You can't go wrong no matter what you order! and other Stellenbosch, South Africa Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Tokara Restaurant

The food may be described as 'modern South African with a heavy French influence' and is considered one of the best South African restaurants. They also make terrific wines, if you are simply looking for an easy drinking red blend, try the Tokara Red (approximately $35)! They also have a few other South African wines to choose from.

The thing that really makes Tokara so special is definitely the view. You have an absolutely beautiful view of one the most spectacular wine regions of South Africa. Unfortunately I do not have a photo of this, but go take a look on their website and you'll understand... This view is also best appreciated during the day or at least before sundown. They are open for lunch and dinner. Booking is essential (especially on days like the Stellenbosch University graduation!).

If I could afford it, I would be eating there all the time, sadly they are to expensive for the average South African (especially the average student!). The average price listed below is more or less what it would cost you for a starter, main dish and dessert with a bottle of wine shared between three people.

Favorite Dish: If you like seafood, you simply have to try the 'Kingklip with a green fig balsamic, honey, caramelized nuts and curry oil'! This is a taste explotion and is absolutely perfectly prepared!

If you are looking for a more traditional South African dish, try the 'Ostrich fillet with a Mandarin liqueur sauce and berries'. I haven't had it myself, but heard that it's once again perfect!

They also have warm oysters (as a starter) unlike any you've ever tasted!

Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: +27 21 808 5959
Address: Helshoogte Pass
Directions: See the tokara website (given below) for a map of the area.
Website: www.tokararestaurant.co.za
Other Contact: eat@tokararestaurant.co.za

Restaurant Name: La Romantica

This grill & pizzeria has food ranging from pizza or pasta to seafood dishes and steaks. They also have a variety of affordable South African wines. There are specials on a regular base, but you can expect that the quality of food/service will not be as good on the non-special nights. On Sundays there is half price pizza night, this means that you can have (big) pizzas for less than R30 (4 US$). Specials are usually on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.

Favorite Dish: There is just too much to choose a favourate from! Having the blue cheese pizza is always a good choice if you like your pizza to have an interesting twist. The price range given below is per person when having two courses and sharing an inexpensive bottle of wine between two people.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (021) 880 0601
Address: Corner of Strand & Blaauwklippen Road
Directions: It is on the left side of the R44 towards the direction of Strand.
Other Contact: laromstb@corpdial.co.za

Restaurant Name: Cape Town Fish Market

A South African Seafood franchise with a laid back, yet classy, atmosphere. They serve a variety of seafood dishes including sushi which you can either have at your table or sit at the sushi bar and watch the chef preparing.

Favorite Dish: I just love the stacked Kingklip, it consists a prawn, spinach and feta mix sandwiched between two grilled kingklip fillets (approx 300 gram) topped with olive and sundried tomato paste. Will cost you about R90 (12 US$). Go check out the rest of the menu for yourself, available online. The price per person given below is when two courses are ordered with beverages (such as wine).

Leave a Comment

Theme: Seafood
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +2721 883 9216
Address: Cnr Plein & Ryneveld Street
Directions: Stellenbosch town centre
Website: www.ctfm.co.za
Other Contact: stellenbosch@ctfm.co.za

Restaurant Name: Neelsie Student Centre

I almost feel guilty listing this as an option for a 'restaurant', because it most definitely does not qualify! This is a Stellenbosch University building with a whole bunch of small take away shops. The main goal for this building is to supply students with a cheap alternative to cafeteria food at their residences. Here you get toasted sandwiches (<2 US$), traditional 'home cooked' meals (2 US$), smoothies (2 US$) and even sushi (not for the connoisseur).

Favorite Dish: Happy buddy smoothie at Buzz cafe. Made of chai tea, bananas, fat free yoghurt and milk with added calming tonics such as chamomile.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Merriman Street
Directions: Situated in the middle of the Stellenbosch University campus (also referred to by some as the historical town centre). Heading away from MacDonalds in Merriman Street, the parking will be on your right.

Restaurant Name: The Blue Orange

The Blue Orange is a coffee shop located on Dorp Street with a garden area outside on the street as well as a tea garden at the back. The shop itself is an old house with seating on the inside as well as a shop selling different souvenirs, goodies from the bakery and just lots of nice stuff to browse through.

Favorite Dish: There is a wide variety of sandwiches and light lunches and they also serve a great breakfast. They also have great scones and freshly baked cakes! The price quoted below is per person including drinks and is an absolute upper bound.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Dorp Street, near the BP garage

Restaurant Name: Barrique

The food is mostly mediteranean, but it also includes a large variety of other wonderfully prepared dishes. There is a very cozy atmosphere and the staff is very helpful and friendly.

They are open for lunch (Tuesday - Sunday) from 12:00 to 15:00 and then again open for dinner (Tuesday - Saturday) from 18:00 to 22:00.

During the day you can also buy a picnic basket and relax outside on the winefarm, Vredenheim. Here you can see some South African wildlife, such as Zebras and Springboks. A deluxe picnic basket will include: Cold cuts, salads, breads, cheeses, nuts, fruit, biscuits, droë wors, paté/dip, crudités and something sweet added to round off the meal.

Favorite Dish: I am a sucker for a well prepared fish, therefore my favourite dish has to be the LINEFISH al forno (with tomato, onions & mushrooms) for R69.50. They also serve a VERY GOOD pizza! The full menu is listed on their website.

The price quoted below is more or less for 3 courses including some wine.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +27 21 881 3878
Address: R310, Vredenhei Wine Farm
Directions: Next to Spier (turn left onto the R310 when taking the Stellenbosch Arterial out of Stellenbosch)
Website: http://www.vredenheim.co.za/barrique/barrique.htm
Other Contact: barrique@vodamail.co.za

Restaurant Name: Cognito

Ideally located in the middle of town (in Dorp Street), Cognito is one of my personal favourite places to sit on a nice evening or afternoon and have a cocktail or snack. Be aware that during rush hour traffic (more or less 4h30 to 5h30) sitting outside may be a slight bit noisy, so rather go just after or for lunch.

As for the menu, there is nothing that I would change! Sourcing interesting flavours from South African, Moroccan and Nigerian cuisine and turning it into wonderful creations. They have the traditional and some extra speciality cocktails as well. A printable menu is available on their website.

Please note that this restaurant is closed on Sundays and opens at 11h30 on Monday to Saturday. Groups larger than 12 people will not be allowed to order from the usual a la carte menu, but will be served a set menu at R90 per person. A corkage (price to bring in your own bottle of wine) of R25 is charged per 750ml bottle of wine.

Favorite Dish: My favourite dish is actually a starter, but I love to sit outside with a cocktail and snack on it. Its called the 'Trilogy of Spring rolls' and consists of three individual golden spring rolls filled with gorgonzola and walnuts, creamy brie and almonds and the last with fresh goat's cheese and dukkah. The spring rolls are complemented with a strawberry sauce, Cape gooseberry sauce and honey.

My favourite cocktail is the house speciality, the Dawa, which is Swahili for "Magic Potion". Basically Vodka and creamed honey.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 021 882 8696
Address: 137 Dorp Street, Purdon Gilmour Building
Directions: The corner of Dorp and Louw Street, across from Buhkara.
Website: http://www.cognitorestaurant.co.za/
Other Contact: info@cognitorestaurant.co.za