If you’re looking to find the best new restaurants in the Cape Winelands look no further! It should come as no surprise that Cape Town ranks amongst the best in the world for top-notch food and wine. That’s why we think it’s important to keep your bucket list fresh with ideas on where to try the best new restaurants in town!
We’ve created a stellar list of new restaurants and menu offerings from Constantia to Hemel-en-Aarde to enjoy this winter. So, get your staycation tummies ready this season because these breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots are trending!
1. Hiro Izakaya, Constantia
Hiro Izakaya is the newest kid on the block at the picturesque Constantia Uitsig Winery. Founded by Chef Cheyne Morrisby in collaboration with Danielle Oosthuizen, this new restaurant offers simplified Japanese street and bar food with a fiery twist.
Don’t let the Old Cape Dutch exterior fool you, you will be transported into a cosy Japanese-style food bar. Expect all the usual modern, Japanese-inspired small plate dishes like steamed edamame, prawn tempura and our favourite, raw tuna tacos decorated with edible flowers.
- Launched: May 2024
- Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 12h00 (last seating at 20h30)
- Contact: +27 (082) 373 5045, or book online through Dineplan.
Where to find it: Constantia Uitsig, SERF12995 Spaanschemat River Rd, Fir Grove, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
2. New Sips & Soups Pairing at Spier, Stellenbosch
No stranger to the restaurant scene, Spier Wine Farm has recently expanded its restaurant offering into the wine-tasting room by launching its new Sips & Soups pairing. This unique offering pairs its finest wines with hearty, homemade soups, creating a perfect match for the colder months. Enjoy four pairings for only R170 per person.
Start with the Good Natured organic Sauvignon Blanc paired with creamy pea soup. Next, elevate your palate with some earthy notes with a forest mushroom consommé paired with the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc. The third pairing is a decadent and creamy cauliflower soup paired with the rich acidity of its Seaward Chardonnay. Lastly, finish with the First Stone Organic red wine complemented with a rich chocolate tart.
- Launched: 1 May – 30 September 2024
- Times: Daily, 09h00 – 17h00 (last tasting at 16h00)
- Contact: +27 (021) 809 1147, or book online through Dineplan.
Where to find it: Spier Wine Farm, R310 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
3. Frank’s Corner Bar & Grill, Franschhoek
Frank’s Corner is the latest addition to the renowned culinary scene in Franschhoek. The same owner who started The Franschhoek Beer Company also started this restaurant! Frank Rodriguez, an American entrepreneur partnered up with Chef Reuben Riffel and business partner Alex McCormack to launch one of Franschhoek’s new restaurants in the heart of town. Frank’s Corner prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere and quality meals at an accessible price point.
Expect to enjoy all-American corn dogs, beef brisket tacos, buttermilk fried chicken wings, and delicious beef burgers, washed down with an ice-cold brew on tap!
- Opened: December 2023
- Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 12h00 – 21h00
- Contact: (+27) 021 488 9922, reservations@franks-corner.co.za or book online via Dineplan.
- Where to find it: 42 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690
4. New Signature High Tea Pairing at D’Aria Winery, Durbanville
The D’Aria wine tasting room has a new Signature High Tea Pairing where one can enjoy 5 wines paired with 5 warm bites.
Start with the D’Aria Sauvignon Blanc paired with courgette arancini, next enjoy the Merlot accompanied by tomato soup and toasted ciabatta. The third pairing features a Cabernet Merlot red blend complementing a succulent rump skewer. The fourth pairing pairs D’Aria blush rose wine with a tasty tea cake. Additionally, the last pairing pairs a Shiraz with a decadent chocolate brownie bite.
We love the fact that no bookings are required and that it’s only R195 per person.
- Launched: 1 May 2024
- Times: Weekdays, 10h00 – 18h00. Saturdays, 10h00 – 17h00. Sundays & Public Holidays, 11h00 – 17h00.
- Contact: (+27) 021 801 6772, info@daria.co.za, no bookings required.
- Where to find it: D’Aria Estate, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville, 7550
5. Lievland Café, Stellenbosch
Lievland Vineyards is a new gem in the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch, offering a unique blend of history, scenery, and exceptional wines. This café boasts a delightful French-inspired menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and freshly baked goods.
Expect French-inspired dishes like oysters, pancakes, french toast and smoked trout. With its rustic yet modern décor and friendly atmosphere, Lievland Café is perfect for enjoying a relaxing wine lunch or a cup of coffee and cake amidst the Cape Winelands.
- Opened: September 2023
- Times: Daily, 08h00 – 16h00.
- Contact: (+27) 21 879 7892, cafe@lievland.co.za, or book via Dineplan.
- Where to find it: Lievland Vineyards, R44, Stellenbosch, South Africa
6. Bacco Estate, Paarl
Bacco Estate is the newest winery to hit Paarl and it offers a contemporary food menu in its tasting room. Visitors can enjoy authentic Italian-inspired small plates, known as Cicchetti.
Headed by highly qualified and experienced chefs Steff Hoefnagels and Carla Jankelowitz, one can expect world-class delights on the plate! Enjoy Italian favourites like cream of roasted Roma tomato soup, mushroom risotto and a delicious Italian sausage Wellington!
- Opened: 1 December 2022
- Times: Mondays to Sundays, 11h00 – 16h30.
- Contact: (+27) 063 296 2147, info@baccoestate.co.za, or book via Dineplan.
- Where to find it: Bacco Estate, Simonsvlei Rd, Paarl
7. Longridge Wines’ New Restaurant called Rykaart’s, Stellenbosch
Rykaart’s Restaurant at Longridge Wine Estate is a family-owned restaurant run by Alex and Ella Rykaart. The Cape Winelands is growing its new restaurants list with this set three-course family-style dining experience, featuring seasonal, sustainable ingredients from Longridge and surrounding farms.
Expect hearty winter warmer meals like slow-cooked Karoo lamb neck, grass-fed beef fillet and pan-fried kingklip. We love that there’s a special kiddies menu too for children under the age of 12.
Note: Rykaart’s Restaurant is closed for its annual winter break and will reopen on Wednesday, 17 July 2024.
- Opened: September 2023
- Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30.
- Contact: (+27) 021 855 2005, rykaarts@longridge.co.za, or book via Dineplan.
- Where to find it: Longridge Estate, Off the R44, Helderberg Pad, Stellenbosch
8. Vrymansfontein Scape Restaurant, Paarl
Scape is a great addition to your new restaurant’s bucket list! Headed up by Chef Kevin Grobler at Vrymansfontein Estate in Paarl it is the newest member of Vondeling Wines. Scape redefines fine dining with its sophisticated shared plate concept.
Expect dishes that exude Mediterranean flavours, like mouth-watering Karoo Lamb Cutlets, Braised Beef Short-Rib Potato Gnocchi and Slow-Roasted Pork Belly. Moreover, all these dishes are perfect for family-sharing lunches and dinners whilst overlooking the most serene views of Table Mountain in the distance – especially at sunset!
Additionally, Scape has a winter weekday special for a 3-course menu at R545 pp served with a Vondeling introductory range bottle of wine.
Note: Scape Restaurant is closed for its annual winter break and will reopen on Thursday, 17 July 2024.
- Opened: November 2023
- Times: Wednesday – Sunday, 12h00 – 22h00
- Contact: (+27) 082 617 4903, info@vrymansfontein.co.za, or book via Dineplan.
Where to find it: Vrymansfontein, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl
9. Hōseki at Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch
Hōseki restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate is not new to the restaurant scene having opened in 2010, however, they have just had a complete makeover! The makeover is so transformative, that guests will experience an all-new atmosphere. Thereby allowing one to be transported to a luxurious dining experience inspired by contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Led by acclaimed Head Chef Virgil Kahn, Hōseki has an extensive a la carte menu and specialised Omakase tasting options, allowing diners to indulge in Chef Kahn’s creative culinary artistry.
- Re-launched: May 2024
- Times: Daily, 12h00 – 14h00 and 18h00 – 20h00 for the last seating.
- Contact: (+27) 021 885 8160, bookings@delaire.co.za, or book via Dineplan.
Where to find it: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch
10. Creation’s new Winter Menu, Hemel-en-Aarde
Creation’s new Winter Journey pairing menu is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in a world-class setting. The restaurant is closely nurtured by owners Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin ensuring a hands-on and family-friendly welcome.
The new Winter Journey set menu offers five courses with options that include plant-based, pescatarian, and standard variations. Highlights include the “Vivaldi in a Glass” course, which pairs Creation Viognier with Agedashi Tofu, and “ABC (Absolutely Brilliant Chardonnay),” featuring Creation Reserve Chardonnay with roasted fennel and trout.
This thoughtfully crafted new menu ensures a delightful sensory experience, perfectly complemented by Creation’s cool-climate wines.
- Launched: June 2024
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 09h00 – 17h00 (last seating at 15h30).
- Contact: +27 (028) 212 1107, info@creationwines.com, or book via Dineplan.
- Where to find it: Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Road, Hermanus
These new restaurants get our stamp of approval
The Cape Winelands continues to be a haven for food and wine enthusiasts, offering new restaurants and exciting experiences that cater to every palate. Therefore, be sure to book and plan your visits in advance because spots will be taken up quickly!
Whether you’re looking for a cosy soup and wine pairing, a luxurious dining experience, or a casual meal with family, there’s certainly something new for everyone in this beautiful region.
