There’s really nothing better than a slow, long, lazy lunch with friends, sitting outside in the sunshine with a good glass of wine in your hand and a home cooked meal on the table. This, in theory is what you can expect of a meal at The Table at De Meye. Run by Jessica and Luke Grant, the restaurant, situated just outside of Stellenbosch, has quietly become one of the best restaurants in the country. Jess does the cooking, Luke runs the restaurant. It’s simple, understated and the food is perfectly put together.

When it comes to the food there isn’t a defined menu, as Jess is inspired by what grows in the veggie garden. She and Luke have dedicated a lot of their time into setting up a healthy and varied garden full of interesting and delicious produce. She cooks with the seasons and from her heart. One day you’ll be eating an earthy beetroot tarte tatin made with homemade puff pastry, topped with crème fraîche (also homemade of course) as a starter, with roast chicken, sautéed foraged porcini mushrooms and hasselback potatoes for mains. Another day you could be tucking into sticky, slow roasted lamb served cassoulet-style, having devoured a butternut risotto starter. The mains are all generously served family-style, but you don’t have to share the starters or desserts. Every meal is kicked off with bread from Schoon de Companje, served with fresh farm butter. The food is also perfectly paired with wines from the De Meye estate.

As they only open for lunch on Fridays to Sunday, reservations are highly recommended. In the summer months, tables are dotted amongst the luscious lawns and on rainy winter days you’ll find yourself cosied up inside the main restaurant next to a fireplace. The Table at De Meye is just like your mom’s cooking, if your mom is immensely talented and using only the freshest ingredients available. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon, then look no further than The Table at De Meye.

There are few restaurants who do what The Table does. Simple, understated and absolutely delicious.