It’s been a big week for Farro, the modern European eatery that’s been making culinary magic in the Overberg for the last three years. First, on 31 March, they were awarded a star at the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards 2025, and then the restaurant announced that it was making an exciting change of location. 

Originally opened in Johannesburg in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Eloise and Alex Windebank, Farro received widespread praise but wasn’t able to survive the initial Covid lockdowns and the restaurant restrictions that came with them. After pop-ups in Cape Town and Joburg, the restaurant reopened at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate in Botrivier in 2022.  

Now, after three successful years at Gabriëlskloof – and three consecutive Eat Out one-star awards – Eloise and Alex are bringing the restaurant back to its city roots to the heart of Cape Town.  

“It’s been an incredible chapter at Gabriëlskloof,” says Eloise, co-owner of Farro. “We’ve created lasting memories on the farm, but in many ways, Farro has always been a nomadic experience. This is the eighth year of Farro, which began in Johannesburg before relocating to the Western Cape post-COVID. This move to Cape Town feels like the next natural step in our journey.” 

Instead of copy and pasting the Winelands Farro experience, Eloise and Alex are using this opportunity to change things up and explore new ideas, namely saying goodbye to an à la carte menu and welcoming a daily chef’s menu. “Our vision has always been to welcome guests to a table and serve them something delicious that they can trust us to curate,” says Alex, chef and co-owner. “With the momentum we’ve built, now feels like the perfect time to make this change.” 

Diners can also look forward to intimate seating, low lighting, and that ‘old-school classic Farro Date Night’ experience, as the restaurant brings back the cocktail culture that initially won it acclaim.  

 

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For those looking to experience one last visit to the restaurant at Gabriëlskloof, you can book until 27 April. After a brief hiatus, the restaurant will reopen its doors in Cape Town in spring this year.  

In the interim, the team will be hosting a series of pop-ups showcasing the new chef’s menu format at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront on 25 and 26 April and 30 and 31 May.  

For bookings and enquiries, email eloise@farrofoodandwine.com.