Restaurant Recommendations

Local Restaurant Recommendations

The following restaurants are just a few of our favorites. For more options have a look at the listings on TripAdvisor for Somerset West, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Idiom restaurant and vineyard

Open for brunch and lunch Monday till Sunday, in December only on Friday evening.

A stunning modern vineyard restaurant serving a fusion of Italian and South African cuisine with views over the whole Helderberg basin. It also specialises in gourmet pizzas, has a deli menu, wine tasting and picnics. This really is a must visit, it's family friendly and is on the neighbouring estate.

Idiom Vineyards, Knorhoek Estate, Sir Lowry's Pass
10-15 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 858 1088|  Website

The Restaurant at Waterkloof

Unfortunately this restaurant has closed down - but its revamping into something new. We are eagerly waiting for the re-opening and will let you know asap.

In the meantime they stil offer wine tastings and platters which are both delicious.

Waterkloof Wine Estate, Sir Lowry's Pass Road, Somerset West
10-15 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 858 1491  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Equus Restaurant at Cavalli Stud and Wine Farm

Open Wednesday till Sunday open for lunch only. On Friday and Saturday evening its open for dinner.

Equus' approach to cuisine has be described as 'a contemporary take on the classics', encompassing a combination of freshness, flavor and flair. Real, humble food cooked textbook style, paired with an expertly crafted local and international wine list, artisanal cocktail, craft beer and a notable selection of single malt whiskeys. Herbs and a selection of vegetables on the menu are grown in the Estate's self sustained heirloom garden.

Cavalli Wine Estate, Strand Road R44, Somerset West 7129
30-40 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 855 3218  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Camphors at Vergelegen

Only open for lunch Wednesday till Sunday and dinner Friday and Saturday evening.

Camphors is Vergelegen's signature restaurant, it takes its name from the ancient giant camphor trees, planted in 1700, situated in front of the historic Homestead. The restaurant overlooks the lawns creating a relaxed, tranquil ambiance. The ever changing menu reflects a modern take on classical international and local food dishes, specifically designed to complement Vergelegen's award-winning wines. This experience is tailored for both wine and food connoisseurs and everyday visitors alike who want to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. Camphors is now also child-friendly.

Vergelegen Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West.
25 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 847 1346  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Overture at Hidden Valley

Only open for lunch Wednesday till Sunday and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

Chef Owners Bertus Basson and Craig Cormack have taken Overture to new heights with accolades as prestigious as being in the Eat Out top 10 for five years in a row and acquiring three stars in the Rossouw's Restaurant guide for four years running. It's a breathtaking setting, with views over the hills and valleys between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. A simple, modern, glass-fronted interior allows the food to take centre stage.

Hidden Valley Wines, off Annandale road, R44, Stellenbosch
35-45 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 880 2721  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Delaire Graff Restaurant

Delaire Graff is situated at the top of Helshoogte Pass overlooking the Franschhoek valley. It offers approachable fine food with fresh and vibrant flavours. Guests dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors designed by the interior architect and decorator David Collins, whilst enjoying the breathtaking views. The signature dishes include: Pickled Beetroot Carpaccio with goat's cheese fritters; Crayfish Lasagne with king oyster mushrooms; Pistachio Nougat served with rose geranium ice cream. It's worth a visit just to take in the beautifully landscape gardens and the lavish estate.

Delaire Graff Estate, R310, Helshoogte Pass, Banhoek Valley, Stellenbosch 7600
50-60 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 885 8160  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Grande Provence Estate Restaurant

Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner.

A beautiful vineyard destination in its own right, Grande Provence serves superb cuisine prepared from local fare and flavoured with global influences both modern and classical, the cuisine is characterised by a philosophy of innovation through passion and simplicity. There's also a great art gallery to stroll around between courses.

Main Road, Franschhoek 7690
70-80 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 876 8600  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Henri's Restaurant and Pub

Henri's is conveniently situated on Somerset West's Main Road in a heritage building that has been renovated into a spacious contemporary restaurant. Well known for their aged grass-fed beef as well as fresh local seafood. The menu can be described as comfort food with a modern global influence. You can also enjoy a drink on the patio or at the bar. Henri's in one of regular haunts because of the consistent quality of food, decent prices and the convenience of its location.

164 Main Rd, Corner Lourensford and Main Road, Somerset West 7130
20 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 852 6442  |  TripAdvisor reviews

The Stables at Vergelegen

A casual dining experience in a contemporary Cape Dutch barn with great views of the mountains. Classic, with a modern twist, the ‘bistro’ style food, a menu of simple tasty dishes. It's a family-friendly place with lots of space for the kids to move around. There's even a great playground just round the corner where the kids can go to entertain themselves. Not open for dinner.

Vergelegen, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
25-30 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 847 1334  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

The Millhouse Kitchen At Lourensford estate

A beautiful setting in the heart of Lourensford Estate with good pizza’s from the wood fired oven. A child friendly place with a huge lawn and jungle gym to entertain the little ones. The service has been pretty sketchy in our experience but we've had a lot of guests really enjoy it. We're recommending it as the overall experience makes up for any service issues.

Lourensford Road | Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West 7130
25-30 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 847 0030  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Steffanie's Place

A popular, family run restaurant with a Mediterranean stye menu, perched right on the top of Irene Avenue with splendid sea and mountain views. Their large terrace is perfect for al fresco lunches or relaxing sundowners.

113 Irene Avenue, Somerset West 7130
25-30 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 852 7584  |  TripAdvisor reviews

96 Winery Road

An old-time favourite with views of the Helderberg.  A reputation for friendly service, good hearty, country style food, wonderful steaks, and the best selection of wines we've ever seen. If the weather's good sit outside for lunch. Nice playground and lawn for the kids.

Winery Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, Stellenbosch 7599
35-40 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 842 2020  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

De Brasserie

A stylish, Belgium inspired restaurant on the beach front in Strand. Continental inspired cuisine, a good wine list including their own Almenkerk and Lace ranges, good beers and cocktails plus excellent service. We like their outdoor terrace with glass screens that help shelter you from the Strand wind. The interior is also well designed with a 'grand cafe' style ambiance.

160 Beach Road, Strand 7140
20-25 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 853 3833  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Giovanni's Restaurant

The best thin base pizza's in Somerset West and delicious Italian dishes at very reasonable prices with friendly service. What's not to like. The only downside is the Mall location which makes it feel a bit 'chain-like' even though it's not.

Waterstone Village, Corner R44 & Main Road, Somerset West
25 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 850 0616  |  TripAdvisor reviews

IM EIMER 

German Beer Garden meets Bush Pub atmosphere.

A popular restaurant in Sir Lowry’s Pass for the locals. Serves German pub favourites, like Schnitzel and Eisbein. Usually quite lively, with a good atmosphere.

171 Main Road, Somerset West 7140
20 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 851 2618  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Miguel's Al Forno Restaurant

A good location overlooking the ocean in Gordon's Bay. Its an Italian place with a reasonable selection of dishes.

35 Beach Road, Gordon's Bay
15-20 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 856 4021  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Wang Thai Restaurant

A decent Thai restaurant. All the usual Thai dishes served in a warm and relaxed environment with good views. Lunch and dinner, open 7 days a week.

G27, The Sanctuary Shopping Centre, De Beers Avenue & R44, Firgrove Rural, Somerset West
25 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 492 3898|  TripAdvisor reviews

Blue Waters seafood and sushi Restaurant

We're big fans of seafood and sushi and Blue Waters doesn't disappoint. It's just a shame that the decor is a little strange but the courtyard is very nice.

5 Lourensford Road, Somerset West 7130
20 minutes form Lalapanzi
+27 84 372 9423|  TripAdvisor reviews

Picnic at Vergelegen

Vergelegen's Camphor Forest is the venue for a "white tablecloth" picnic. A great venue for family gatherings in a beautifully shaded and tranquil environment in the remnants of Van Der Stel's Camphor forest. You'll need to order your picnic well in advance as they get booked up quickly. 

Vergelegen Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West.
25 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 847 1346  |  Website

picnic at Warwick Wine Estate

Huge lawn. Big bean bags. Shady umbrellas and picnic pods, paddling pools and tree houses for the kids. Delicious salads, fish and meats. Great wine. Friendly service. On a beautiful, historic wine estate. Kids will love it here.

On the R44 between Elsenburg & Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch 7607
50-60 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 884 4410  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews

Tokara Deli

A breathtaking setting on top of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch with a relaxed approach towards family dining. There's an artfully designed play area for children and the ever-changing collection of sculptures and local artwork. The interior is light and airy with a good selection of freshly baked artisanal breads, delicious thin-crust pizzas plus gourmet burgers, crispy Tempura-style hake and chips and a selection of mouth-watering salads freshly picked from the estate’s veggie garden.

Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, South Africa
50-60 minutes drive from Lalapanzi
+27 21 808 5950  |  Website  |  TripAdvisor reviews
 

Mondeor Garden cafe

If you're looking for a nice, simple family friendly café close to the lodge with a good selection of  snacks, burgers, pizza and cakes then Mondeor is perfect. It's got a great playground with a water slide, trampoline, knee high pool, swings and slides. It's particularly suited to families with kids up to the age of 9/10.

22 Mondeor Street, Off the N2, Somerset West 1730, South Africa
10-15 minutes from Lalapanzi
+27 21 858 1608  |  TripAdvisor reviews