Kraaifontein Restaurants

If one finds oneself meandering through the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch then Hazendal Wine Estate’s Hermitage Restaurant is a good choice for fine food and wine tasting. The dining area of the restaurant has the prefect combination of comfort and sophistication. In winter intimate post dinner drinks and wine tastings can be taken in front of the fire place while the court yard is available on warmer days. The view of the working cellar behind the glass walls adds a hint of modernity to an otherwise classical setting. The painted ceiling and piano is a splendid touch in creating the ambience of the establishment. Hermitage offers patrons a generous slice of South African cuisine with a dollop of Russian flair. Menu items include a Traditional Cape Malay Platter with Bobotie, Chicken Pie and Lamb Curry, Ostrich Carpaccio and Austrian Chocolate Mousse that is infused with an orange liqueur. Hazendal also has a Russian Museum as a place of interest and caters for picnics (includes eats for the kids) on a booking basis.

The Only One restaurant is situated at the entrance of Hartenberg Wine Estate on the Stellenbosch Bottelary wine route. This pleasant eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers visitors country hospitality in a tranquil setting. Choose the cosy interior with two fire places in winter to keep warm while tucking into the restaurant’s special winter menu. Not only does The Only One provide traditional cuisine, one can also savour a glass or two of the estate’s award winning merlot or shiraz. Sunny days certainly call for an outdoor breakfast or lunch on the deck overlooking the pond. The breakfast and lunch menu deliver all the usual favourites: English Breakfasts, Burgers, Salads and the like. The deck is a particularly good spot of families with young children as the enclosed outdoor play area is near by. In the evenings the deck area is also a popular place for sipping sundowners. The restaurant also caters for small weddings and corporate functions.

Set in the heart of Durbanville, this charming and elegant dining experience captures the mood with crystal chandeliers, real napkins, beautiful décor and excellent but pricey wine list. Savour international cuisine enjoyed over lunch or dinner. Try the fish cakes, deliciously light, served with piquant white sauce, or the beef tongue with olives and capers. Proceed to slow-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic and red wine jus (to die for) or the pan-fried venison with fondant potatoes and champagne sauce. Round off your meal with the Gorgonzola ice cream layered in green fig preserve. Pistachio delights the palate and pampers with true comfort and style.

At Die Boer you can experience the "creme de la creme" of South African music, comedy and theatre productions whilst enjoying a great meal in a warm, comforting and superb acoustic environment. Just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town city centre gets you to one of the best dinner-theatre and live entertainment venues in the Western Cape.

Housed inside an old Victorian house, dressed in basic almost retro décor, dishes are made to order, fresh and tasty with no added MSG – ever! The authentic flavours include spicy Schezuan choices and traditional favourites from the set menu. Described by some as tantalizing, dishes are expertly prepared by a Beijing trained chef who favours attention to detail.

Set in a beautiful avocado-coloured Victorian house, Avocado Restaurant proffers the perfect winter setting and refreshing summer ambiance over breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu caters with a wide range of comfort food and a well-chosen wine list served by friendly attentive staff. The welcoming venue extends a child friendly setting and makes an ideal setting for languid lunches on the wide wrap around veranda or nestled in the lovely alfresco garden. Winter seeks comfort, warmth and cosiness curled up next to a crackling wood burning fire on comfortable sofas soaking up the homely ambiance.

A magical haven brimming with freshly baked treats, Our Place charms with an alfresco tea garden lit by mystical fairy lights suspended from a tree and lanterns dimly lighting the skyline. Exuding an old world ambiance with a touch of enchantment, diners relax and soak up the refreshing surrounds enjoying mouthfuls of pleasure ranging from cakes, light lunches and even entertainment for the little ones.

For good, wholesome food done the Italian way in a family-run restaurant, try La Masseria. The setting perfectly complements the theme with the restaurant being situated within an old Evertsdal Estate wine cellar dating back to 1680. Enjoy delicious food and stunning views in true Italian hospitality at La Masseria.

Cafe Bellarosa boasts a relaxing and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy delectable dishes from an extensive menu. Impeccable standards of service make for a stress-free time for diners while they feast on farm-style breakfasts, sumptuous lunches or teatime treats. All portions are generous and great value for money. Roll-up blinds open the cafe up to make it bright and breezy in summer and a fireplace along with heaters keep patrons warm on cold winter days. There is also sheltered courtyard complete a play area to keep the kids happy. A perfect venue for whatever you fancy, Cafe Bellarosa is a must-try.

The décor showcases handpicked furniture, mismatched pre-owned art and quirky unique ambiance popular with local trendsetters. The open plan kitchen bustles with creative dishes, decadent cakes and pastries and sumptuous eclectic cuisine. Serving light meals and classic fare, the ever-changing menu is perfect for quick breakfasts, coffee and paper diners and lazy lunches.

A versatile and elegant venue perched atop one of the highest hills in the Northern Suburbs, Bloemendal Restaurant is the place to be at for whatever you are after of a dining experience. The evenings are filled with entertainment from guest speakers, dancing, music and singing and with warm and attentive hospitality, you won’t want to miss out on a night at the Bloemendal Restaurant.

For delicious, authentic Thai cusine, try Thaifoon in Bellville. Situated in a convenient spot within the Northern Suburbs and boasting a friendly and lively atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-try for couples and families alike. The vast menu proffers superb authentic Thai food, created with passion and dedication by the talented team behind the scenes. More than just a restaurant, there is frequent entertainment on chosen Saturday nights as well as the opportunity to learn how to create some of the fantastic dishes at the Chiang Mai Thai Culinary School. A brilliant experience all-round, Thaifoon is well worth a visit.

Located in Tyger Valley, Eastwoods tantalizes with an array of salads and light lunches, even traditional pub lunches. Relaxed drinks call for wood-fired pizzas while sipping cocktails or a cold draught on the patio. Enjoy the panoramic views of Durbanville Hills and Table Mountain indulging on bangers and mash complimented or signature T-bone steak served with either chips, mashed potato or pap and sous.

The versatile seating invites sushi dining at the sushi bar, inside tables in the spacious interior or alfresco dining on the covered veranda or outside deck scattered with umbrellas. Inside, large folding doors create a feeling of space and invite the outside in, while diners indulge in sushi, seafood, Mediterranean and tapas. Try Mediterranean tapas dishes such as homemade fish cakes, pickled fish, Portuguese sardines and calamari salad. The fresh fish counter swims with fresh fish daily and expert fishmongers prepare and fillet fish, and advise on cooking and preparation. Expect prawns, langoustines, mussels, line fish, crayfish, calamari and oysters. For starters try the sushi or mussels and the tapas dishes and mains the seafood platter or giant Tiger Prawns cooked on the coals. For dessert lovers the choco hot pot (made with Lindt chocolate and mascarpone) comes highly recommended, or the halva ice cream. Lemon Butta is provides a well-rounded eating, shopping and socializing experience in the heart of Belville.

The spacious self-service restaurant and enclosed courtyard provide casual dining options. The menu has a South African influence and changes on a daily basis serving a variety of light meals and all day breakfasts. Choose from the beef lasagna, bobotie, curries, to grill specials, toasted treats and open sandwiches, and a large selection of double layer freshly baked cakes, and oven hot muffins or sweet or savory scones perfect for tea time. Located in the Tiger Valley Centre, Green Valley is a quick bite, a languid lunch or quite meeting place.

Eaglevlei Estate in the stunning Stellenbosch winelands is home to The Vineyard Kitchen. Don’t be misled to equate the restaurant’s name with old fashioned farm food. Here patrons are promised a menu that reads like gastronomic adventure. Chef Herbie van Schalkwyk aims to wow guests with food that is created to “satisfy the entire palate at once”. The menu is as daring as it is exciting: a unique interpretation of Traditional South African Cuisine. Expect menu items to the likes of Snoek Bobotie with coconut risotto, apricot cocktail, caramelised banana mash potatoes and chilli jam; or Ostrich steak with sweet potato cake, peppadew puree, walnut and Amarula sauce. Desserts are equally dreamy with Trio of South Africa: a cocktail Milktart, Koeksister ice-cream, caramelised banana and Pinotage Crème Brûlée. Although the Vineyard Kitchen dares one with its latest menu inventions it does not fail to cater more simply for the less adventurous (burgers and tappas) and children (hotdogs with smilely - face chips). The beauty of the farm is a breath-taking back drop and makes The Vineyard Kitchen a great location for marvellous meal.

Nestled inside the Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, Casa’s eclectic décor and large vibrant artwork mingled with attractive furniture sets the tone for any occasion dining. The menu is versatile and focuses on international flavours, seafood and grills, enjoyed by friends and family. Try their signature dish Casa Chicken cooked to authentic Mozambican style flavours with choice of Lemon and Herb or peri-peri. Served with a choice of chips, rice, salad, grilled veggies or mash potato.

Upon arrival, the bustling dinner ambiance pays tribute to the finest quality beef aged and matures for 10-21 days. The interior caters for intimate and festive dining experiences, whether it is lunch or dinner, smoking or non-smoking. The menu is all about steak and proffers some delicious choices such as Blockman's Fillet with creamed Feta, Biltong powder, crushed black pepper and bacon strips. The main attraction is the succulent Carpetbagger fillet layered with a combination of fresh mussels, bacon and snails smothered with a creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy a fine glass of wine from the impressive selection of local and international flavours while admiring the vineyard collections stacked against face brick walls.

Enjoy your favourite Mexican dishes at this lively restaurant set in a popular and vibrant nightspot. Mexican sombrero displays adorn the well appointed interior as well as a proud Mexican flag. The food is delectable and offers everything you could want from an authentic Mexican menu. A buzzing atmosphere ensures that your Mexican experience at Cantina Tequila will be one to repeat.

Located in the Tygervalley Waterfront, Asian Asia’s prime lakeside location makes an ideal setting dining alfresco on the water’s edge. The interior remains cosy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner. A variety of Asian food spills off the menu offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options too. Begin with a hot starter and selection of tempura, dim sum, spring rolls and soups. Main course dishes range from chicken or seafood teppanyaki and classic Asian dishes such as sizzling beef on a hot plate and crispy duck, including seafood combos and myriad of noodle dishes. Dine overlooking the lake or treat someone special to a romantic dinner at Asian Asia, Tigervalley.