Stellenbosch local and co-founder of Vilafonté Vineyards, Mike Ratcliffe knows a thing or two about wine. But where does he head out for a delicious dinner in Stellenbosch? Here are just four of his favourites:
Eike by Bertus Basson
Fans of local Stellenbosch chef, Bertus Basson, definitely need to book a table at Eike. Nestled in an old historic building in Dorp Street in the centre of “Eikestad” (the City of Oaks), Eike celebrates the absolute best of traditional South African cooking.
Basson believes that while we are a country of diverse people and influences, the one thing that brings all South Africans together is what we eat. Basson, together with head chef, Kyle du Plooy, celebrates our food heritage, drawing inspiration from our nostalgic food memories – and the incredible produce in the Cape Winelands.
This is a nostalgic culinary journey with a modern twist – and serious foodies will not be disappointed. Think ‘Kerrie Vis’, ‘Knoffel en Aartappel Sop’, ‘Confit Pork Belly’ or the legendary ‘Gebraaide Bees “Lende” vir Twee’.
The menu makes use of fresh, regional produce (so expect seasonal updates) and you can opt for a two or three course menu over lunch – while things get seriously indulgent with a three or five course menu at dinner.
Contact: + 27 (0) 21 007 4231 or info@eikerestaurant.com
Website: www.bertusbasson.com
Facebook: @EikeRestaurant
Instagram: @eikebybertusbasson
The Fat Butcher
Staying in the centre of Stellenbosch, The Fat Butcher is arguably one of South Africa’s best steakhouses!
From signature steaks to prime cuts, all their beef is pasture reared and grain fed. The food is hearty, unique and utterly delicious while the ambiance is warm and inviting.
The restaurant believes that “a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine”, so expect a wine list of which celebrates the best of the Cape Winelands. It all makes for a memorable dinner in Stellenbosch.
Contact: +27 (0) 21 883 3857 or reservations@fatbutcher.co.za
Website: www.fatbutcher.co.za
Facebook: @FatButcherSA
Instagram: @fatbutcher_sa
Rust en Vrede Fine Dining Experience
Dinner in Rust en Vrede’s original 1785 wine cellar is a sophisticated yet relaxed, fine-dining foodie experience not to be missed!
The owners have preserved the unique charm of the historic building and you’ll be transported back to simpler times where good food, fine wine and great conversation add up to an extraordinary culinary experience.
Chef Fabio Daniel serves contemporary French cuisine, adding his own unique flair which takes inspiration from his Brazilian and Italian roots. Together with sommelier James Mukosi, he’ll curate a beautiful menu paired with award-winning wines – a singularly perfect evening in the Winelands.
Contact: +27 (0) 21 881 3881 or info@rustenvrede.com
Website: www.rustenvrede.com/restaurant
Facebook: @rustenvrede1694
Instagram: @ rustenvrede1694
Pane e Vino
Italian hospitality is incomparable, so it’s not surprising that patrons of Pane E Vino, the Dalla Cia family’s food and wine bar in Stellenbosch, arrive as guests and leave feeling like part of the clan!
Pane E Vino’s warm and generous hospitality is matched by a delicious menu of hearty, uncomplicated Italian soul food (unsurprising as ‘Pane E Vino’ translates as ‘bread and wine’). Think classic Italian dishes like Caprese Salad, pastas, veal and pork. Paired perfectly with a bottle of your favourite Italian wine, dinner in Stellenbosch doesn’t get much better than this!
Contact: +27 (0) 21 883 8312
Website: www.dallacia.com/pane-e-vino
Facebook: @paneevinorestaurant
Instagram: paneevinostellenbosch
