10 Eateries with Views for Lunch (or Sundowners) this Summer – Some things you need to take upon yourself to change, but the beauty of life is that with most things it’s a given. After the cold, will come the warmth and after winter will come spring and with it, the all gorgeous summer sun, allowing us golden opportunities to sit back and sip in the beauty that surrounds us. So dust off the winter cobwebs, get outside and breathe in the splendour of our South African summers, which is: spectacular views, fresh open air, gorgeous wines and succulent foods.
We have highlighted some of the locations where you and your family and friends can treat yourselves to top class dining with breathtaking views – the beachfront, vineyard and mountain surroundings of South Africa were our inspiration palette. We hope to inspire you to enjoy an afternoon lunch in one of these idyllic settings, while sipping on your favourite wine and soaking up the fresh air and warm afternoon sun. All you need to do is take the time to make the time, because you deserve it!
10 Eateries with a View for Lunch or Sundowners this Summer (in no particular order):
- Salt Restaurant & Bar (Bantry Bay, Cape Town)
- The Twelve Apostles (near Camps Bay, Cape Town)
- La Vierge Restaurant (near Hermanus, Western Cape)
- Grande Provence (Franschhoek, Cape Winelands)
- Bel Punto Restaurant (Umdloti, KwaZulu Natal)
- Casalinga Ristorante (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
- The Goatshed at Fairview (Paarl, Cape Winelands)
- Zachary’s at Pezula (Knysna, Garden Route)
- Granny Mouse Country House (KwaZulu Natal Midlands)
- Harbour House Restaurant (Kalk Bay, Cape Town)
Please bare in mind that this is a subjective list, not a definitive list – there are hundreds of outstanding restaurants in South Africa. It is not my intention to offend other restaurant owners, but rather to inspire travellers with the beauty of our country. All telephone numbers were correct at time of publishing.
1. Salt Restaurant & Bar
An open canvas of endless ocean views positioned in the popular Bantry Bay, this is a classic Cape Town experience. Head Chef Jacques De Jager brings “award winning experience and talent to the Atlantic Seaboard”. With its impeccable service and classic, contemporary décor, floor to ceiling glass windows stretching the length of the restaurant, this is the perfect location to take in the fresh sea breeze and the views, let the staff take care of you and just unwind. As an added bonus, from 15 September to 15 December 2010, enjoy a “gastro-economic” (translation: great food, great price) lunch menu – two or three courses at prices you’ll adore.
Open daily for lunch from 12h30 till 15h00.
Tel: +27 (0)21 439 7258
2. The Twelve Apostles
As if nature were holding it in its strong grip, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa boasts a backdrop of the picturesque 12 Apostles mountain range and a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. With award-winning 5 star cuisine on offer at Azure Restaurant (what better way to catch up with the girls than a seafood platter on the terrace with a bottle of bubbly and the Cape Town sun warming your shoulders and the ocean below) or sundowners, a light snack, cocktails or the classic “Tea by the Sea” at the Leopard Room Bar. We are taking this moment to acknowledge the seat with a view … this is an experience you deserve to enjoy before the sun goes down.
Azure Restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12h30 till 15h30.
Tel: +27 (0)21 437 9029
Leopard Room Bar is open daily. Snack platters served from 12h00 till 22h30 and “Tea by the Sea” served from 14h00 till 18h00.
3. La Vierge Restaurant & Champagne Verandah
There is something so pure and majestic about standing in the presence of the breathtaking Hemel en Aarde (Heaven & Earth) Valley, situated in Walker Bay (close to Hermanus) and home to La Vierge Winery. Capturing this essence and creating the scene to sip it all in – literally – is the trendy La Vierge Restaurant & Champagne Verandah. Allowing you the opportunity to celebrate outstanding wines, sip on French Champagne or even treat yourself to the relaxed food style of the Restaurant with an old-school delight of Banana and Caramel pancakes! Yummy!
Open daily for lunch from 12h00 till 15h00. Closed on Tuesdays, but cheeseboards are served outside on the deck.
Tel: +27 (0)28 313 0130
4. Grande Provence
Grandeur and opulence are the words I would use to describe the feel of Grande Provence in Franschhoek. Every bit a part of its name, this 18th century Manor House and The Owners Cottage reflect their Huguenot heritage while the restaurant and wine tasting area “project a chic industrial presence”. A wonderful way to experience what Franschhoek has to offer. So take a moment to absorb the views and enjoy culinary excellence “prepared from local fare and flavored with global influence both modern and classical.”
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Tel: +27 (0)21 876 8600
5. Bel Punto Restaurant
Situated on South Beach Road in Umdloti, Bel Punto – with its dark wood interiors, glassed in kitchen and large terrace with uninterrupted views of the ocean – is an authentic Italian restaurant (owned by Italians) offering outstanding seafood and steaks hot off the grill. To top it all off they have now opened a bar where you can sip on your favourite cocktail while you take in the fresh ocean air and admire the sea views. It’s like the best of all worlds under one roof! A must-experience this summer!
Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, from 12h00 till 15h00.
Tel: +27 (0)31 568 2407
6. Casalinga Ristorante
A renowned Italian-style restaurant with breathtaking views, is the ever-popular Casalinga Ristorante located in Muldersdrift. With its roses and manicured gardens, summer breezes and country ambience offset by the rolling hills of the Magaliesberg, this restaurant is an ideal summer lunch spot. A selection of good local wines as well as some Italian wines are offered. The beauty of the food is the element of the organic vegetables grown in their own garden, adding that personal touch and richness to their restaurant. They also offer a Sunday Lunch which your taste buds will celebrate!
Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, from 12h00.
Tel: +27 (0)11 957 2612/3311
7. The Goatshed at Fairview
Fairview boast an array of specialties all encapsulated in the beauty that is this Paarl location. An informal Mediterranean style eatery offering light meals and lunches, you can also enjoy a wide selection of Fairview’s finest cheeses, complimented by their delicious range of freshly baked bread available daily. Together with the renowned and gorgeous Fairview wines they have also incorporated wines from The Spice Route Winery and The Goats do Roam Wine Company, their sister brands. A full sensory experience leaving a fresh, sweet taste in your mouth. More about this experience at Lunch with Goats.
Open daily for lunch from 11h00 till 16h00.
Tel: +27 (0)21 863 3609
8. Zachary’s at Pezula
A part of the Pezula Golf Estate in Knysna, need I say more about the setting and its views – simply spectacular! With a global-style restaurant, it offers exquisite foods from local, seasonal and organic vegetables prepared by top executive chef, Geoffrey Murray. An award-winning wine list offering over 400 wines with a “comfortable elegance surrounded by rich fabrics and natural textures” says Charlotte Pregnolato for Eat Out Magazine. The terrace, next to the pool area, or the lounge, with its floor to ceiling windows, are perfect locations at which to dine in the summer sun. Then spoil yourselves with spa treatments afterwards … need we say more?
Open daily for lunch from 11h00.
Tel: +27 (0)44 302 3410
9. Granny Mouse Country House
With a gorgeous combination and twist in style, Granny Mouse Country House offers elegance with a warm slice of country charm. Located in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the restaurant deck offers rolling valley views with an extensive wine list and exotic local ingredients coming together in a contemporary-style culinary experience. It is well worth taking the time out to indulge and treat yourself to this magic experience!
Tel: +27 (0)33 234 4071
10. Harbour House Restaurant
Overlooking Kalk Bay’s working fishing harbour, Harbour House is one of my favourite lunch spots for a summer’s day. With an elegant, yet simple interior, fantastic service and simply sublime food (start with oysters and Champagne and you’ll set the tone for a decadent afternoon). Floor to ceiling windows offer views of the harbour and its colourful occupants on one side and the ocean on the other. During whale season, Humpback and Southern Right whales can be spotted in the bay below. Be prepared to experience a visual and culinary feast.
Open for lunch Monday to Sunday, from 12h00 till 16h00.
Tel: +27 (0)21 788 4133
These are our ten picks … What are your favourites?
Tell us about your “Favourite Restaurant with a View” by leaving a comment below …
Comments are closed
Try Waterkloof (Somerset West)…
Visit the Berry farm at Stellenbosch
Hi Bianca,
The Restaurant itself is not a lunch spot (dinner only), but Zachary’s Lounge and Zachary’s Terrace (serviced by the restaurant) are available for lunch (or sundowners). Views of the pool area, golf course and the surroundings are beautiful.
If you have any favourite lunch spots with a view you’d like to share, please leave your suggestions in the comments. Thanks.
regret Zachary’s is not a lunch place neither has views otherwise congratulation for a well done list of inspiring eating places