There’s never been a better reason to visit Stellenbosch for a long lazy lunch, or a foodie experience that offers a great excuse for the perfect day out. Plus there’s the feel good factor of supporting local eateries right now.
Support Stellenbosch is a current initiative that means in-dining guests are rewarded with a SnapScan voucher (redeemable at participating restaurants within the campaign the period).
You get this welcome bonus if your bill is R200 or more and paid via SnapScan. You’ll then be given a SnapScan voucher to the value of 50 percent of your bill (to a maximum value of R400). Use this to visit another Stellies restaurant on a return visit – which means discovering yet another cool eatery in SA’s culinary capital.
Where to go? While the knee-jerk reaction is take yourself off to a wine estate for the day, there are many interesting delis, coffee spots and bakeries in this part of Winelands too. Here are our top picks – all part of the Support Stellenbosch campaign – to eat at this season.
BEST FOR: Nature Lovers
The Vine Bistro at Glenelly Estate
The vibe: Want to eat alfresco surrounded by nature and enjoy a stellar a wine experience? Enter The Vine Bistro at Glenelly Estate which equals traditional bistro fare at exceptional price points. It also means the opportunity to sip on South African wine with a French touch (like the estate’s new sulphur free addition, Rosé de May) in the heart of an authentic vineyard setting. For sunny days, ask to sit outside in the Cape fynbos garden or if the weather is a bit chilly, enjoy the view (from Simon’s Town to the Simonsberg mountain) in the chic dining room with its relaxed service. Expect farm-to-table fare with plenty of seasonal delights like asparagus and artichokes together with other locally sourced fresh favourites
BEST FOR: Family Gatherings
Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery at Spier Wines
The vibe: Need a lunch spot to suit a variety of ages and stages? Situated on the rolling lawns of Spier – ideal for children to break free from a lengthy lunch session – Vadas is a contemporary eatery serving hearty food. Producing slow-ferment sourdough breads, there’s a plethora of delicious meal options – from pizzas to pies – to feast on. While meat-wise, think what you’d expect from a smokehouse (beef brisket, juicy smoked pork with a bourbon BBQ sauce or smoked pork belly with apple ketchup), there’s plenty of vegetarian options too. Everyone will be happy
BEST FOR: Market Shoppers
De Warenmarkt, Plein Street, Stellenbosch
The vibe: Want to experience a market but in an urban setting? Head to the town’s De Warenmarkt where you can either sit down at the restaurant (set in a charming heritage 18th century building) or visit one of the purveyors that make up the collective in-door market space. Serving everything from coffee to crepes, there’s plenty to shop for (from the butcher and baker to name a few) after your meal. Walk it all off with a stroll down Church Street and soak up some of Stellenbosch’s sites in the cultural district.
BEST FOR: Small Children
Joostenberg Bistro & Deli, Klein Joostenberg, R304
The vibe: If you’re lunching with littlies in tow, but still want an eating option that’s not all chicken nuggets and chips, head slightly out of Stellenbosch. Joostenberg (neighbouring Ludwig’s Rose farm worth a visit too) Bistro & Deli has a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere with a cosy fireplace for chillier weather and a vine-shaded stoep overlooking the gardens during summer. Serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and coffee, arrive at your leisure and stay for good food, fresh every day and made from great local produce and authentic recipes. Try the venue’s own organic Joostenberg wines, made in their boutique winery, using natural farming and winemaking methods.
BEST FOR: Couples
Majeka House Kitchen, Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Paradyskloof.
The vibe: This gorgeously designed boutique hotel is a local favourite, and if you’re not in the mood for a wine farm outing, but still need a relaxed break-away atmosphere, a meal at this spot is the ticket. Elegently appointed don’t expect fine dining, but do expect incredibly special bistro-style food that’s ideal for special occasions – cue anniversary lunches and dinners (a night away means lounging poolside with icon Stellenbosch mountain views bubbly in hand). And sigh……
BEST FOR: Small Plates Feasting
Taphuis at Lanzerac Wine Estate
The vibe: A group of friends getting together for a laidback day in the winelands? If you want something special but not too stuffy, head to Lanzerac’s Taphuis and order a few sharing plates for the table from the pub-style menu. Deeply inspired by Cape heritage food, expect options such as Cape spiced hake nuggets, braaibrootjes (with a sophisticated twist of course) and smoked marrow bone. As you’re on a wine farm it’d be remiss not to sample some of the estate’s award-winning pinotage (amongst others) or sip on a very grown up cocktail whilst taking in the view.
Check out our favourite al fresco spots.
