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The 5 Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch for All Budgets

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4 months ago

Stellenbosch is so beautifully close to Cape Town that any itinerary for Cape Town would be remiss not to include some time in Stellenbosch. And beyond the incredible scenery and wine farms, the best restaurants in Stellenbosch are some of the best in the country.

But being the best doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pay the most: you can get amazing food in Stellenbosch without breaking the bank. We’ve ordered the below best restaurants in Stellenbosch as judged by locals in order of cost.

There is a huge concentration of fantastic restaurants in Stellenbosch and in neighboring Franschhoek. Virtually all of the wine farms in Stellenbosch have great restaurants attached or associated with them, so you can’t go wrong with any of those.

And if you want to hang out in Stellenbosch’s town center and are looking for food, head to Dorp Street which is the main drag that is filled with restaurants and shops.

Delaire Graff Restaurant

Delaire Graff is owned by a diamond tycoon which we’re using as shorthand to express that no expense is spared in delivering the ultimate wine farm experience. The estate is pristine and grand with sweeping views of the mountains. ⁠They offer both a tasting menu, which changes nightly, or an a la carte menu for those who might have overdone it on the tasting menus (maybe at Franschhoek’s great restaurants).

The restaurant itself is gorgeous but is much more formal than the other local favorites. We suggest that you make a reservation for an early dinner to see the sunset over the most incredible views (the way the sky lights up is sensational). You’ll even see their own vines covering the mountain base.

Dinner is typically served inside, but you can get a seat outside if you want a more upscale lunch with unobstructed views. You can even stay after lunch for a tour of the property which should include a stop at their in-house chocolate shop, jewelry store and clothing boutique.

Delaire Graff is also one of the best wine farms in Stellenbosch, not only for its beautiful wines but also its perfect positioning in Stellenbosch for the best views of the mountains. In fact, the views from Delaire Graff (including the restaurant) are so beautiful that you’ll want to pinch yourself to check that you’re not dreaming.

The Table at De Meye

The Table has built quite a reputation for itself among locals and that has now stretched to visitors to Stellenbosch, making it near impossible to get a reservation unless you book months in advance. And if you do go, you’ll taste and see why it is so spectacular.

What is so loved about The Table is that they haven’t inflated their prices despite tremendous demand for reservations. In short, this is a team that cares about diners from the local area because they want to keep you coming back for more.

The outdoor tables under tree cover makes you feel like you’re in a perfectly curated movie set, or at least the backyard of a private villa where you can see the grapes of the wine you’re drinking. The menu is a fixed three-course tasting menu which locally sourced food and is farm to table at its finest.

The menus change daily depending on what Leigh and Brendan (the head chefs) are able to source from local farms and butchers. It’s a meal you will certainly remember, especially given it is R550 (US$30).

⁠Overall, the team at The Table has created an informal and unpretentious space with almost impossibly fresh and delicious. And The Table is also one of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch if you have kids because the family-style sharing makes it perfect for bigger groups.

The Cellar Door @ Jordan

There are a number of restaurants at the Jordan Wine Estate in the Cape Floral region of Stellenbosch. One of these is The Cellar Door which is known for delivering some of the freshest dishes made with locally sourced ingredients at very reasonable prices given the quality of the food.

Dining at Jordan is an easy and approachable experience, and The Cellar Door specifically offers breakfast and lunch which will no doubt be one of your more memorable meals. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon if you are looking to slow down after a busy few days, especially if you’re following our jam-packed week-long itinerary for Cape Town.

The other joy of Jordan is the picnic experience. Resoundingly, locals love Jordan for the gorgeous lake views in the background and the friendly staff, but one of the best ways to experience one of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch is to choose one of the different picnic options which includes a full spread, a blanket, lounge pillows and, of course, an ice bucket to keep your wine at the perfect temperature on a hot day.

Postcard Café

Postcard Café has cemented its position as one of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch because of its beautifully unpretentious and delicious breakfast – and breakfast is a very special meal for locals. If you’re looking for the right place to fuel up before a day of wine tasting, look no further than Postcard for its great breakfast and selection of afternoon cakes and teas.

Postcard also delivers quite a robust vegan and vegetarian offering as compared to other restaurants in Stellenbosch. It’s informal and is a great place for a first stop on a tour of the best wine farms of Stellenbosch or a break in the afternoon to satisfy your sweet tooth.

And don’t let the word ‘Café’ mislead you: the views at Postcard are stunning, including views of the lake that is inviting and brings a calmness to the experience. There’s a reason why Postcard is a local favorite and one of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch.

Brampton’s

Brampton’s is located in the heart of Stellenbosch’s town center rather than an estate, so it’s the perfect choice if you’re walking through town and looking for a great meal. And given we’re in wine country, Brampton’s also boasts an unusual tasting room called the Wine Studio which is a favorite among locals and seasoned visitors alike. It’s walk-in only so you’ll need to be a little bit lucky.

Brampton’s is also a great place for lunch if you’re just driving into Stellenbosch as a day trip from Cape Town and need a quick bite before you head to a leisurely afternoon at a winery. And if you’re looking for a break from wine, Brampton’s offer two house beers on tap.

Brampton’s is also great for a quick and easy dinner, especially if you’ve already had a longer, lazier lunch. It’s no fuss, but you know you’re going to get a great meal – particularly if order the flatbreads.


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