The African Voyager

Stellenbosch, South Africa

The ultimate guide to fine dining in Stellenbosch

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • The ultimate guide to fine dining in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch’s best fine dining restaurants

Stellenbosch isn’t just famous for its wine – it’s also home to some of the best fine dining in South Africa. In this guide, we’ll explore some standout restaurants that are putting the town on the map for more than just its vineyards. From tasting menus that challenge the norms to farm-to-table concepts that celebrate South African heritage, these fine dining restaurants are not to be missed when visiting Stellenbosch.

Hoseki

Hōseki, located at the Delaire Graff Estate, is a standout for its contemporary Japanese cuisine. The name Hōseki means jewel in Japanese, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and elegance. Head Chef Virgil Kahn, known for his work at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Nobu, brings his expertise to create dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. We recommend doing the Omakase tasting experience, where the chef selects the dishes for you. The restaurant’s interior is equally impressive, with a striking art installation of swallows in flight, symbolising good luck.

Hōseki
Delaire Graff Estate
Helshoogte Rd
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Hōseki

Eike

Eike is all about celebrating South African flavours in a way that feels both familiar and new. Located on Stellenbosch’s historic Dorp Street, the restaurant serves a tasting menu that changes often, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients. Bertus Basson, a well-known South African chef, uses each dish to tell a story, whether it’s a playful take on a classic braai or a tribute to traditional comfort food, you can expect anything from slow-cooked lamb to innovative hake tomato bredie. The wine pairing options are a standout, featuring a curated selection of local wines that complement each course perfectly.

Eike
50 Dorp St
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Eike

Mertia

Mertia is a newcomer to Stellenbosch’s fine dining scene but has quickly made a name for itself. Marais Kirsten-Uys and Chef Matt van den Berg started Mertia, named after Marais’s grandmother, with the vision of offering a fine dining experience with traditional roots. The restaurant’s open layout and stylish design make Mertia feel sophisticated without being overly formal, with a minimalist design featuring wood finishes and soft lighting. At Mertia you can enjoy a curated tasting menu or opt for a la carte options, each paired thoughtfully with a selection of regional wines. With dishes like fish collar with ratatouille and hen’s egg with truffle, Mertia offers a culinary journey that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition.

Mertia
20 Bird St
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Mertia

Tokara Restaurant

Located atop the Helshoogte Pass, Tokara Restaurant offers breathtaking views along with its exquisite cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the landscape. Head Chef Carolize Coetzee brings her creative flair to a menu that features a variety of options, from seared gamefish to Korean fried exotic mushrooms. Tokara’s wine list is equally impressive, featuring selections from the Tokara Estate’s own vineyards. We also love the outside terrace with surrounding vineyards, it’s an ideal spot to dine under the stars on a beautiful summer night.

Tokara Restaurant
R 310 Helshoogte Rd
Stellenbosch
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Tokara Restaurant

Gåte Restaurant

Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock Wine Estate is where fine dining meets innovation, blending art, science and South African heritage on every plate. Gåte Restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional cuisine. The menu is a journey through playful, molecular gastronomy-inspired dishes, with each course crafted to surprise and delight your senses. Expect elements like edible foams, gels and deconstructed classics, all presented in a way that feels more like performance art than dinner. Gåte Restaurant’s tasting menu is perfect if you are open to trying something different and don’t mind being a little adventurous with your food.