Looking to cut down your dining budget? Luckily for you, these Winelands spots are serving great hearty main meals for R85 and under.

De Vrije Burger (Stellenbosch)

Bertus Basson’s burger hatch offers just one thing: a seriously good 200g free-range beef burger with all the trimmings – lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and double cheese – at only R80. Fries are an extra, but could be enough to share – especially if you order the portions smothered in cheese. The kicker here is that you’ll also get a free draairoomys (soft-serve ice cream) with each burger, so you’ll have a decent dessert, too.

Your free soft serve at De Vrije Burger. Photo supplied.

Hudson’s (Stellenbosch)

This popular spot also offers some more affordable options for those looking for a burger fix. Enjoy options like the classic Hudson for R59.50 with mustard mayo and dill pickle; The Cheese with tomato relish and caramelised onion (R71.50); The Wiseguy with fresh chilli, jalapeños and rocket (R71.50); or the veggie-friendly Stomper (R73) with a falafel patty topped with relish, julienne veg, yoghurt and Sriracha. You can also tuck into a standard pizza for R66 or a falafel taco for R79.50.

Hudsons burger selection. Photo by Claire Gunn Photography.

Rocomama’s (Somerset West)

Known for its hefty smashburgers, this burger joint has a good selection of wallet-friendly eats. Try the Old Skool Burger with all the standard toppings for R54; the Classic Cheese with aged cheddar and sweet pickle for R69; the Rockstar with emmenthal cheese, caramelised onions and mayo for R77; or go big with the bacon, cheddar and guacamole burger for R79. If you want to double up your patties, the Old Skool burger and Classic Cheese will still be under budget at R68 and R83. If you’re more of a chicken wings fan, eight wings with your choice of dip will set you back R71; alternatively, order four and get a side of shoe string fries for R59 altogether.

Tuk Tuk Microbrewery (Franschhoek)

Franschhoek’s little microbrewery and Mexican tapas spot is a good place for those looking to save a buck or two. You can fill up pretty easily on the tacos (priced R51 to R96) with fillings like refried beans, battered fish or ceviche-style game fish. There are also some bigger meals like the corn fajita with buttered corn, refried beans, beer-braised onions and peppers for R66; game fish tostada with guacamole, pico de gallo and cream for R76; and a hearty chilli con carne burrito with all the trimmings (R81).

A spicy taco with pico de gallo at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery. Photo supplied.

Viva Mexican Kitchen & Bar (Stellenbosch)

Get a Mexican fix at this vibrant spot with budget-friendly tacos, quesadillas and more. Order a veggie fried bean taco with three wheat tortillas filled with refried beans and all the usual trimmings for R82; a cheese and jalapeño quesadilla for R76; or a BBQ chicken version for R84. There are also pizzadillas available with options like bacon, guacamole and feta for R83; BBQ chicken and jalapeño for R80; or the pure beef chilli con carne pizzadilla for R80.

Please note that, while we take care to ensure the accuracy of this information, some items and pricing may change without our knowledge.