Sansibar, a casual eatery on the Asara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, is the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon, says Eat Out critic Lynda Ingham-Brown.

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Fast facts

Serves: Bistro fare
Cost: Average price of a main course is R150
Best for: A leisurely winelands lunch with lots of liquids
Star rating: Food and drink 4, service 4, ambience 3

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Food

The menu is small and casual, with starters including wood-fired barbeque chicken wings, warm beetroot-and-feta salad, a soup of the day, and a traditional Caesar salad.

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, mains offer the likes of a juicy beef burger with tomato, gherkin, onions and emmenthal cheese, served with crispy potato wedges; free-range baby chicken with garlic, thyme and lemon olive oil; wood-fired glazed pork ribs; Norwegian salmon; beef lasagne and aromatic Malay-style lamb curry with a flaky roti and traditional sambals.

Vegetarians might look to the melanzane, served with garden vegetables and a side salad. There’s also a pizza menu, which offers a number of options including a traditional margherita; one with Parma ham, gorgonzola, caramelised onion and rocket; chorizo, jalapeños, bell peppers and feta; Cajun-spiced chicken, garlic, parmesan, truffle oil and mushrooms, as well as a build-your-own option. The pizzas are served in an oblong shape and have perfectly thin, crispy bases.

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There’s a small dessert menu featuring an apple tarte tatin with crème Anglaise and whipped cream; a hot chocolate pot with vanilla ice cream; and baked banana with toasted almonds, meringue, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

Drinks

Sansibar prides itself on its extensive gin selection (there are over 300 from around the world). There are also other spirits on offer, cocktails, wines from the estate and further afield, and local beers.

Service

Efficient and knowledgeable, especially regarding the gins.

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Ambience

The space is casual and relaxed, with stylish indoor and relaxed outdoor seating. Guests can soak up the views over the vineyards and mountains in the distance.

And…

If you really can’t tear yourself away, book a room in the hotel and stay overnight.

Have you been to Sansibar at Asara in Stellenbosch? Let us know what you thought by writing a quick review. Write a review now. 

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