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Must-visit restaurants at boutique hotels in Cape Town and beyond

Sunday, September 20th, 2020 by Lauren Goldman

If you’re planning a trip within SA, these locations offer not only a comfy stay in beautiful surrounds but also top dining experiences. Look no further than this list for accommodation that provides a top-quality dining experience too.

The Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel (Claremont)

Situated in a Herbert Baker-designed Cape Colonial homestead is DINE, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served to hotel guests only. The country-style cuisine has a decided French influence, although you will also find Italian and local touches in the chicken parmigiana or traditional Cape Malay prawn curry, for example.

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Social distancing…. no problem

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August De Mist Country House & African Kitchen (Swellendam)

Augusta’s African Kitchen may be situated in an 1802 Cape Dutch homestead but, as the name implies, Pan-African cuisine is the focus. Dinner is served on selected nights (often based on demand) and comprises a tasting menu that usually features vegetables and herbs from August De Mist’s gardens.

Bliss Boutique Hotel (Sunset Beach)

A 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre will bring you to the unparalleled view of Table Mountain for which the West Coast is famous. The views and four-star stay are further complemented by their restaurant, Beach + Bites, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. You can also enjoy a drink around the swimming pool or book a romantic dinner on a private beach.

The Cape Milner (Gardens)

Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, this Victorian-era hotel serves buffet and continental breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Meals can be served outdoors or in the restaurant, 2 on Milner. Lunch options range from sandwiches and wraps to salads and other light meals. The dinner menu is concise, with enough variety to offer something for everyone. Alternatively, you can enjoy tapas and cocktails at The Glass Lounge, a modern speakeasy-style venue, or alongside the pool on a hot summer’s day.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa (Stellenbosch)

Part of a grand early 18th-century hotel, Helena’s Restaurant combines the old-world elegance of Coopmanhuijs with delicious local dishes. Ingredients such as Karoo lamb and wild mushrooms from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley give you a taste of the greater Western Cape.

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge (Clanwilliam)

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, enjoy the luxury and natural beauty of the Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, where the concept of berg to table is celebrated. Diners can enjoy South African dishes such as bobotie spring rolls, kudu sirloin, skilpadjies and rooibos-smoked ostrich fillet.

Delaire Graff Estate (Stellenbosch)

The incredible Delaire Graff Estate offers two distinct dining options. Their titular signature restaurant focuses on classic bistro favourites with local touches while its sister restaurant, Indochine, is Asian-inspired. Whichever restaurant you decide to dine at, the one thing you can be sure you’ll experience is the spectacular view of the Banhoek Valley.

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Head Chef Virgil Kahn brilliantly fuses his personal heritage with his passion for Asian cuisine. Being of Cape Malay descent, spices were always present in his life… ⠀ “I have fond memories of the smells in my family’s kitchen growing up and sharing meals together. I later explored the balance of flavours and interesting techniques within Asian cooking. Now, I bring these together – Malay spices and traditional meals with Asian ingredients and combinations, for the simple joy of sharing a special meal.” – Virgil Kahn. ⠀ Join us at Indochine to experience these unique dishes for yourself (R450 for 5 courses until the end of September). ⠀ ⠀ #delairegraff #jewelofthecapewinelands #relaischateaux #indochine #heritagemonth

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Rosenhof Country House (Oudtshoorn)

The beautiful rose garden is just one of the many reasons to visit Rosenhof Country House. Its spa, walk-in wine cellar, breakfast room and country kitchen – all part of the 1852 homestead – are the other reasons. Dinner is a five-course traditional menu that highlights fresh seasonal produce.

The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront)

This exclusive hotel offers more than just spectacular views of Table Mountain and easy access to the sights and sounds of the V&A Waterfront; it also boasts four dining areas. The Granary Café is the main restaurant and offers a full range of meals. Breakfast is exclusively for hotel guests, while lunch, dinner, the Sunday roast and Royal Tea are open to all. Morning Tea or a light breakfast can also be enjoyed at The Willaston Bar on the sixth floor. In addition, hotel guests are able to enjoy a casual lunch or cocktails at the Silo Rooftop. (Public reservations for the Silo Rooftop are also allowed.) Or you can book for a private dining experience for up to 22 guests in The Wisdom Room.

The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel (Tulbagh)

This intimate hotel boasts all the expected amenities plus a bistro and a bar. Don’t be fooled by the name of Karee Wine Bar – drinks range from speciality teas and milkshakes to craft gins and beers, cocktails and, of course, wine. Whatever your tipple of choice, you can enjoy it with tapas or pizza. If you prefer a more formal sit-down meal, head to Olive Terrace Bistro, which provides breakfast options, salads, grills and South African specialities such as venison bobotie and springbok carpaccio. Vegan and vegetarian options as well as a kiddies’ menu are also available.

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa (Knysna)

The Turbine’s two restaurants take advantage of the hotel’s placement on Thesen Island. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, a light lunch or a gourmet dinner at Island Café or sampling a cocktail or craft beer on the Gastro Pub’s deck, you can enjoy stunning views of the canals.

The Vineyard (Newlands)

This green oasis offers five outstanding restaurants. As their signature restaurant, The Square has an extensive menu that ranges from breakfast, lunch and dinner to afternoon tea and other special offerings. For something a bit fancier, head to their fine dining establishment, Myoga, which is known for its five- and seven-course tasting menus. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe or want a light refreshment, the Garden Lounge and the Splash Café are your best bets. The former serves a delicious afternoon tea in addition to their regular lunch menu, while the latter offers a poolside bar. Finally, if you prefer coffee over cocktails, head to Long Café.

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1 Comment

  • Tim Parsons
    October 4, 2020

    We went to Indochine this week; we’d thought to go there for everyone of the five years we’ve lived here, I’m so glad we finally made it. Despite the hour to drive there from CPT, post lockdown and Saturday evening meant traffic was light. It does look like a hotel restaurant however, don’t let that put you off, the food, presentation and service put in on a par with the best on the Cape. The Spring Menu is R550 per head. It includes amuse bouche, bread course, three small plates as a starter, a palette cleaner, two main courses, dessert and, petit fours. Outstanding value, tastes, textures and pacing, around two and a half hours. Nows the time to visit before the season starts in earnest. We met the sous chef, who was keen to know that the veggie menu had worked and to impart his passion and enthusiasm for his work. A lovely evening, fantastic meal and, it won’t be five years until the next visit!

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