The Best Restaurants in Stellenbosch CBD
If you want to take a break from visiting a winery and want to explore other options a little closer to town in Stellenbosch you’re in the right place. This list unearths some of the hidden gems, restaurants in Stellenbosch itself.
Restaurants in Stellenbosch CBD
Stellenbosch Kitchen
If you’re a conscious diner you can rest easier knowing that the team at Stellenbosch Kitchen are big believers in sustainability. The chefs follow the pasture to plate philosophy, which means that they ethically source their quality ingredients used in all of their dishes. This ensures that quality and flavour of the dishes is outstanding.
Their menu consists of a wide variety of classic dishes like Veal Osso Buco, which features tender veal shanks, accompanied by a saffron Milanese risotto and gremolata. Another timeless dish is the comforting Shepherd’s Pie, which is always a hit; as is the braised lamb shoulder is served atop, grana padano mash, with minted pea purée and with a tasty lamb jus. Visit Stellenbosch Kitchen and treat yourself to a lovely lunch.
Location: Dorp St & Andringa St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: their ingredients are sourced ethically.
Why you’ll love it: they re-invent classic dishes.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 07h00-21h30
Contact: +27 21 883 2893
Helena’s Restaurant
The team over at Helena’s Restaurant aim to produce the kind of food that, is well made, unpretentious and highly enjoyable. As a part of the Coopmanhuijs Hotel, it serves hotel guests but also welcomes walk ins and bookings from non-hotel guests.
A crowd pleaser is their handmade tagliatelle pasta, which is served with a lamb shoulder and red pepper ragu. This is comfort food at its absolute best. If you’d like to spoil yourself for lunch or dinner head over to Helena’s where they turn familiar ingredients into something spectacular.
Location: 33 Church St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: part of the Coopmanhuijs Hotel.
Why you’ll love it: the range of amazing food.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-14h30 | Re-opens: 18h00-21h30
Contact: +27 21 883 8207
The Hussar Grill
The Hussar Grill opened their brass doors nearly 54 years ago and over the years it has gained a reputation for making some of the best steaks in the country. All of their steak and grill dishes are made to order and cooked to your preference. They are known for their steak and grills but they also serve delicious dishes like tender tubes of flash fried or grilled Calamari with chilli, garlic and parsley. As well as their appetising pan-fried Parmesan Chicken Breasts, served on a bed of mashed potato and dressed in a creamy mustard sauce. If you appreciate a great cut of meat that will be well prepared, go to this Stellenbosch restaurant and see what the fuss is about.
Location: G3, Good Hope Building, 23 Plein St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: they specialise in making great steaks.
Why you’ll love it: every meal is a masterclass.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00-22h00
Contact: +27 21 882 8088
The Big Easy
The name of this restaurant is inspired by its commander in chief, Ernie Els, affectionately known as The Big Easy. Ernie is one of the most revered South African pro-golfers on the PGA Tour circuit. He also has a passion for wine and good food and he decided to marry his two passions and create this restaurant, which is located along Dorp Street.
The laid-back atmosphere and delicious food make this a great place to bring your family. Their menu boasts dishes like Braised Lamb Shank in gravy with roasted vegetables and a pea and feta mash. If you don’t feel like preparing dinner at home then you should definitely head to The Big Easy.
Location: La Gratitude, 95 Dorp St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: it’s a wonderful place to bring family and friends.
Why you’ll love it: the laid back atmosphere.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 07h30-22h00 | Sat-Sun: 08h00-22h00
Contact: +27 21 887 3462
thebigeasyrestaurant.co.za | ernieelshospitality.com
The Fat Butcher
At the Fat Butcher, you’re in charge of your meaty destiny. Choose your own prime cut of meat, which will then be seasoned to perfection, cooked to order and delivered to you. The restaurant is spacious, has a chilled atmosphere and is a great place to bring a date, family or friends.
You have a range of choices like T-Bone, Sirloin or Cote De Beef on the menu and if you’re not sure about what cut to select, have no fear, you’ll get advice on the perfect cut for your from one of the helpful waiters. They’ll suggest a wine that will pair with your chosen cut of meat, as well as help you choose from the delectable line up of side orders such as onion rings, fries, crumbed mushrooms or sweet potato fries. The Fat Butcher is the ideal restaurant for foodies who are passionate about wine and a great cut of meat.
Location: 1 Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: your waiters are your meat guides.
Why you’ll love it: the meat and wine pairings are spot on.
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 11h00-22h30
Contact: +27 21 882 8705
Jardine Restaurant
Jardine Restaurant in Stellenbosch is the realisation of a long time dream for the well-known chef, George Jardine. The fine-dining eatery is located along a quintessential Stellenbosch street, lush green trees line the pathway leading up to the entrance of the restaurant. It’s an intimate space that feels like you’re in George’s home.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, as well as an awesome 6-course tasting menu. For lunch, enjoy fresh Saldanha oysters as they are or with an Asian-inspired dressing. Mains include a Caramelised Young Leek Tart or Pan Fried Oak Valley Pork. Dinner options are equally delicious, choose between a 2 or 3-course meal or that tasting menu we mentioned.
Location: 1 Andringa St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: they serve beautifully plated fine dining food.
Why you’ll love it: the 6-course tasting menu.
Opening hours: Tues-Saturday: 12h00-14h00| Re-opens: 18:30-20:30 | Sun-Mon: Closed
Contact: +27 21 886 5020
Spek & Bone
Bertus Basson’s latest venture, Spek & Bone, is one of Stellenbosch’s real hidden gems, tucked away just off Dorp Street. It’s great spot to visit no matter the season however, it is extremely popular during the warmer summer months as it boasts a lovely outdoor seating area, where trees and lush greenery surround the tables. The restaurant specialises in serving tapas-style food; the popular Steak Tartare is hand-chopped beef with, cornichons, salty capers and crispy potato.
The delightful Yuzu Dressed Fish Tacos also go down really well, filled with creamy avocado, crisp fresh cabbage, coriander and radish. The restaurant is named after Bertus and his wife Mareli’s pets, a pig called Spek and a dog called Bone, and the vibe is fun and laid back. The food is reasonably priced, very tasty and this Stellenbosch restaurant is a lovely place to hang out with your friends, relax and spend an afternoon eating tasty food.
Location: 4 Dorp St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: they serve tapas style food.
Why you’ll love it: the tacos!
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 11h30-14h30 | Re-opens: 17h30-21h00
Contact: +27 82 569 8958
Oppie Dorp
Dorp Street is the centre of the culinary scene in Stellenbosch and, Oppie Dorp is one of the spots along the road demanding attention. The menu is simple but delicious and focuses on really tasty food done well. They serve pizzas, as well as a selection of mains such as steak, pork belly and fresh fish. Oppie Dorp’s famous lamb dish is a crowd favourite and the regulars will tell you all about it as soon as you’re seated. The restaurant, like many in this historic town known for its wines and architecture.
This restaurant in Stellenbosch was built inside of a heritage building with high beamed ceilings, which is a trait of old Cape Dutch architecture. If you’d like to have a stellar meal in a relaxed and friendly environment, then Oppie Dorp is the perfect destination.
Location: 1 Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch CBD
Good to know: they have a fresh fish of the day.
Why you’ll love it: they have something for everyone on the menu.
Opening hours: 12h00-23h15
Contact: +27 21 883 3889
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