Dinner for two at Oude Werf restaurant

A taste of the South African food culture

 We sneaked out for dinner that evening (normal for parents with toddlers) finding ourselves immersed in the energy of the Stellenbosch dining scene. The restaurant offers off street parking but you might want to park far away to take in the views and ambiance.

The lighted pathway leads to the entrance as Derrick welcomed us. This restaurant oozes luxury and opulence but still maintains the winelands theme. Don’t be alarmed if you see a massive tree in the restaurant as this speaks about their commitment to green hospitality. The restaurant is situated in the oldest running hotel in South Africa, spanning three centuries, surviving multiple fires and evolving into the luxury restaurant and hotel.

Phumeza our waitress recommended the most popular dishes on the menu. For starters I ordered spicy chicken livers with homemade focaccia bread and spicy calamari strips paired with the best sauce. Our mains were braised pork neck, with orange-glazed organic carrots, sage and parmesan polenta, broccoli rice and traditional apple sauce. My friend opted for the Oudewerf trio which consisted of braised oxtail, mini bobotie, mini chicken pie and caramelised sweet potato. Each one bursting with intense flavor and alluring aromas. The chef and hospitality was superb! In additional to great service, we received a history lesson on the surrounding restaurants and wine estates. Our 3 course meal including drinks for two amounted to R650.

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