Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and has the oldest wine route in the country. These many vineyards in the surrounding hills combined with historic Cape Dutch architecture, and thriving art galleries have made the town a popular getaway destination.
Nothing builds up your appetite quite like exploring a town, especially one with so much to see. That is why it is fortunate that Stellenbosch is also a renowned foodie destination with many great restaurants available.
However, all of these fantastic restaurants can make deciding where to eat challenging. That is why we decided to put together this list of our picks for the 5 best restaurants in Stellenbosch. To help you find the perfect dining experience to suit your cravings.
Post & Pepper
Easily one of the most popular restaurants in Stellenbosch is Post & Pepper. This restaurant is located in the old post office in the heart of this historic town. This restaurant is the realisation of chef and owner Jess van Dyk and manager Dimitri Hadzigrigoriou’s dream to provide a fine dining experience, without the uptight atmosphere or hefty price. To achieve this the restaurant’s menu focuses on small plates made for sharing, family style, with reimagined classics and traditional favourites. These include dishes like cape malay pani puri, pan-fried gnocchi and fried mac ‘n cheese. This restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00-14:00 for lunch and 18:00-21:00 for dinner. This is a great restaurant for fine dining in a casual and friendly setting.
De Eetkamer
Another of the great restaurants in Stellenbosch that has found its place in a restored historic building is De Eetkamer. This one is hidden lust off Dorp st in an old stable building with a lovely shaded courtyard. This restaurant has been quite popular ever since chef Marco Cardoso opened in April 2022. It also focuses on small plates while striving to bring tastes from around the world to its diners. This includes flavourful dishes like Moroccan lamb koftas, Japanese fried chicken, and parsley risotto. It is worth noting that their menu is seasonal meaning it is subject to change, but also that there is often something new for returning diners. This rising star restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00-15:00 for lunch and 17:30-21:00 for dinner. This is a great restaurant for you and your friends to experience tantalising flavours from across the globe without needing a passport.
De Vrije Burger
Sometimes we can’t help but crave a delicious burger, no matter what they remain an iconic food. Fortunately, the restaurants in Stellenbosch can satisfy this craving with De Vrije Burger. Located in the heart of Stellenbosch on Drostdy Rd, they offer a lovely roadside dining area to sink your teeth into their burgers. These burgers are more than just your standard fare though with 100% free-range beef, homemade buns and pickles, and hand-cut fries there is a personal touch to every food item. They offer a standard burger that has a 200g patty, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and double cheese. However, they also invite you to design your own with add-ons like bacon, and smoked chilli sauce available. Additionally, they offer free ice cream with every burger, ensuring that you always have dessert. De Vrije Burger is open Monday to Sunday from 12:00-20:00 with delivery available through UberEats. This is one of the best burger joints in town that is sure to satisfy even the most diehard foodie.
The Fat Butcher
If you are a carnivore prowling the restaurants in Stellenbosch in search of a good meal. Then look no further than The Fat Butcher located in a restored historic building on Van Riebeeck Str. This restaurant’s focus is on what they call “man’s greatest culinary obsession: THE STEAK,” with passion like that you can be sure that their cuts of meat will impress. They offer a range of signature steaks, and other standard cuts all cooked to your preferences, with a variety of add-ons available. Their menu has more than just steak though with some burgers, salads, risottos, and even seafood, ensuring there is something for everyone. Though their steak is what they are known for and the reason for their popularity. The Fat Butcher is open from Monday to Saturday from 12:00-23:00 and Sundays from 11:30-23:00. Therefore they are ready to cater to any carnivore including the nocturnal ones.
SCHOON: Bakery & Café
One of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch that delivers is SCHOON. This café and bakery located in Stellenbosch Square are perfect for grabbing a light meal while out on the town. They offer standard café fairs like rustic pizzas, salads, breakfasts, and sandwiches toasted and regular. Though just because it’s standard fair doesn’t mean they can’t surprise. With exquisite dishes like their smoked trout croissant and more there is bound to be something to excite your tastebuds. They also offer a range of bread from their bakery as well as delectable pastries. These include baked cheesecake, peach danish, chocolate fudge, and more. Meaning they are the perfect stop for a bit of comfort food to satisfy your sweet tooth. SCHOON Bakery & Café is open from Monday to Friday from 07:00-17:00, Saturday from 08:00-17:00, and Sunday from 08:00-15:00. This is the perfect place to start your day and load up on energy, and treats for the road, for a busy day of sightseeing.
These are our picks for the 5 best restaurants in Stellenbosch. This historic town has truly become a foodie’s paradise with dishes inspired by every corner of the globe. Therefore, no matter how busy your schedule is be sure to stop by one of these fantastic restaurants when you feel your tummy rumbling.