The original and only, consistently ranked among the best in the world: Chef Scott Kirton’s original wine lands fine dining restaurant. A sophisticated menu combines classic French technique and local flavours and ingredients . . . One of the very best – a taste sensation.
www.lacolombe.restaurant/la-colombe

Beyond at Buitenverwachting: recent outpost of Peter Tempelhoff’s (formerly of Greenhouse fame) gastronomic empire. A beautiful historic wine farm set in the valley below rolling hills; tastings and excellent modern fine dining restaurant, excellent white wines– bookings for the restaurant essential.
beyondrestaurant.co.za

Tasty, classic bistro fare with a definite South African twist, set in the winelands . . . what more could you ask. Consistently good quality food, a great brunch choice on the weekend.
www.steenbergfarm.com

Liam Tomlin’s tapas for 2, in the winelands, with reservations – comfortable chairs and views. Wow—what a win! He doesn’t cook there himself, but stops by often enough to make sure it’s in line – and is it ever! A new favourite . . .
www.beauconstantia.com

Stunning views, sumptuous unfussy food, some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa . . . what more could you ask? Also do picnics on the lawn and there’s a super Thursday market.
www.cpv.co.za

Among our top three in the region . . . kitchen headed by intriguingly named French chef-patron Franck Dangereux, food pops with flavour, beautiful silky sauces, fantastic wine pairings – and they sell fantastic pies in the Deli next door. Great option with kids as there is a playground in view.
www.thefoodbarn.co.za

Arguably the best – one of our top favourites: creative, farm-to-fork and absolutely fabulous cuisine, largely based around what’s in season in their impressive 3.5 hectare garden (worth a walk-around even if you are no gardening enthusiast). Good rosé to pair with the food on a summer’s day – and save space for incredible desserts.
www.babylonstoren.com

Casual, warm neighbourhood favourite, headed by much-loved Chef Pierre Hendricks, this eatery serves up tasty South African food with some Dutch influence. Some great value daily specials and a wonderful wine list.
www.lebonvivant.co.za

Liam Tomlin’s been busy this year, and this new Chef’s Warehouse under the massive trees at Maison is the perfect Cape winelands-adapted version of the Bree Street classic: tapas-for-two, with a relaxed ambience and refined country-style culinary approach. Settle down on a picnic table in the lush gardens and spend a glorious gourmet afternoon.
www.maison.co.za

Housed in the winery cellar, the restaurant offers appealing 3-course menu options at good value; pair with their renowned bubblies, pinot noir and/or top-ranked dessert wines. Stunning views over the valley – go for sunset.
www.cabriere.co.za

This new farm-to-table restaurant is the marriage-made-in-heaven between Liam Tomlin of Chef’s Warehouse fame and Neil & Tina Jewell of Môreson. As you’d expect, only the best-quality ingredients are used in the dishes: vegetables and herbs from Spice Route’s surrounding farmland, and organic Red Angus beef from Charles Back’s herd. The winelist comprises a Spice Route selection, including a new range of natural wines, produced in clay vats from Georgia, Europe (one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions).
www.spiceroute.co.za

This casual Italian eatery on a working fruit farm is a gem – family-owned and operated, great food with vineyard views and lovely house red blends to wash it down. When you’re in search of a non-touristic Paarl meal option!
www.pearlmountain.co.za

We rate this the very best steakhouse in South Africa: if you love meat, this is a must-try (although they also offer a wide range of both seafood and vegetarian options!). Traditional steakhouse atmosphere in central Stellenbosch—bookings essential (and hard-to-come by).
www.fatbutcher.co.za

This exceptional fine dining restaurant spectacularly positioned in a little-known winery is less than a year old and already setting the Cape gourmet scene on fire. Scandinavian in style, filled with light and minimalist style, the exquisite and highly creative food here does the talking. An experience more than just a meal—not cheap, but worth every penny. Don’t miss it!
www.gaterestaurant.co.za

Gorgeous little small-plates eatery in central Stellenbosch with the Uber talented and very creative Chef Jess at the helm . . . Great food and wine list.
www.postandpepper.co.za

Another renowned South African meat emporium, this Hermanus stalwart is every carnivore’s delight. Excellent meat selection, but they do cater for non-meat lovers as well.
www.chardhermanus.co.za

Our top favourite winery dining experience in Hemel en Aarde – tapas with wine pairing is always fantastic, a multi-course flavour sensation of note. Gorgeous views and friendly service top it all off – highly recommend.
www.creationwines.com