Fast facts

Restaurant Name: Jewells at Spice Route 

Address: Spice Route Destination, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl 

Opening and Closing Times: Closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday to Sunday 11.30am to 5pm 

Average price of a main meal: R200 

Corkage: No BYO 

Parking Situation: Secure parking on site 

Food Type: farm-to-table eatery 

Best for: Laid-back lunches with close friends 

Food

Start with a bread board featuring a selection of breads, which includes gluten free bread, and butters; the chicken butter made with rendered chicken skin is sublime. The twice baked Manchego cheese souffle served warm with an beetroot puree and little crumbs of cheese to add to the cheesy goodness. 

 

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The Pira Roasted broccoli with calamari and burnt lime starter is a flavour and texture sensation. Ask for a wedge of fresh lemon when ordering the Mexican soup, it needs a bit of acidity and extra seasoning to bring out the flavour. 

The sarladaise potato served with the pan roasted Fairview rump is sensational, delicious baked layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a crispy top layer accompanied by a mild pepper sauce. The airy smoked mussel beignets that accompany the pan roasted line fish are pillows of seafood deliciousness. 

 

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For dessert enjoy the popular lemon meringue cheesecake or a refreshing trio of sorbet. The seasonal guava souffle requires a 15-minute wait ensure it is served piping hot straight from the oven.  

The menu is well priced, and the portions are reasonable so good value for money.

Drinks 

Drinks menu offers a selection of local teas, craft beers and ciders, including some non-alcoholic variants. The homemade fruit cordials served on ice with soda water are a refreshing option. There is an extensive list of coffees and hot drinks to choose from which include the option of a non-dairy milk. The wine list is very long with a range of local wines to suit any budget, a selection of wines and MCC available to order by the glass as well as a section for vegan friendly wines.

 

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Service 

Service is friendly and efficient, making a booking via phone is quick, easy, informative and professional. The staff is great, covid compliant and very accommodating, especially when dining with children and their knowledge of the menu items is great.

 

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Ambience

Restaurant is bright, airy and uncluttered with simple décor pieces and comfortable seating. The glass doors allow an undisturbed view of the beautiful vineyards and lawn, the doors are closed during winter to keep the space warm, but in summer everything is opened offering some al fresco seating.

 

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Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.