ALMOST just as interesting as who is included on the A-list of South Africa’s leading restaurant guide, is who is left off. Of the 42 establishments Eat Out have applauded with star ratings in 2022, there are 12 in the Cape winelands, i.e. among the vines, near the cellars (see below), with quite a few more on the high streets and side roads of Cape Town, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Some might be surprised that not included among the 12 in the vineyards are the tables at top destinations including Babylonstoren, Creation, De Grendel, La Motte, Steenberg, Tokara, Vergelegen… And new places not up and running in time to be reviewed by the Eat Out critics for their 2022 selection include the ‘reinvented’ restaurant at Jordan in Stellenbosch Kloof and Chorus at Waterkloof near Sir Lowry’s Pass outside Somerset West, with Brookdale in Paarl only expected to open the doors of their restaurant for the first time during the festive season.

However, many of the laureates are regulars on the annual honours list, and a newcomer quick to establish a good reputation is Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd Löw, one of the latest additions to Chef Bertus Basson’s group of establishments, including the aforementioned Chorus. The odds must be good to very good that some of the top Eat Out Restaurant of the Year ratings to be announced on 20 November will go to places in the collections put together in recent years by Basson, Scot Kirton (La Colombe group), Peter Tempelhoff (FYN, Beyond, et al), Liam Tomlin (Chefs Warehouses), David Higgs (Marble, Saint, Zioux) and Luke Dale Roberts (Test Kitchen, Shortmarket Club, Potluck Club…).

The Eat Out critics: food writers Abigail Donnelly (panel chair) and Anna Trapido, chefs Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and Karen Dudley, cookbook author Mokgadi Itsweng and sommelier Moses Magwaza.

 

Top Tables in SA Vineyards

BOT RIVER

Farro at Gabrielskloof
N2, Swartrivier Road
“Chef Alex Windebank is well known for his take on wholesome, classic and comforting dishes – embracing simplicity and respecting the ingredients… Favourites like the velvety duck liver parfait, black cherry and buttery brioche toast; seasonal veloutés and melt-in-the-mouth pork belly with mustard sauce and greens.”
Food: “International, Modern” – Eat Out
R190 to R290 for Main Course
Tel +27 (0)28 008 5017

CONSTANTIA

Beyond at Buitenverwachting
37 Klein Constantia Road
“Peter Tempelhoff’s enduring food philosophy is one that centres on provenance… From rare-breed meats, and seasonal heirloom vegetables to artisanally crafted cheeses, this diversity serves to showcase and celebrate the ‘weird and wonderful’ and the beauty of unique strains and flavours beyond mass production…”
Food: “Contemporary, Country-Style, Fine-Dining” – Eat Out
R545 for 2 Courses, R650 for 3 Courses (R495 for wine pairing), R895 for 6 Courses (R725 for wine pairing)
Tel +27 (0)21 794 0306

Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia
1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia Nek
“Chef patron Ivor Jones is a classic and experimental creative. As the season changes and inspirations just as much, Ivor can flow through ideas and ingredients and adjust, adapt and improve on classics while fusing flavours, techniques and ferments.”
Food: “Asian, Contemporary Fare, International, Japanese, Modern, Vegan Food, Vegetarian” – Eat Out
R700 per person for the Main course, Set Menu
Tel +27 (0)21 794 8632

La Colombe at Silvermist
Main Road, Constantia Nek
“As you ascend the winding road on Silvermist Estate, time seems to slow down. At each bend, as the city tilts away beneath you, you rise to new heights of quiet anticipation. There’s a reason you feel this way – you’re on top of a mountain and about to dine at La Colombe.”
Food: “Asian, Fine-Dining, French, Modern, Vegetarian” – Eat Out
R1395 to R1795pp
Tel +27 (0)21 794 2390

ELGIN

The Melting Pot at Oak Valley
27 Oak Avenue
“A flavour-packed, global food experience, serving contemporary small plates made for sharing. John van Zyl’s cooking style is heavily influenced by his travels abroad, giving you a culinary trip around the world in one sitting.”
Food: “Asian, Cape Malay, Indian, International, Japanese, Korean, Light meals, Mediterranean, Mexican, Modern, Tapas” – Eat Out
R100 to R220 for Main Course
Tel +27 (0)21 859 4111

FRANSCHHOEK

Arkeste at Chamonix
Uitkyk Street
“In a characterful heritage building on the edge of a forest. This sets the scene for a tranquil dining experience and delicious food by Richard Carstens, who revisits some of his classics alongside his new dishes which showcase seasonal and local ingredients.”
Food: “Fine-dining” – Eat Out
R240 to R305 for Main Course
Tel +27 (0)21 876 2393

La Petite Colombe at Leeu Estates
Dassenberg Road
“Nestled in an outstandingly beautiful venue, in the midst of vineyards and manicured landscapes, offering views of the Franschhoek Valley and the Franschhoek Pass.”
Food: “Contemporary, Fine-dining, Modern” – Eat Out
R1295 to R1695pp
Tel +27 (0)21 202 3395

The Werf at Boschendal
R310 (Pniel Road), Groot Drakenstein
“Situated in the beautifully revamped original cellar of the Manor House, the focus is on presenting contemporary soil-to-fork dining… Sharing plate menu features produce from the farm including our Black Angus beef, forest-reared Duroc pork as well as vegetables and herbs from The Werf Food Garden, which can be viewed from the conservatory.”
Food: “Bistro Fare, Light Meals, Modern” – Eat Out
Lunch & Dinner Sharing Plates Menu (4 plates R520, 7 plates R570); Sunday Sharing Lunch Menu (Adult R420, Kids under 12 R210); Werf Burger Menu (R200 avg)
Tel +27 (0)21 870 4207

STELLENBOSCH

Clara’s Barn at Vergenoegd Löw
Faure Village Road, Croydon
“A beautifully appointed restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape… A modern South African Farm kitchen… A 3 and 5 course menu… The kitchen is headed up by Drikus Brink.”
Food: “Modern, South African” – Eat Out
R650 for 5 Courses, Wine Pairing R525
Tel +27 (0)21 202 4372

Indochine at Delaire Graff
Helshoogte Road, Banghoek
“Embark on a thrilling epicurean adventure with Head Chef Virgil Kahn. One of the earliest meeting points between East and West, Cape sailors returned from Asia’s spice lands with great riches, and it is these flavours that are celebrated at Indochine, together with the expression they found in South Africa’s Cape Malay cuisine.”
Food: “Asian, Modern” – Eat Out
R400 avg main meal; Indochine Silk & Spice Route Travel Menu (Lunch R850 per person; Dinner R1450 per person)
Tel +27 (0)21 885 8160

Rust en Vrede
Annandale Road
“Our aim is to show guests how a dining experience can be heightened by the combination of outstanding wine with excellent food. Our restaurant is housed in the Estate’s original cellar, a historic monument which has been transformed into a sophisticated yet relaxing fine-dining setting… Chef Fabio Daniel serves contemporary French cuisine, adding his own unique flair, taking inspiration from his Brazilian and Italian heritage.”
Food: “Fine-dining, French, Modern” – Eat Out
R890 for Six course Menu (wine pairing R690)
Tel +27 (0)21 881 3757

The Table at De Meye
Muldersvlei Road, c/o Old Paarl Road (R101)
“Owned and run by chef couple Brendan Thorncroft and Leigh Williamson… The relaxed atmosphere of our hidden-away country estate… In summer, long, lazy lunches on the lawns under shady oak trees… In winter, hearty, comforting winter dishes served in historic white-washed farm building, warmed by a crackling fireplace.”
Food: “Bistro fare, Country-style, Modern” – Eat Out
R495 for three-course set menu
Tel +27 (0)72 696 0530

 

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