasting (arguably some of the best bubbly produced in South Africa), then continue to lunch – glorious views and excellent food. The French inspired soufflé is worth mentioning! Set in beautiful gardens with great décor. Definitely the first choice in Franschhoek for lunch at the moment. [Franschhoek] https://lelude.co.za/the-orangerie-restaurant/
Hōseki– Japanese restaurant on Delaire Graff Wine Estate. An extensive a la carte menu with additional Omakase dining options. Excellent sushi, through soups and salads, to milk buns, smoked Wagyu beef, grilled salmon and a range of Tempura and Robata. Each dish is individually crafted and beautifully presented. There’s a great atmosphere and on a clear day you can see Table Mountain from the terrace. Look out for the Dylan Lewis leopard and cheetah sculptures scattered around the estate too. [10km from Stellenbosch] https://www.delaire.co.za/dine/restaurants/hoseki/
Brookdale Bistro – This new wine estate is making interesting and delicious wines from mostly Southern Rhone varietals and “field blends”. The bistro is headed up by renowned chef Gary Coetzee with superb food and great views. [Paarl region / 32km from Franschhoek, 36km from Stellenbosch] https://brookdale-estate.com
Creation – without a doubt the most innovative tasting room / restaurant in the winelands. Consistently wins best winery restaurant and innovation awards in the international Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine awards. Six course menus paired with their wines. “Props” (stones, fabrics, fresh vegetables, spices) are used to enhance the experience which is fully immersive and quite unforgettable. The food is excellent. On the wine side, look out for their flagship Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Also qualifies for “Best Winery to Visit for Views” – nestled high up the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley, about 80km east of Cape Town. Cooler climate wines, magnificent scenery.
Wolfgat – “Foraged from the ocean and local fields” – chef Kobus van der Merwe’s inspiration is to showcase what the sea and land of the West Coast region has to offer. Not the usual rock lobster and beef, but foraging for mollusks, sea lettuce, kelp and other indigenous herbs and leaves, with sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison, all artfully presented and paired with appropriate local (unusual and unheard of) wines. Small and seats only 20 covers. Located in Paternoster, a fishing village two and half hours’ drive north of Cape Town [Paternoster, Western Cape] https://www.wolfgat.co.za
Beyond the Food: A Deepening Connection
Every restaurant on this culinary safari offers something more than food: an experience that speaks to the heart, a memory to carry forward. These meals leave a lasting impression, reminding you that food isn’t just sustenance but a pathway to understanding a country’s soul. We hope you are able to enjoy a taste tour of your own very soon.
In our next blog we explore what the region is most famous for…it’s wines.
If you’d like to design your own culinary tour of South Africa’s Cape Region then we’d be delighted to help. Please call our friendly team of experts on +44 (0) 1787 888590 to discuss your requirements, or email us via our Contact Us page.
