If you are like me, you love great food, lovely wines a proper gin and very importantly a great view to enjoy it! The Helderberg and Stellenbosch outskirts is one of the most scenic areas of the Western Cape.  So here are some of my favourite “view” eating and drinking spots:

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1. De Brasserie | Strand | 160 Beach Road | www.debrasserie.co.za

 

Awesome restaurant with outside deck right on the Beach Front. Spectacular views from the outside deck area (even on cold days worth sitting outside, just ask them for a blanket). Inter décor very chic and upmarket. Great service, and European cuisine.Wine from Almenkerk is reasonably priced, and really good.Sushi is also served and tapas menu.

 

2. Ocean Basket | Strand | 17 Beach Road

 

Situated right at the end of Strand at no. 17 Beach Road.Great seafood menu, Calamari “3” ways is a great meal…and more importantly, there are loads of other fresh sea food selections, sushi and some nice combo’s.Reasonably priced, and also a varied wine menu. Stunning views from the outside terrace…try be there on a day when the south east wind isn’t pumping.

 

3. Casa De Sol | Strand | www.casa-del-sol.co.za

 

Upmarket beach bar, best on a day with little or no wind, so that one can sit on the outside deck.Lovely views of the beach and Table Mountain in the distance.Great cocktails, reasonably priced wines. Varied menu, including tapas and sushi.Perfect spot for a draft beer and simple plate of chips. Casual atmosphere.

 

4. Steffanies Place | Somerset West | 113 Irene Avenue

 

More formal restaurant, the food is always well presented and beautifully cooked. Always have had a great meal, and Ive been going there for the past 25 years. Not the cheapest place, as the wine is at a premium… but you always pay the bill with a smile after the great food experience.Try lunch on the terrace, you will have fabulous views of Somerset West, False Bay, Table Mountain and Gordons Bay.

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5. Waterkloof | Somerset West | www.waterkloofwines.co.za | Sir Lowrys Pass Road

 

Super duper views from the Restaurant.Spectacular open plan lounge, kitchen and wine tasting area, with massive central fireplace.If the wind is pumping or it’s a really rainy day, this is my go to place.Its perfect for a wine tasting around the fireplace (it is really large, probably 12 to 15 people can sit around it comfortably).You can order cheese/mixed platters.The Restaurant at Waterkloof was awarded the coveted title of Best Restaurant in South Africa It is VERY pricy, but really worth the food experience…if its too much for your pocket, then the wine tasting and platters will be the go to experience (it works for me).

 

6. Idiom | Somerset West | www.idiom.co.za

 

This wine farm and its spectacular restaurant, is kind of in the back roads of Somerset West, but well worth the drive. Very upmarket, but relaxed.Views over the entire Helderberg basin, and over False Bay and towards Cape Town. Breathtaking. For me it’s a real surreal experience going to this place…European feel, isolated, amazing amazing wines and reasonably priced.Food is exquisite consisting of South African and Italian inspired selections, large selection including flame cooked pizzas.Unmissable.Super awesome spot.

 

7. Giovanni Eikendal | Between Somerset West and Stellenbosch on R44 | www.giovannicapetown.co.za/restuarant/

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This place is addictive.For large groups, I don’t think there is a better place that can cater.Book outside, and book in advance.The food is awesome, very well priced and all wine is supplied by Eikendal at more or less ex cellar prices…the portions of food are large, tasty and the menu is varied. Pastas and pizzas are awesome.The service by the waiters is excellent, attentive and caring. Nice views over the dam towards the Stellenbosch hills. Excellent spot for children.Relaxed environment.For those in the know in the Helderberg, it’s a regular eating and drinking spot.

 

8. Avontuur | Between Somerset West and Stellenbosch on R44 | www.avontuurestate.co.za/restaurant

 

A wine and stud farm.Scenic drive up to the restaurant.Best to sit on the outside terrace.Wines are awesome, and the food is always well present and reasonably priced.Views are towards Stellenbosch Hills, but the views over the farm itself are very pretty.Popular in Summer, with spectacular sunsets to be viewed over Table Mountain. Champagne breakfasts are ever popular.  Lunch and dinner is famous for the duck with a piquant Van der Hum sauce.Lovely wine tasting selection.

 

9. Guardian Peak | Between Somerset West and Stellenbosch on R44 off Annandale Road | www.guardianpeak.com

 

Not easy to find…but you’ll be blown away when you do. Bistro style menu, very very tasty, stunning wine menu.Inside or outside terrace for amazing views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains.Superb. International guests are always taken aback. Could easily be a pot located in France, Italy or Portugal mountains surrounded by vineyards.Reasonably priced.

 

10. Cavalli | Between Somerset West and Stellenbosch on R44 | www.cavallistud.com/restaurant/

 

This one is almost a secret…its almost tucked away, but once you go off the R44 and drive towards the restaurant, you will be very impressed.The actual restaurant is a modern masterpiece, with amazing views over a man made dam towards the Stellenbosch Hills.This place is almost out of this world.The food is beautifully present…note, I keep this one for special occasions, as it is not cheap – but the whole experience is really worth it.It is a spectacular venue.Go downstairs to the cellar to view the private art collection and also owners collection of sports memorabilia. This is a must visit spot…I wont spoil it for you, just go!