The Western Cape is home to 15 of the top restaurants in the country AND nine of the top 10. It’s fair to say the province is foodie heaven and a place that will certainly satisfy your hunger. If you’re looking for the ultimate restaurant itinerary for the Western Cape – look no further.
This three-day itinerary sees you stopping over at four of the top 10 restaurants in the country, with some adventure and wine tasting thrown in for good measure. Get ready to sink your teeth into some delectable treats, but just make sure you book well in advance, because some of these eateries are tough to get a table.
Day One
Start your culinary journey in the Western Cape with this unique Chef for a Day opportunity at The Greenhouse restaurant. Spaces are limited with only two spaces available per day over weekends, so please ensure you book a spot well beforehand. The full day experience runs from 10am to 10pm and will have you working at the various food preparation stations within the kitchen, assisting the chefs in preparing award-winning dishes.
After the day of working, you will get to experience the 12-course GREENHOUSE EXPERIENCE for dinner, which includes a wine pairing. Ideal for culinary enthusiasts or budding chefs, this highly sought after experience with chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss will get your off to the perfect start of our foodie voyage of discovery.
For more details: http://www.greenhouserestaurant.co.za/
Day Two
Wine Tasting at Beau Constantia
After the graft of day one, it’s time to relax and enjoy the fine wines and food that the Constantia Valley has to offer, starting with a wine tasting experience at Beau Constantia. This beautifully positioned tasting centre is situated at the top of Constantia Nek, overlooking False Bay, and offers one of the best views in the Mother City. Open for tastings Tuesday to Sunday, it was rated the best newcomer in the 2015 Klink Awards and by British Airways High Life as the second best tasting spot in the country the same year. This farm produces small quantities, but where it’s lacking in numbers, it more than makes up for in quality.
Lunch at the Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Follow up the tasting with lunch at the Chef’s Warehouse, which was ranked the fourth best restaurant in the country in 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. The Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia not only boasts incredible views of the valley, but with chef Ivor Jones running the kitchen, expect the same cutting-edge cuisine and laid-back atmosphere that Liam Tomlin’s original eatery is so famous for.
Dinner at The Test Kitchen
End your day of indulgence at the country’s number one restaurant – The Test Kitchen. The celebrated restaurant is based at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and is the brainchild of award-winning chef, Luke Dale-Roberts, the former executive chef of La Colombe at Constantia Uitsig. While the restaurant is renowned for its menu, the Test Kitchen is not uptight or overly elaborate. The experiences take you around the world, starting off in the Dark Room, before finishing up with the full taster and wine flight experience in the Light Room. This is more than a meal, it’s an experience. Getting a reservation here is super difficult, so don’t expect a walk-in.
Day Three
Day three of your edible explorations takes you to Somerset West where you can take a break from the eating with some clay pigeon shooting!
You don’t have to be a hunter to enjoy honing your skills as a shooter. Clay pigeon shooting requires focus, concentration and good coordination, and most definitely gets the adrenaline going before you head off for another feast of Western Cape cuisine. The expert instructors at Clay Pigeon Adventures will have you hitting the mark in no time!
Camphors at Vergelegen
Beautiful trees and expansive lawns set a relaxing scene where fine dining at Camphors, named after the forest of Camphor trees, is a favourite with both local and international food lovers. The signature restaurant of the estate with its seasonal menu reflects a modern take on classic favourites that are designed to complement Vergelegen’s award-winning wines. 3 or 4 courses from Camphors seasonal menu highlights a harmony of flavours, while the “Tour” menu, paired with wines, provides a multi-sensory dining experience. Today, this is where you lunch…
The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West
And here you will end your journey – and you could not ask for a better space. A modern space featuring spectacular vistas, Waterkloof Wine Estate’s signature restaurant is literally taking quality Winelands dining to new heights. Chef Czarnecki places an emphasis on using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, such as free-range eggs, farm-reared Schapenberg lamb, and a variety of common and rare herbs and vegetables – many of which are grown and sourced at Waterkloof. The menu is seasonal, and subject to change, but what always remains consistent is the incredible quality.
