Article updated on 28 June 2022

The idea of going out for a meal isn’t quite as appealing during the cold, rainy winter months. Luckily, these Winelands restaurants are there to provide warmth and comfort with delicious food and cosy fireplaces.

Guardian Peak Winery & Grill (Stellenbosch)

The large wood-burning fireplace is very prominently placed at this fabulous spot with spectacular views. Go for the indulgent Karoo lamb skilpadjies; braised beef cheek with garlic-and-herb mash, honey-glazed carrots and pickled red onion; and apple-and-blueberry crumble served with vanilla ice cream.

Indochine (Stellenbosch)

Cosy up for some beautiful Asian-inspired food and gorgeous views at this fine-dining restaurant. Book a table next to the roaring fireplace and settle in with dishes such as pork belly Khao Soi – Thai curry confit pork belly with shrimp nahm prik, tamarind gel and pork dumpling – or beef rendang with coconut rice.

Kunjani Wines (Stellenbosch)

Don’t let winter in the Winelands deter you from visiting Kunjani Wines and Restaurant. The restaurant is equipped with a fireplace to keep you cosy and warm while you wine and dine on hearty delights such as bouillabaisse, salt-aged ostrich fillet or one of their delicious pizzas.

Le Pommier Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)

This family-style restaurant offers relaxed country food with a fireplace in each room, as well as another outside. Enjoy traditional dishes such as Cape Malay chicken curry, bobotie or homemade chicken pie, or go for specialities such as the slow-braised lamb shank or pork belly with a honey-and-mustard sauce.

Makaron at Majeka House (Stellenbosch)

Find a spot near the fireplace in the sumptuous lounge area while sipping your cocktail or digestif, or settle near the hearth in the elegant dining room. Here you can enjoy a feast of tapas-style small plates with dishes comprising of vichyssoise served hot, mushroom risotto or fishcakes. 

Oude Werf Restaurant (Stellenbosch)

This restaurant has a roaring fireplace inside that adds a touch of romance and intimacy. Warm up with chicken, leek and mushroom pie; a local trio of braised beef oxtail, mini bobotie and mini chicken pie; or creamy cauliflower gnocchi.

Some of the usual fare at Oude Werf Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Faber (Paarl)

Enjoy a six-course menu made with ingredients Chef Dale has collected from the Avondale Garden, or choose from the à la carte menu. Either way, diners can look forward to dishes like prawn tortellini with pea purée and a butter-and-lemon emulsion; roasted Karoo lamb with carrot purée and truffled polenta; and confit duck with baby beetroot, slow-roasted baby cabbage and butternut velouté. End with poached guava and white chocolate mousse, vanilla yoghurt panna cotta with orange sorbet and honeycomb, or caramelised pear with miso cream and oat-and-cinnamon ice cream.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence (Franschhoek)

Spend a winter’s day in luxury at this wine estate. A stylish fireplace warms the lush interiors while guests enjoy dishes such as aged beef fillet with duck-fat potato and Wagyu jus, confit lamb neck with carrot chutney and mint gremolata, and three-way pork. End with vanilla panna cotta, dark chocolate fondant or sticky toffee pudding.

96 Winery Road (Stellenbosch)

Simple food cooked with care and generosity plus a warm fireside seating is what you’ll get at this long-standing favourite. Order a bottle of red and settle in for small plates to share as you while away an afternoon. Choose from options such as duck-and-cherry pie, Hollandse pepper fillet or mushroom panzerotti. End with the exemplary crème brûlée.

Cavalli Estate (Somerset West)

This modern restaurant stays warm in winter, thanks to a fireplace. Start your food adventure with oysters served with fynbos mignonette, before moving on to the lamb with confit turnip, Karoo-bossie cheese and salt bush.

Restaurant Jardine (Stellenbosch)

Beat the winter chill beside the large fireplace in an enclosed courtyard-like interior. Expect comforts like baked baby leek tart with Welsh rarebit, Gruyère cheese and pea purée; aged Chalmar sirloin with pomme Dauphine and charred aubergine purée; and Valrhona dark chocolate ganache bar with tahini ice cream for a sweet ending.

The interior of Jardine Restaurant. Photo supplied.

Have you visited any of these cosy Winelands restaurants with fireplaces? Let us know in the comments below.