More top Stellenbosch restaurants

One of the reasons we love Stellenbosch is that it is home to so many excellent restaurants, as was just proven once again at the Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards. These three Stellenbosch restaurants were also nominated and just missed out on one of the top ten positions, but takes their well-earned spot in the top twenty restaurants in South Africa (in no particular order!): Tokara, Delaire Graff and Makaron.
 
High on the Helshoogte Pass (400 metres above sea level!) with beautiful views of vineyards, Stellenbosch and False Bay, the restaurant at Tokara needs little introduction, it’s building itself a Cape architectural icon of glass, steel and stone. Heaf chef Richard Carstens keeps his menu interesting, and always delicious and beautifully presented. The menu offers both á la carte options and a playful seven course chef’s menu, with the option of having each course paired with premium South African wines, carefully chosen by sommelier Jaap-Henk Koelewijn. Service is always of the highest standard and is efficient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Tokara Restaurant is open for lunch Tuesdays to Sundays and Tuesdays to Saturdays for dinner. (www.tokararestaurant.co.za)

Just up the road from Tokara, executive Chef Christiaan Campbell, offers his signature style ‘bistro-chic’ cuisine at the Delaire Graff Estate Restaurant in an elegant but relaxed setting. Beautifully presented dishes use the highest quality ethical and organic seasonal ingredients and are marked by their creative pairings. Diners can relax on the terrace under a dappled canopy of pin-oak trees, enjoying the spectacular views or within the spectacular restaurant interior, decorated with a diverse collection of South African art. Sommeliers are also at hand to help you pick from the extensive wine list. If you happen to visit during the day or for an early evening meal, the chocolate and wine pairing in the tasting room is highly recommended!

Lunch is served daily from 12:30 to 14:30, and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday from 18:30 to 21:30. (www.delaire.co.za)

Situated in the leafy suburb of Paradyskloof, Makaron Restaurant offers stylish cocktails at the glamorous bar and delicious meals in the theatrical dining room. Makaron offers both inside and outside seating, perfect for enjoying these beautiful summer evenings. Chef Tanya Kruger has worked with famed chef Alain Passard at L’Arpége in Paris and her passion for French cuisine and fresh produce is visible in her cooking, which is complimented by the excellent wine list.

Open daily for lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:00 to 21:00 for dinner, Makaron is well worth the visit! (www.makaronrestaurant.co.za)

 
If you needed another reason to visit Stellenbosch (and stay at the Oude Leeskamer Guest House!), there’s three!