Feast For The Senses: 8 Local Destination Restaurants

PIER - Local Destination Restaurants
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY Stella Artois PHOTOS Supplied, Andrea van der Spuy (PIER)


With a greater appreciation for destination dining than ever before, restaurant patrons are finding their way through the doors of a new wave of layered spaces around South Africa.

These eateries all tell their own unique story through close attention to detail, a stand-out design aesthetic and a diversified dining experience that lingers beyond the last bite. Here, our list of top restaurants worth making a road trip for:

PIER Restaurant | V&A Waterfront

South African Destination Restaurants – PIER
South African Destination Restaurants – PIER

Situated in the beautiful Pierhead Building at Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront, PIER offers an intimate fine-dining experience not to be missed. Part of the La Colombe group, the Eat Out Awards three-star winner offers a seasonal menu, with a special emphasis on inspiration from the ocean.

Wolfgat  | Paternoster

South African Destination Restaurants – Wolfgat
South African Destination Restaurants – Wlfgat

Paternoster remains a favourite West Coast destination for many reasons, chief among them being Wolfgat! The restaurant is located in a 130-year-old whitewashed sandstone fisherman’s cottage on a hill overlooking the bay of Paternoster. Chef Kobus van der Merwe gives diners a unique taste of the surrounding environment with locally sourced ingredients from the ocean and Sandveld.

Dusk | Stellenbosch

South African Destination Restaurants – Dusk
South African Destination Restaurants – Dusk

The Winelands in the Western Cape arguably has some of the best restaurants in South Africa. Dusk, winner of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant Award, offers diners unusual ingredient and flavour pairings, with farmed abalone being a menu highlight. The sleek design of this new conceptual restaurant evokes a sense of worldly sophistication.

Farro | Bot River

South African Destination Restaurants – Farro
South African Destination Restaurants – Farro

If you’re planning a stay in Grabouw or Hermanus it’s worth taking a drive to the picturesque Gabrielskloof Wine Estate, where you’ll find Farro. Here, Chef Alex Windebank makes simple European-style food, including Farro’s famous chicken liver parfait served with perfectly toasted brioche.

Nevermind | Cape St. Francis

South African Destination Restaurants – Nevermind
South African Destination Restaurants – Nevermind

With its pristine ocean views, Chef Wesley Randles’ restaurant Nevermind champions seasonal produce and open-fire cooking. The restaurant, which won the Eat Out Stella Artois Best Destination Restaurant Award, has a relaxed atmosphere and exudes costal charm through it’s subtle nautical decor.

The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate | Pinetown

South African Destination Restaurants – The LivingRoom
South African Destination Restaurants – The LivingRoom

The LivingRoom is a must-visit if you find yourself in Durban. Chef Johannes Richter is skilled at transforming ordinary produce into works of art, with a unique African flair. Recently named as Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year for 2022, The LivingRoom’s offers contemporary fine-dining cuisine.

Zioux | Sandton

South African Destination Restaurants – Zioux
South African Destination Restaurants – Zioux

Named as the Eat Out VISI Style Award winner, Zioux offers a luxury fine-dining experience with a jaw-dropping interior theme. Designed to stimulate the senses, the idea was to play on the idea of Johannesburg as an urban jungle. The food is just as exciting with flavours from all over the globe, from South America to Mexico and North Africa.

Culinary Table | Lanseria

South African Destination Restaurants – Culinary Table
South African Destination Restaurants – Culinary Table

The Culinary Table offers farm-to-table dining, with the fresh ingredients singing on the plate. Take the kids along – they’ll love looking at the animals on the farm while you kick back with one of their delicious cocktails.