Situated on Marianne Wine Estate and surrounded by picturesque farmland and vineyards is Stellenbosch’s new French-style eatery, Floreal Brasserie. The restaurant is headed up by Ian Lilley and his wife Ulrike, who recently relocated from London, to open their dream family restaurant in the Cape.

A burger and potato wedges at Floreal Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Born and bred in London, Ian started his chef career by working his way through the ranks at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. As a senior chef, Ian then worked in top hotels when at the young age of 24 he was offered his first head chef role in Mayfair. It was at a London hotel where he met his wife, a fellow chef, who is originally from Malmesbury in the Swartland. From there, the couple decided to travel to Ulricke’s home soil to open a restaurant of their own in Stellenbosch.

Drinks at Floreal Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The restaurant officially opened its doors last week Monday, just in time for the sunny season. The food is based around a modern French approach, with the best local and seasonal products sourced from local suppliers in Stellenbosch and Paarl.

The menu is set to change frequently, but will see items such as smoked snoek rillettes with oven-dried tomatoes and balsamic-infused strawberries, winelands platters with cheeses and local meats, and grills such as rib eye, pork belly and duck. Other options include gourmet burgers, gnocchi with wild mushrooms and smoked aubergine, and dark chocolate mousse with candied Deluxe Coffee beans.

Desserts at Floreal Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Floreal will also host functions and events – and with the restaurant set between a lake and the Marianne vineyards, we’re sure they’ll host their fair share of weddings.

For the upcoming summer months, the restaurant will also be hosting yoga classes in the gardens, followed by a healthy breakfasts on Wednesdays.