They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and they are certainly right about that. Still, you also can’t beat a good brunch for setting the tone to your day! In this post, I share my pick of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in South Africa’s Cape Winelands.
Breakfasts of Champions and Brunches for Foodie Fiends
While breakfast is usually anything from eggs to flapjacks to granola and fresh fruit or gourmet toasties – brunch allows for a bit more menu versatility. You want to order a big juicy burger? Go for it. Craving some coffee and cake? Why not? Brunch is the perfect in-between complementary meal to breakfast and lunch.
So, while I have included a few obvious breakfast choices – predominantly, I have featured delicious brunches I have savoured in recent years.
Still, whether you are after a hearty breakfast or a wholesome brunch, these eateries and their varied menus are sure to hit the spot!
Great Breakfasts and Brunches to Enjoy in the Cape Winelands
Here, in no particular order, are my best breakfast- and brunch-spots in the Cape Winelands:
1) The Deli at Boschendal
Please note: The Deli may be closed during the winter of 2022 as something new is in the works.
The Deli at Boschendal has been a firm favourite of mine for several years now.
With a picturesque setting near the manor house lawns and tranquil indoor and outdoor seating, this charming deli is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing breakfast (or lunch).
They are family-friendly, with a good kids’ menu, and cater well to all dietary requirements.
What I love most is the friendly, warm staff, idyllic setting (I normally sit outside to enjoy the peaceful farm atmosphere) and tasty food- and drink-options.
Like the rest of Boschendal’s cuisine, The Deli draws on fresh, seasonal goodness and adopts a sustainable approach to eating.
So, while there are always some Boschendal Deli favourites on the menu, menus generally change and are inspired by the season’s bounty and ingredients.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They mainly serve breakfast but their breakfast menu has some ideal, brunch-type options.
Family-friendly:
Yes, the Deli at Boschendal is very family-friendly.
Booking essential:
Walk-ins are welcome (although you may have to wait for a table to free up) – but on weekends especially, they get very busy. So advance booking via their website is advised.
My recommended meal (if available):
The three vegetarian-friendly banana flapjacks, with delicious accompaniments like macerated strawberries and vanilla Chantilly. This is an incredible breakfast.
Although, when I visited, I had mine with maple bacon (added on as extras) instead of the strawberries and vanilla Chantilly.
I paired it with a delicious mixed berry smoothie, which was divine!
Otherwise, if you visit closer to lunch time and the menu has changed over for the lunch sitting, their carrot cake truly is legendary and perfect with a hot beverage. (In fact, they normally run a great cake and coffee special.)
Open from:
They open bright and early from 08:00 am. Breakfast/brunch is served till 11:30 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 870 4274, reservations@boschendal.co.za
Website:
Region:
Franschhoek Winelands
2) Tokara Delicatessen
Tokara Delicatessen is another firm favourite of mine. Situated on the beautiful Tokara Wine and Olive Estate, this is arguably one of the most stunning, child-friendly places in the Cape Winelands.
Combined with the excellent farm shop, Tokara Delicatessen offers a lovely, relaxed food experience.
The views of the garden and farm hills make this floor-to-ceiling glass garden haven a true paradise for diners.
Add to the chic setting – professional service, an amazing outdoor play area for kids and an excellent array of food and drinks and you have a truly memorable breakfast- or brunch-spot.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Mainly breakfast options.
However, I find some of their breakfast and lunch options ideal for a good, hearty brunch too.
Family-friendly:
Hugely family-friendly. Arguably one of the most child-friendly eateries in the winelands.
Booking essential:
I would say yes, bookings are essential to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.
My recommended meal (if available):
I tried two of their coffee options when I visited so definitely try the latte or macchiato.
As for food, they have some great breakfast options.
I visited closer to lunch so I had their Line Fish of the Day main. However, their Baker’s Treat option is perfect for a brunch-style treat. (Their coffee and cake was amazing!)
Open from:
They are open from 09:00 am till late afternoon. Except on Mondays when they are closed.
Breakfast is served till 11:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 808 5950, deli@tokara.com
Website:
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
3) LUST Bistro & Bakery
While we visited LUST Bistro & Bakery for a late lunch, I know they are hugely popular as a breakfast/brunch spot too – and honestly, this is something of an overlooked winelands gem.
Situated on the gorgeous Vrede en Lust estate (a famous wedding venue with sublime gardens), LUST Bistro & Bakery offers an adorable exterior, lovely setting and excellent food and drinks.
While the eatery centres around the traditional wood-fire hearth (used to make its artisanal breads and pizzas), they offer everything from breakfast to tapas here.
They have an à la carte menu, blackboard specials and delicious bakery goodies to enjoy.
The menus focus on fresh, seasonal fare and simplicity, while the decor has a chic, yet edgy industrial farmhouse kitchen feel to it. There is both indoor and outdoor seating.
Another bonus of this eatery is it is located on the Wine Tram lines, making it an ideal stop for travellers.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they offer everything from early breakfasts to lunches and tapas.
Family-friendly:
Yes, they are. There is a kiddies’ menu available.
Outside, there is also a safe outdoor play area located near the stunning gardens.
Booking essential:
Not essential but maybe recommended.
My recommended meal (if available):
Because we visited for an early afternoon lunch, we had one of their divine build-your-own, wood-fire pizzas, which were great.
To drink, we had a milkshake and freshly squeezed juice respectively. These were both lovely. (I must note that they have a varied drinks menu.)
I can’t provide a breakfast recommendation based on personal experience. However, the Breakfast Burger or Eggs Florentine options sound excellent to me.
Open from:
On Mondays through to Saturdays, they are open from 07:30 am.
While on Sundays and public holidays, they are open from 08:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 874 1456, reservations@lustbistro.com
Website:
Region:
Franschhoek Winelands
4) Potbelly Coffee Shop and Bakery
Located along the famous R44 between Stellenbosch and Paarl, this quaint coffee shop and bakery is the perfect pitstop of road trips.
They are also well-situated, with a variety of other little deli- and gift-shops on the premises of the Deli-Co Meat & Farm Stall.
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While the bakery specialises in all things sandwiches, cakes, homemade pies and pastries, the coffee shop offers a cosy, cute spot to enjoy a variety of tasty meals and drinks options.
The setting is simple, yet pretty with bright coloured walls, cheerful flowers and an array of baked goods to set your mouth watering.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they have lovely breakfast and brunch-style options, like filled croissants, artisan sandwiches and homemade pies.
They also have a wide array of delicacies (like cakes, pastries and mini quiches) and drinks available.
Additionally, they also advertise high tea options. Please be sure to enquire about those.
Family-friendly:
The coffee shop is family-friendly in my view. Although I don’t think there are any play facilities for kiddies on-site.
Booking essential:
I don’t think booking is essential. We were walk-ins and while it was busy, there were some free tables.
My recommended meal (if available):
We visited for brunch and had their wraps, which were great. To drink, we each had a lovely milkshake.
I really enjoyed our meal and found the experience pleasant, welcoming and good overall.
Open from:
They are open from 08:00 am daily.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 875 56 64, potbellycoffeeshop@gmail.com
Website:
Region:
R44, between the Stellenbosch and Paarl Winelands
5) The Stone Kitchen
Update: Regretfully, as of August 2024, The Stone Kitchen at Dunstone has closed.
Moving over to the Wellington winelands, we have a charming bistro in The Stone Kitchen at Dunstone Country Estate.
With a idyllic setting, beautiful indoor- and outdoor-seating and tasty homestyle fare, this family bistro makes a lasting impression.
In addition to their usual breakfast and lunch operations, they also offer catering, along with a gorgeous function venue for baby- and bridal-showers, weddings and kiddies’ birthdays.
With a good kids’ menu and excellent indoor and outdoor play facilities to entertain and enchant little ones, this bistro is the perfect place to visit with friends and families.
Alternatively, they are lovely for a cosy meal with your partner.
As a plus, Dunstone is a gorgeous estate to enjoy accommodation stays and wine tastings at. Please read more here.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they have a nice breakfast menu. The emphasis here is on utilising fresh, seasonal ingredients to create wholesome, homemade meals.
Family-friendly:
Very much so, as they have a really fun kids’ menu and excellent play facilities on-site.
Additionally, the bistro is pet-friendly to well-behaved, leashed pets. You can read more here.
Booking essential:
I wouldn’t say essential but perhaps recommended. Especially as they host functions and parties.
My recommended meal (if available):
I would recommend either The Big Stone or The Health Stone breakfasts (we tried both and they were good), paired with a good cup of coffee.
Open from:
Their opening times may vary. So please check Google before visiting.
At the time of writing, it showed 08:30 am daily.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 864 1504 /(078) 8609721, food@dunstone.co.za
Website:
Region:
Wellington Winelands
6) The Coffee Roasting Co’s Red Riding Hood Deli
Tucked away in Somerset West, at Lourensford Wine Estate, one finds the charming Coffee Roasting Co’s Red Riding Hood Deli.
This laid-back, family-friendly eatery offers a healthy dose of excellently brewed coffee and delicious light meals.
While the roastery is fascinating to explore, it is the deli that really wins you over with its lovely meals and drinks and especially beautiful setting.
There is both indoor- and outdoor-seating. Although, if the weather is fair, you definitely want to sit outside and soak up the estate’s soothing garden surroundings.
The deli is perfect for enjoying as an outing with friends and family. Or, as we did, after an estate wine tasting.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they serve a good assortment of light meals. Everything from egg-based breakfasts to wraps and sandwiches.
Family-friendly:
Yes, they have a menu for the little people (or hobbits, which I think is cute). What’s more, the deli has a relaxed atmosphere.
The estate itself is a delight for children with its vast open spaces, lush lawns and lovely water features.
Booking essential:
Not essential but perhaps recommended, particularly on weekends. (We were walk-ins though and it was fine.)
My recommended meal (if available):
The menu has changed slightly since we visited for brunch. I think we tried coffee paired with a pie, which I enjoyed.
However, off their current menu, I recommend trying their great coffee and a quiche, wrap or cake slice.
For breakfast, their Scrambled Egg Croissant sounds good to me.
Open from:
They are open daily from 08:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 847 0536, info@coffeecompany.co.za
Website:
Region:
Somerset West
7) The Deck at Hidden Valley Wines
The Deck at Hidden Valley Wines is definitely a brunch- to lunch-spot but it is arguably one of the best in the winelands – if only for the setting alone!
And that is before you add in delicious, huge free-range burgers and pizzas and a casual, yet lovely, self-service eatery that is ideal for friends and family to enjoy.
The Deck, true to its name, is a deck-based eatery that literally sits on the water, overlooking Hidden Valley’s dam and garden oasis.
With stunning mountain- and water-scenes before you, it is impossible not to fall in love with this casual eatery.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They offer brunch- and lunch-style meals.
Like at a takeaway restaurant, you place your order at the kiosk, get a buzzer and wait for your meal to be ready.
Then you collect and enjoy it and clean up your table afterwards.
Family-friendly:
Yes, they are fine for kids to visit. However, there is no dedicated kids’ menu.
Booking essential:
No bookings are accepted as The Deck is a self-service, weather-dependent eatery.
They are essentially a first-come, first-serve eatery and, while tables fill up quickly, there is plenty to enjoy on the estate while you wait.
Pre-book an excellent chocolate and wine tasting at Hidden Valley or enjoy the leisurely nature trail.
My recommended meal (if available):
Update: The Deck is changing management as of 1 October 2022 so meu offerings may vary.
I tried their Buttermilk Chicken Burger with provolone cheese and fries. I would definitely recommend it if it’s on the menu – but the menu does change.
However, their star 100% beef burger with a homemade butter bun is always on the menu.
To drink, there are hot and cold beverages, as well as Hidden Valley wines to enjoy.
Open from:
Weather-permitting, they open Wednesday – Sunday at 11:00 am.
Contact information:
Contact Hidden Valley directly.
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
8) Bistro Sixteen82
Bistro Sixteen82, found at the diverse Steenberg Estate in the Constantia Wine Route, is one of the best places I have eaten at.
It’s hard to express what makes this elegant bistro so special – it just is. Period.
They offer an innovative menu that focuses on bistro- and tapas-style dining.
Located opposite the estate’s snazzy wine tasting room and winery, this award-winning bistro offers primarily indoor and some outdoor seating surrounded by quirky, colourful art pieces and vibrant lush gardens.
The setting and stylish interiors alone make it seem more impressive than your typical bistro – but really, it is the food that takes this bistro to the next level.
While it seems like a bit of a posh place to go for breakfast, it is actually ideal for a great breakfast treat.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They serve breakfasts but some of the options – like the scram wrap or shrooms on rosti – have a brunch feel to me.
Family-friendly:
They have a very nice children’s menu for children under 12.
However, there are no play facilities at the restaurant and I personally would not take very young kiddies here.
Booking essential:
I would say yes, definitely best to book in advance.
My recommended meal (if available):
We visited for their winter lunch menu, which I loved, so I cannot personally recommend a breakfast option.
However, based off their menu, I would try the Yoghurt Panna Cotta or Mushroom Benedict.
They also have some lovely drinks options and my pick is definitely the ganache hot chocolate. (It was divine!)
Open from:
They are open for breakfast from 09:00 – 11:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 713 2211, reservations@bistro1682.co.za
Website:
Region:
Constantia Winelands
9) Geuwels
Another Bertus Basson restaurant, which is co-owned and fronted up by Chef Drikus Brink (formerly of Overture Restaurant), that has been making waves since its debut is Geuwels at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate.
This Stellenbosch family restaurant offers a relaxed, yet elegantly rustic setting that captures the warm atmosphere of a Cape farmhouse and social/family gatherings perfectly.
With cosy indoor seating split between two gorgeous rooms (in particular the Duck Room) and a beautiful outdoor setting, Geuwels offers family-style breakfasts, lunches and werf picnics that centre around fresh South African produce and ingredients.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they have excellent breakfast options.
Family-friendly:
Yes, the eatery is family-friendly. Although there are no play areas, the estate still lends itself well to children with its spacious grounds.
Booking essential:
Yes, I would say bookings are strongly recommended.
My recommended meal (if available):
I visited for breakfast and had one of the best breakfast experiences I have had anywhere. Everything from the service to the cuisine and setting quietly took my breath away.
My recommended dish (although the menu changes) is the Hot smoked pork belly, free range scrambled eggs, roosterkoek and tomato.
Paired with a great, strong cup of coffee, this was a faultless breakfast. One of the best I have had anywhere, hands down.
Open from:
Yes, they open bright and early for breakfast from 08:00 – 11:00 am, Wednesday to Sunday.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 202 4373, geuwels@vergenoegd.co.za
Website:
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
10) Cassia at Nitida
One of the best breakfast spots in Durbanville is Cassia at Nitida.
This stylish lakeside eatery, which serves breakfast through to dinner, is situated at the pretty Nitida Wine Farm in the Durbanville Wine Valley.
With a serene setting overlooking the estate’s dam and nearby vineyards, Cassia offers an escape from Durbanville suburbia.
The eatery, which offers lovely indoor- and outdoor-seating, serves up a delicious array of diverse cuisine, perfectly complemented by award-winning wines or beverages.
While their lunch and dinner experiences are also highly popular, my pick is definitely a relaxed breakfast at this water-fronting restaurant.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They serve great breakfast options that work well as either breakfast or brunch.
Family-friendly:
Cassia is not really family-friendly in my view. However, Tables at Nitida (also situated at the estate, below Cassia) is hugely family-friendly and they are also great for brunch.
Booking essential:
Not essential but recommended.
My recommended meal (if available):
Any of their breakfasts are great. However, I recommend the Poached Egg on Ciabatta or Traditional French Toast, paired with a good drink.
Their breakfasts are excellent, well-portioned and highly memorable.
Open from:
They are open for breakfast from 09:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 976 0640, info@cassiarestaurant.co.za
Website:
Region:
Durbanville Wine Valley
11) Jéan Restaurant & Deli
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Another true (though no longer hidden one) gem in the Durbanville Wine Valley is the stunning Jéan Restaurant & Deli at Klein Roosboom.
Not only is Klein Roosboom one of the most exciting, popular estates around (cave wine tastings, anyone?) – but this deli has been a firm favourite since its opening.
After my two lunchtime visits in recent times, I can certainly see why.
This elegant, yet homely restaurant and deli offers the very best in local cuisine and baked goods.
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Food aside, the setting – which sees airy, lovely indoor seating spill out into a relaxed courtyard area – amid the estate’s vineyards makes this a truly beautiful food experience.
The food follows a simple approach but the plating and flavours are sensory delights in every regard.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they serve an excellent array of breakfast- and brunch-style options.
Family-friendly:
Yes, this restaurant-deli is very much family-friendly.
And, as the estate has scenic, yet gentle nature walks you can enjoy before or after your meal, there is plenty for all ages to see and admire in the fresh country air.
Booking essential:
Booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends as they are almost always busy.
My recommended meal (if available):
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I have only enjoyed a stunning flourless chocolate cake and good coffee – and a beef and cheese burger with cappuccino here and I would definitely recommend either for a brunch-going-into-lunch treat.
Also, their breakfasts all look and sound amazing.
I would go for their famous breakfast bagels or a delicious, yet healthy granola bowl with fresh fruit.
Open from:
They open for breakfast from 09:00 am.
Contact information:
+27 (079) 693 9646, info@jeanrestaurant.co.za
Website:
Region:
Durbanville Wine Valley
12) Postcard Cafe
Situated at the beyond beautiful Stark-Conde Wines, Postcard Cafe is arguably one of the most scenic spots in the Cape Winelands to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch.
With stunning mountain- and lake-views and a tranquil seclusion in the heart of the Jonkershoek Valley, this Stellenbosch cafe is blessed with a gorgeous setting.
The indoor-meets-patio seating, which overlooks sweeping floor-to-ceiling all-glass doors, is cosy, yet wonderfully in touch with the natural paradise just metres away.
If the weather is fair, the doors are flung open and guests seemingly enjoy delightful patio dining.
Their menu is simple but lovely and service is friendly, ensuring a memorable meal by all accounts. Postcard Cafe brings “pretty as a postcard” to life – quite literally.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
Yes, they offer breakfast- and brunch-type options.
Family-friendly:
Yes, this is a relaxed, family-friendly eatery.
Booking essential:
Not essential but certainly recommended, as they can get very busy.
My recommended meal (if available):
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Because we visited for lunch, we just had a sweet treat for dessert with a good coffee. This was lovely though.
However, this eatery offers an assortment of both savoury and sweet breakfasts and delicious eats that draw from multiple different cuisines. So take your pick!
Open from:
They are open from 09:00 am daily.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 861 7703, postcardcafe@stark-conde.co.za
Website:
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
13) The Cellar Door at Jordan Wines
Found on the picturesque, family-owned Jordan Wines, The Cellar Door (formerly known as The Bakery at Jordan) brings together quality, award-winning wines, stunning natural scenery and fresh, seasonal favourites brought to life by chef Thys Esterhuysen.
With a mix of stylish indoor- and casual outdoor-courtyard and deck-seating, as well as beautiful picnic spots set about the spacious, lush lawns and dams – The Cellar Door offers a truly memorable dining experience.
If you come here just for the views, then that is a treat all on its own.
This casual eatery might be relaxed and cosy but it certainly doesn’t hold back in terms of quality food and drink options.
In fact, the meal I had here is one of the most faultless that I have enjoyed anywhere.
The Cellar Door offers everything from seasonal ‘dishes of the day’ to delicious flammkuchen (thin-based, German-style pizzas), platters and yes, pre-ordered picnics too. The menu changes frequently, ensuring that the freshest, tastiest ingredients and flavours of the season are ready for your enjoyment.
Service is friendly and prompt, ensuring a lovely all-round experience.
Oh and the views, especially from the deck area, of the dam, gardens and distant mountains are spectacular.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They serve casual, all day meals, including a range of excellent breakfast- and brunch-style options.
The menu changes frequently though so just keep that in mind.
(Note: At the time of this review, the main restaurant, The Jordan Restaurant, was undergoing renovations but it has since re-opened to rave reviews.)
Family-friendly:
Yes, the restaurant is family-friendly. In fact, when I visited, there were several families with young toddlers and kids dining.
There is plenty of space for kiddies to run about outside and it is a relaxed setup, especially if you sit in the courtyard- or deck-areas.
However, I must note that I don’t think that they offer dedicated play facilities or a kiddies’ menu – but I could be wrong.
So, if visiting with young kiddies or picky little eaters, you may just need to check ahead with them.
Booking essential:
Yes, booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. (Especially on weekends.)
My recommended meal (if available):
I visited on a pleasant winter’s afternoon and enjoyed an excellent, filling butter croissant. This was served with scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, spring onion crème fraiche and confit cherry tomatoes.
I paired this with an interesting, delicious Red Cappuccino (which is a Rooibos tea cappuccino, if you are unaware), with added honey. This is one of the best brunches I have had anywhere.
My meal and drink were both outstanding – but the meal was a real standout. It was perfection plated and tasted every bit as good as it looks.
This was one of the best, freshest croissants I have had too. It was melt-in-your-mouth magic!
Open from:
They are open from 08:00 am daily.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 881 3441, reservations@jordanwines.com
Website:
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
14) Lievland Café at Lievland Vineyards
Tucked away along the famous R44 wine route, down a pine- and gum-tree lined farm road, you find the incredibly beautiful, tranquil Lievland Vineyards. Lievland Vineyards was acquired by MAN Family Wines (a partnership between José Conde and Tyrrel Myburgh) in 2017 and is now home to tastefully furnished, contemporary eatery, Lievland Café, which opened its doors in September 2023.
Offering elegant breakfasts and lunches of note, Lievland Café has all the makings of a truly stunning, timeless and lasting addition to the Cape Winelands.
Maybe it’s the sultry wood-meets-neutrals decor, overflowing with green, leafy plants in wicker baskets and soft lightning or the impeccable, silently attentive service.
But there’s something exceptionally refined about Lievland Café – and that’s before you even get to the food, drinks and wine list on offer here.
Liefland has beautiful indoor seating, which steals the show with its expansive glass doors, which, when pushed open wide in summertime, let in the most soothing sounds of birdsong and farm life, as well as a gentle breeze.
The indoor patio-style seating, in particular, offers the most spectacular views of the lawn, dam and farmlands below, where horses peacefully graze and Egyptian geese strut their stuff around the large dam.
In winter, the chic, yet cosy fireplaces are sure to add a warm touch, with the glass doors closed to the elements as you sit in this cocoon of café loveliness.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
They serve a wonderful mix of breakfasts and lunches. Honestly, it is so difficult to choose a breakfast here as there are no basic options – everything sounds and looks excellent and is sure to impress.
With everything from oysters to banana bread French toast and smoked trout to your more classic farm breakfasts – breakfast and brunch are especially elevated to new heights. Lievland’s lunch menu, which comprises of tasty starters and gourmet mains, is equally delightful.
The café is across from the Lievland tasting room, so before or after your meal, be sure to sample some of their excellent wines. The Lievland Liefkoos Rose, in particular, comes highly rated and recommended!
Family-friendly:
The café is quite elegant and sophisticated so, while I am sure they can cater to families, their focus is perhaps not set on being a child-friendly eatery in the true sense of the word.
Booking essential:
Yes, booking is recommended, especially as they also cater to private functions and events.
My recommended meal (if available):
We were originally invited to visit Lievland Café in November ’23 but only managed to pull through in January ’24 – and despite it being in the midst of summer, the café was deliciously airy and cool on that hot day.
We arrived bright and early, just after opening, and our table was already reserved and waiting for us.
Warmth, attentive service and efficiency from Front of House manager, Jana and the whole welcoming, friendly team is second nature here.
My partner ordered the gourmet Farmers Liev, which comes with two free range eggs, streaky bacon, mushrooms, pork and fennel sausage, tomato smoor and farm bread toast (two slices; white or brown) and a standard Cappuccino. His breakfast, according to him (and me!), was faultless and a firm 10/10. This is not your average bacon and egg breakfast.
While I, meanwhile, tried the understandably popular Smoked trout, crème fraiche, pickled red onion and fresh herbs on a delicious milk bread roll. I paired my outstanding breakfast meal with an equally great Red Cappuccino.
Honestly, in terms of flavour, freshness, value-for-money and above all, quality and presentation – our meals were impossible to fault. It takes a lot for a breakfast to impress me – and I was blown away after the first bite and sip respectively.
This ranks as one of the best breakfasts and breakfast experiences I have ever had anywhere in the Western Cape. For more on my experience, you can read my full review here.
If visiting for lunch, I would personally go for the Jambon Beurre or Confit duck leg (with cous cous salad) mains.
Open from:
They are open from 08:00 am to 17:00 pm daily.
Contact information:
+27 (021) 879 7892, cafe@lievland.co.za
Website:
Region:
Stellenbosch Winelands
15) Cheverells Farm Café at Cheverells Farm
Cheverells Farm is a stunning, third-generational apple- and pear-farm in Elgin Valley (which itself has its own cool climate wine region that is well-worth exploring).
We visited Cheverells Farm on a rainy autumn day for some seasonal apple picking – and honestly, even in a literal torrential downpour, this farm is pure magic!
In addition to their fruit farming, Cheverells Farm also has a gorgeous eatery called Cheverells Farm Café. What’s more, in their Cheverells Farm Shed, they also host various events and workshops and even cater to small, intimate celebrations.
Serves breakfast and brunch options:
The Cheverells Farm Café offers a range of hearty, wholesome meals for breakfast, lunch and even dessert!
What I really love about Cheverells Farm is that, despite being in the middle of rural apple country, they have managed to serve up some of the loveliest breakfast- and brunch-fare anywhere near Cape Town, in what can only be described as a tranquil, country-chic and entirely scenic farm cafe.
Their cafe offers fresh, vibrant flavours that are sourced from nature, which means they change seasonally (due to the availability of their fresh produce) and they cater to vegetarians, vegans and in some instances, those with gluten-free dietary requirements too.
They serve a great variety of breakfast- and brunch-options, as well as some lovely lunch meals too. Their breakfast menu has several meals to choose from, a host of optional toppings (to add on for a small fee) and some great beverages to round off the experience.
Beyond Breakfast and Brunch
They also have a wonderful Drinks’ menu, with everything from hot- and cold-beverages to bubbly, wine and even a house cocktail. The Dessert Menu, meanwhile, packs a punch with the likes of an Elgin apple and cinnamon bun; apple-and-blackberry pistachio crumble; a cake of the day and even homemade ice-cream!
Service is warm, friendly and unobtrusive, which makes it perfect. Especially for visiting couples, families and friends who want to socialise and catch up among themselves as they eat.
When you’re done eating, explore the farm’s outside area a bit or even browse their beautiful gift shop for some curated goodies.
Family-friendly:
Yes, there’s also a lovely, thoughtful kids’ menu that makes them entirely family-friendly. Especially as the farm offers plenty for little ones to see and do outside, with eye-catching red tractors, gardens and other farm fun to be witnessed here.
And unlike most kiddie menus, the Cheverells Country Café offers a feast of interesting meals, from French toast, scrambled eggs and chicken sausage and even butter croissants, as well as a host of milkshakes. (There’s even a Smarties milkshake!)
Booking essential:
While not strictly essential, because they host different events throughout the month and they can also get pretty busy on weekends especially – I would recommend booking.
My recommended meal (if available):
If it’s available, you cannot go wrong with their incredible Cheverells Full Shed. This gourmet breakfast meal comes with pan fried eggs (although I exchanged mine for scrambled eggs); crispy streaky bacon; handmade apple-and-sage-pork sausages; potato tots; sautéed mushrooms; slow-roast tomato; pan-fried kale; country-style toast and farm-style butter.
It’s one of the most delicious country-style breakfasts I have ever had. And, paired with one of their excellent, quality hot beverages, like a Cappuccino, it’s hard to go wrong with this breakfast- or brunch-pick.
If you visit for lunch, based on the meal and menu’s availability, I would recommend trying something like their free-range chicken burger or smoked salmon trout-avo bagel.
Otherwise, you definitely can’t go wrong with one of their dessert options and a delicious drink!
Cheverells Farm Cafe is also licensed to sell alcohol so, if you have a designated driver handy, why not sample some of the local wines, try their house cocktail or sip your way through some timeless G&T during your visit?
Open from:
They are open on Wednesday through to Sunday, from 08:00 am – 15:00 pm.
Contact information:
+27 (060) 861 1044, cheverellsfarm@gmail.com
Website:
Region:
Elgin Valley (near the Elgin Wine Route)
Breakfast or Brunch in Style
These are just a handful of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in our beautiful Cape Winelands!
For some of my extra (but equally lovely) picks, please also try:
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Goatshed at Fairview (Paarl)
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Simon’s at Groot Constantia (Constantia)
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Greenhouse at Babylonstoren (Franschhoek)
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Tables at Nitida (Durbanville Wine Valley)
Are there any others you recommend that I visit and add to this list? 🙂
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