Paradyskloof Restaurants

Set in a rustic old farmhouse and with superb views from every side is the Buena Vista Social Cafe, Somerset West. Diners may also choose to eat outside in a pretty hacienda-style area. The cuisine is primarily Cuban with tantalising tapas and a wine list that perfectly accompanies the dishes. For a wonderful Cuban dining experience in cosy and welcoming surroundings, Buena Vista Social Cafe excels!

The Majeka Restaurant forms part Majeka House, a five star Boutique Hotel in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a fairly new establishment and is unashamedly French in feel and character. The intimate dining area, with its chandeliers and piano, leads onto the library, giving the restaurant an enchanting European flair. Flowers from the hotel garden adds a light homely touch. The menu is diverse and offers a Tasting option of two sample dishes per course or the a la carte selection which has five choices per course. The menu also has wine pairing suggestions with each dish. Expect to be tantalised with delicacies such as Seared Springbok Loin and Buttered Kabbeljou for mains. And definitely do not pass on dessert with Millefeuille of chocolate mousse and Pear Crumble with Vanilla Cream that will have one savouring each bite. The wines are predominantly from the Stellenbosch region with Tamboerskloof Syrah and Dalla Cia amongst others. Wines are also available per glass.

A visit to Bayede! may very well have its visitors shouting just that on their way out: Hail to the King! Set amongst the beauty of the Helderberg mountains with vineyards surrounding, Bayede! boasts a wine cafe that is equally suitable for families and more formal affairs. Families can enjoy a relaxing lunch out on the lawn picnic style while the children stretch their legs or entertain themselves with trout fishing at the dam. The indoor restaurant offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups that require a little more formality. The menu is wholly South African, but with original twists of brilliance. It changes weekly to make the most of fresh local produce, but guests may happily expect a variety of starters, mains and dessert. For starters delve into a classic Caesar Salad where bacon has been replaced with biltong and anchovies for snoek pate. The main courses cater more than adequately for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. And with a chef that is known for his sweet tooth, there’s no getting away without a bite into the decadent dark chocolate-espresso torte with merlot poached pears & cardamom parfait. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines, but patrons are guided with wine and food pairing suggestions on the menu.

Set in scenic Stellenbosch and fusing both modern and traditional Cape cuisines, Barouche Restaurant is a must-try dining experience.Barouche provides delightful dining whatever the weather, with a terrace overlooking vineyards for warm summer days or a warm and welcoming inside area for the colder wintertime.Serving the finest of South African as well as international cuisine and using the freshest seasonal ingredients, Barouche is a wonderfully versatile and accommodating place to dine.

Mamma Roma, an Italian eatery chain, can now also be found in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. Located at Stellenbosch Square and overlooking the vineyards makes for an authentic Italian setting which is relaxed. The interior has a double volume ceiling and stone walls to create a country house feel, while the mural feature enhances the European character of the establishment. The crisp white linen sets off the dark wooded furnishings in simple sophistication. Add to that, the fantastic views that the restaurant offers- it has all the makings for the perfect mood, be it for a light lunch or a quiet dinner for two. The menu is extensive with plenty pasta dishes that range from sausage to seafood. On its own, the seafood selection is impressive with firm favourites such as the Fritto Misto which is a combination of Kingklip, Calamari and Prawns. Other house specialties which come highly recommended include the Rack of Lamb and the Baby Beef. Mamma Roma can also be found in Newlands and Steenberg.

Do not be misled by the rustic ring to De Volkskombuis’ name. There is nothing even remotely unpolished about this establishment. The restaurant has been around since 1977 and has earned its reputation as a place of fine dining. The Cape Dutch house - that is the restaurant - is a perfect puzzle piece in historic Stellenbosch with its white washed walls and front garden. The restaurant also has its Voorkamer which serves as a private dining room for special occasions, conferences and private parties. Guests will be thrilled to find that although the menu boasts a fresh interpretation of traditional South African cuisine, none of the authenticity of the old favourites like Boland Bobotie, Braised Oxtail and Malva Pudding is lost. Furthermore, the menu has wine suggestions with each dish – a treat for wine and food pairing enthusiasts. Not only does De Volkskombuis promise a gastronomic experience of note, but also an impressive, if not, wildly indulgent, wine and beverage selection that could hold one’s attention for hours. Choose from the best locally and internationally sourced wines of every blend, including sparkling wines and Champagne. A selection of cigars rounds off the restaurant’s offerings. De Volkskombuis is open daily for lunch and dinner.

A restaurant that offers Oemf: Outstanding Excellence More Frequently. This “eethuis” (eating house), located in a small business park off Dorp Street Stellenbosch, delivers genuine, wholesome food that calls for seconds. The restaurant is has a Victorian elegance with its wooden floors, solid wood furnishings and feminine touches. The sound of bird chatter in the background adds a certain homely charm to the place. It is a restaurant with many faces. Not only is it a relaxed spot for local office workers to grab a bite or a coffee, but it is also an alternative to take-away dinners. The wholesome, home-style cooked meals may be collected on pre order to be taken home and enjoyed. What a pleasure! The menu changes on a weekly basis and regular visitors are kept one step ahead by having the menu emailed to them on Mondays. Besides the regular menu items, there is also a range of snack like options to compliment after work drinks at the bar. And if what one is after is not the menu? Patrons are at liberty to request dishes to satisfy in- the- moment cravings. Thursdays are Malay inspired with curries, samoosas, and other favourites. Oemf Eethuis is a one stop, all stop spot that hits the spot every time.

Umami is Japanese for ‘deliciousness’ a word coined to describe a taste that is beyond sensory. Located in the heart of Stellenbosch on Dorp Street, this trendy eatery is set on unleashing the ‘deliciousness’ of its global fusion menu (with a South African twist). Add to that the restaurant’s philosophy of ‘if we can make it ourselves we will’ visitors can expect nothing short of a culinary journey in a single meal sitting. The restaurant reflects a stylish yet earthy simplicity with its wooden furniture, rough bricks walls and fireplace. The outside seating is shaded and has a lovely relaxing view despite the surrounding hustle of town life. The lunch menu is fresh and light with homemade pizza, sandwiches and salads to choose from. The dinner menu, with its four course tasting option, is plainly focused on presenting guests with a flavoursome eating experience. A la carte offerings will have patrons succumbing to the likes of the Baby Calamari starter with a lime Risotto, Bernaise Beef Fillet for mains and an ice cream trio of Roasted Pistachio, Segafredo Coffee and Vanilla Koeksister for pudding. Umami offers a philosophy to food in a trendy upmarket atmosphere.

A lime washed farm house is home to The Blue Orange, a popular coffee shop along the historic and scenic Dorp Street in Stellenbosch. Serving breakfast and lunch, this cup of java spot is an oasis of tranquillity in the central hub of the town. In summer, sitting in the shady front garden, watching the people on the street while sipping cappuccino and glancing at the daily newspaper is a soul satisfying experience. The inside restaurant is cosy with its wooden floors and freshly baked and coffee aromas which makes it an obvious choice in colder weather. The menu is focused on lighter meals with a great selection of breakfast and sandwich choices. The cakes and pastries are a must try. The Blue Orange also has a deli, with an array of breads, meats and cakes for purchase. The fascinating little gift shop is definitely worth a browse on the way out.

Stellenbosch is almost synonymous with good wine and it's no surprise that this is where Ernie Els has chosen to open his brand new restaurant, The Big Easy, named after the man himself. The Big Easy is situated in the historical oak tree lined Dorp Street inside an elegant Cape Dutch-style house called La Gratitude. Built in 1798, this grande old lady is a combination of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture and has been tastefully renovated to provide the home for Ernie Els’s new signature eating spot. Here you can enjoy the finest cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients inlaid-back luxury with a hint of history.The Big Easy Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a wide selection of more than 170 fine wines from the Stellenbosch region to complement their superlative food. In addition, new discoveries from the local wine industry will please the most discerning connoisseur. The most exciting news is that patrons will be able to enjoy wines from the cellars of the owners, at a cost that does not bear additional mark-ups.

Listed as one of the Top 15 Fabulous Restaurants by Eat Out Magazine, makes Cognito restaurant in Stellenbosch a must try eating establishment. It is sophisticated and all things African with its menu and décor and offers visitors an eating experience that embodies local hospitality. The East and South African inspired menu is as diverse as it is exciting. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional dishes. From nibbles like curry dusted popcorn and starters to full main courses, the menu caters for all supermbly, including children. Patrons are encouraged to enquire as to the latest flavour combinations when it comes to steak and poultry choices as the mains are constantly being reinvented. Wine enthusiasts will also not be disappointed with great regional selection of wines on offer and are encouraged to sign up for the restaurant’s food and wine pairing evenings. The social evenings are geared at having the guests’ imput on new wines and dishes to be included on the menu. Foodies will also not be able to resist the popular Curry Mondays (when all the curries are riduculously discounted to one price).

If it’s an Indian fix that needs satisfying while visiting scenic Stellenbosch, then Bukhara is the obvious choice. Conveniently situated at centre of town, Bukhara is a stylish restaurant that offers a selection of North Indian cuisine. The restaurant chain is consistent with its upmarket and vibey atmosphere. The trade mark open kitchen allows guests to be privy to the making of their meal as well and serves as a source of background entertainment. The menu has a good variety, including South African game options and caters for the carnivores and vegetarians alike. Expect authentic, traditional Indian food: Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan and Mango ice cream. The Kashmiri style kebabs cooked over hot coals is a restaurant speciality and a must try. The exotic Indian dining experience is rounded off with a few dishes with interesting flavours to entice the adventurous palate and a notable wine list.

Lafayette is perfectly placed along the oak lined Andringa Street in Stellenbosch. The restaurant is a cosy, intimate eatery that offers an Italian bistro style food with no shortage of wines to choose from. Lafayette achieves in creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. One has a choice of seating. Dine indoors at winter time in the rustic Italian setting of the restaurant or outside in the courtyard around the open fire on a balmy summer’s evening, either way Lafayette’s intimate setting is all about romance. The Tuscan inspired menu calls for all foods to be home made. Expect extravagant pasta to the likes of ravioli with spinach and ricotta in a blue cheese, bacon and yoghurt sauce. Other dishes include local speciality dishes of tripe, vegetable stew with warm tabouleh, and rich Tuscan style soups. On Thursday evenings guests are treated to an outdoor fire from which the evening’s meals are cooked. The restaurant has a wide selection of wines by the glass as well per bottle.

Java is all about location. Situated at the pulse of Stellenbosch, this spot is ideal for soaking up that special energy that this university town is known for. The laid back and unpretentious atmosphere makes it an accessible lunch or dinner option for those that like easy food. Uncomplicated burgers, pizzas, wraps and sandwiches can be found on the menu and breakfast is served all day. Java cafe also serves up a very decent cup of coffee (living up to its name), which is perfect for those that want to make use of the internet and Wi-Fi terminals.

Wijnhuis is more than just a Stellenbosch eatery, it’s an experience. True to its name, this ‘home of wine’ houses a selection of four hundred wines and, if the cultivar culture isn’t enough to soak up, the restaurant is adjoined to the well known SMAC Art Gallery. Wine, food and art roofed under a 17th century land mark on Church Street makes for a memorable eating out experience. The predominantly Mediterranean menu is not limited to dinner and the restaurant offers meals throughout the day including lighter meals and snacks. Choose to be seated under the oak trees of the Wijnhius’ Street Cafe at lunch or in the upstairs restaurant when part larger crowd. Families with children will also feel at home in the restaurant’s versatile setting and easy going atmosphere. Favourites on the menu include pastas, Kalahari Lamb and venison. A nice touch to the menu is that all Wijnhuis’ seasonal vegetable produce which is grown on the restaurant owner’s farm in Wellington. The wine lounge and shop stocks a range of rare vintage wines and offers an international freighting service for serious collectors – pure indulgence all round for the food and wine lover.

Once upon a time, long long ago, there was a beautiful Victorian house in a small, romantic little town. It was situated at number 5 Ryneveld Street - a place we now call home. When conceptualizing our new restaurant, we became aware of the special qualities of the number five. Five is the number of harmony and balance. Five is the number of perfection. Five is the number of senses in the human body - touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Five is the number of basic tastes - sweet, sour, salt, bitter and umami. Our restaurant comprises five rooms namely the dining room, study, library, bedroom and radio lounge. We welcome you to 5 Ryneveld, where we will provide you with an exciting dining experience, stimulating your five senses by exploring the five basic tastes. 5 Ryneveld is a cute and quirky meeting place for those embracing a playful and sophisticated atmosphere. It will be shaped by the friends, family and other warm-hearted people who meet, eat and play there. Welcome home...welcome to 5 Ryneveld.

A venue steeped in history, Basic Bistro is bustling restaurant enjoying a large local following and is a popular stop for tourists and travellers alike. Supported by a dedicated team serving sumptuous fare all day long, this endearing eatery offers a menu that has something for everyone from simple toasted sandwiches to delicious dinners with an Asian twist. The hamburgers are a must-try. As well as these staples, there is a specials board which changes regularly to keep the offerings fresh and new. A great place to stop for a while and rejuvenate, try Basic Bistro, Stellenbosch.

The menu brims with traditional dishes, boasting extensive choices of South African cuisine with hints of Cape Malay and International flavours. Dine alfresco in the vine covered garden exploring the unique flavours and warm hospitality, alongside a discerning wine list at Restaurant 1802.

Combine contemporary and vibey, add great splashes of colour and a crowd pleasing menu and you have the recipe to what makes Beads restaurant tick. Beads is conveniently situated in the centre of town, making it an easy, if not irresistible, stop for after work drinks and eats. The sultry Stellenbosch summer calls for the French doors to be flung open and tables to be set outside, while winters become rather cosy with fireplaces in every room. The modern fusion style menu is all about variety, catering for all tastes and appetites. Wraps, pastas, Oxtail Potjie and even finger foods (as a complement to the cocktails) are part of the fare. The wines comprise a local selection of which Dalla Cia features prominently. Whether for breakfast with a colleague, lunch with a lover or dinner with friends - Beads extensive menu and upmarket atmosphere has secured itself a place on the restaurant map. And just to prove that they are committed to pleasing just about everyone, Beads also offers a Kids Menu.

Café Dijon is a pocket of Paris in the heart of Stellenbosch. Ideally located at the centre of town, this quaint eatery is a gem for food lovers who enjoy true French cuisine. Its indoor café is perfectly Parisian in décor and ambience while being seated outside, under ancient oak trees and umbrellas, allows for a relaxed reflection of passers-by on the street in true European style. Expect an impressive and authentic French menu. There are classic hors d’ oeuvres and salads such as Pear, Parma ham and Gorgonzola that are designed to please the palate. The main course selection and restaurant specialties are extended to include regional French dishes to the likes of South West of France Cassoulet. The multi-dimensional menu has an array of asides and desserts and caters well for those who like to round off their eating experience. The combination of true French style and food makes this bistro style establishment a delight any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner.