5 restaurants putting their small towns on the culinary map

A seaside gem, a French restaurant in the Swartland and the highest wine bar in the country…

By Lynda Ingham-Brown

A charming small town with lots of interesting places to explore is a delightful thing, and it’s even better when there’s somewhere fabulous to eat.

Here’s our pick of our favourite small-town eateries to add to your next travel itinerary.

Abingdon Wine Estate
Howick

A wine estate in KZN is already interesting, and this is the first to produce a certified wine made using grapes grown in the province. It’s a family operation with Ian and Jane Smorthwaite and their daughter Laurie Cooper offering wine tastings, plus tapas and sharing plates and boards to enjoy afterwards. There are meat, cheese, vegetarian and mixed options on offer, so everyone will be satisfied. A must-visit when you’re in the area.

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Au Bouchon Rouge Brasserie
Riebeek Kasteel

This Swartland village is well-known for its art galleries, wineries and quirky shops, and now you can add this restaurant to your checklist. It’s run by Parisian chef Julien Debray who serves classical French cuisine including French onion soup (in winter), topped with a raft of melted cheese on toast, enormous cast-iron pots of mussels you’ll struggle to finish alone, and a classic bavette steak with Béarnaise sauce, to name just a few. And the tarte tatin is definitely worth the indulgence. There’s also an excellent wine list starring iconic Swartland labels, with many available by the glass. Take a seat on the verandah and watch the world go by.

Gaaitjie
Paternoster

The seaside village of Paternoster has long been on travellers’ radars for its picturesque, whitewashed fishermen’s cottages and endless stretch of beach, but this popular restaurant should also be on your list of reasons to visit. It’s situated right on the rocks in a renovated strandhuisie, and you won’t find fresher seafood anywhere else. Those who prefer meat are also catered for, and the wine list is also highly rated.

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The Coastal Collective
Cape St Francis

St Francis has become wildly popular as a holiday destination for its relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt beaches, and this spot is the perfect place for a post-surf breakfast, or a gathering with holiday friends. Think sourdough bagels, loaded oats, smoothie bowls, excellent juice and coffee and a suitably laid-back, small-town vibe. It’ll soon become your local when you’re taking some time off from the real world.

Vine Restaurant
Dullstroom

This popular village is a favourite destination among trout fishermen, but Vine Restaurant is known for something else entirely. At 2100 metres above sea level, it’s the highest wine bar in the country and stocks a whopping 950 different wines. The unique “lounge-to-table” experience means you can warm up in an armchair next to the fireplace with a pre-meal drink when it’s chilly, then move to your table at your leisure – or stay where you are and enjoy the whole menu (and the wine list) from the lounge.

Want to find more gems? Check out our directory!