One’s culinary expectations for a town previously known as Pampoenkraal (and set in the wake of the boerewors curtain) are probably not very high. But, fortunately the town in question – now called Durbanville – is a few steps ahead of its anticipated boere cuisine.

Even though there aren’t any Eat Out award-winning restaurants in and around Durbanville, the offering of eateries is varied and interesting. As expected from a school-ridden suburb, there are many family-friendly options, and not just of the franchise variety. Positioned alongside a blossoming wine region, the area also offers many wine estate eateries, varying from formal to casual. Plus, with the growing central business district, there are many working/entertaining/wooing restaurant options too.

The common denominator is a love for hearty food and variety. Portions are substantial, side dishes and dressings abundant, and options plentiful. You’re almost guaranteed to be able to eat anything from seafood to red meat in every restaurant. (And service is usually friendly and efficient – except if you’re unlucky enough to get a temperamental neighbourhood teenager who’s desperately trying to scrape together the cash for a motorbike.)

Here’s a simple guide to helping you choose the perfect restaurant for the occasion.

Best for…

After work drinks and snacks – Buena Vista Social Café

Authentic Chinese fare – Beijing

Baby showers and birthdays – Rust en Vrede Coffee Shop

Bikers’ breakfast run – Hillcrest Estate

Brunch with friends and celebratory dinners – Our Place

Buffet-style boerekos – Bloemendal

Business dinners and entertaining wine lovers – Poplars

Coffee, cake and catch-ups – Chocolat

Contemporary fine dining – Cassia

Dates or dinners with the in-laws – Pistachio

Entertaining clients – The Eatery at Durbanville Hills Wine Estate

Fashionable families or book club – Tables @ Nitida

First dates or working lunches – Koko

Interesting pizzas and yummy pasta – Col’Cacchio

Ladies who lunch (with toddlers in tow) – Bon Amis

Lunchtime eating and shopping – Pulp Kitchen and Deli

Meat-eaters’ family feasts – Cattle Baron Steak Ranch

Sublime sushi and seafood – Lemon Butta

Been to one of these restaurants and had a terrific or terrible experience? Tell us about it. Know of a great restaurant in Durbanville that we haven’t mentioned? Do let us know.

By Anelde Greeff