A local guide to the best restaurants in our area

​We often get asked to recommend places to eat in our area and we love to share our favourites. We know that we have not got to everything but these are the places that we keep going back to because they seldom disappoint.

Best for a yummy breakfast and fresh bread… Delish, Heidelberg

​Very seldom does this place disappoint and especially for breakfast (the omelettes are legendary) but they also have great steaks, hamburgers and pizzas. The fresh bread is spectacular, and they also have a pretty descent wine store next door. Don’t miss this great stop over on the N2 and only 20mins from Strawberry Hill Farm.

Best for a romantic meal... Field and Fork, Swellendam

​Hands down this is our favourite restaurant in Swellendam. The food is amazing, the service is always great and it’s all very local. It is not the cheapest place to eat (esp the wine) but it has never disappointed. We recommend bringing your own wine and make sure to book in advance.

Best for lunch and coffee…. Ikigai, Swellendam and Riversdale

​Ikigai means means "a reason for being" which might parallel my relationship with coffee in the mornings. If you are going into Swellendam and want a coffee to go or a quick lunch, this place is the best option. The coffee is excellent and the sandwiches really yummy. They also have a branch in Riversdale on the N2 but we like this one more. 

Best for a healthy smoothy... Paradise Organic Restaurant, Suurbraak

There are not a lot of options in Suurbraak but this is a great stop over for a coffee or a smoothie. We often include this on one of our rides over the mountain on the black route. The service for food is not the fastest but that’s because it is made with care and is worth the wait. You can also call ahead and order the meal of the day so its ready and waiting for you after a long ride.

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​Best for Italian... La Sosta, Swellendam

Considered to be the best Italian food in South Africa and we agree. Amazing creations from some seriously talented chiefs. The restaurant has recently taken on new ownership, but the standards continue to be very high. The new ownership now means longer opening times in the low season which is important because it can be challenging to get a reservation. 

Best for a tasty pizza and beer...​The Cellars, Barrydale

​We recently found this place just outside Barrydale and it’s a great little stop over next to the river. They have good pizza and locally made beer and wine. The setting is great and it’s a pleasant stop over to avoid the bustle of the main R62 hangouts. The river pool in front of the restaurant is one of the few places where you can find the critically endangered Tradouw Redfin so spare a thought for these beautiful fish who's watery home is under constant threat.

Best for fresh fish... The Anchorage Beach Restaurant, Witsand

​Situated on a lovely beach with awesome views that often includes the odd whale or kitesurfer. This spot has yummy fresh fish and chips. In season, it has a very happening upstairs bar but we locals stay clear of Witsand in the December months, unless you love the crowds. We recommend a quiet, off season weekend (July or August) where you can enjoy the whales and sea breeze with your fresh fish.

Best for Mediterranean food...La Mez Karoo, Barrydale 

La Mez is just over the mountain in Barrydale and we have been known to run over the mountain for their food. It’s a special little place with a small but carefully designed menu and its one of our best spots to eat. They are not open everyday so call in advance to check.

 Best for coffee and local crafts...Koffie n Kletz, Witsand

​This place just outside Port Beaufort (which for non-local is the same as Witsand) offers homemade cakes, coffee and sandwiches. They also have a very special selection of local arts and crafts which are worth a look. If you are planning a long training ride to the coast, this stop over will help to motivate in the predictable head winds.

Best wine tasting... Sijnn, Malgas

​This is a bit of trek and a long way from anything but it's so worth it. A very special wine farm in Malgas with spectacular wine, amazing people and magnificent views. This is a harsh world to grow grapes but, like everything in life, a bit of hardship produces the best outcomes. They are not open every day so contact them in advance for a tasting 

Best stop for day out with your bike...  The black oyster catcher, Elim

This great restaurant is really in the middle of nowhere between Bredasdorp and Elim but its worth the journey. It is definitely a full day out and a good option if you want to escape a wet day in the mountains. It is often drier that side and there are some very decent (and not well known) single-track trails in the Bredasdorp area so its worth exploring them, followed by a meal at the black osyercatcher. The wine is excellent and they also have their own amazing beer.

Best for stop over on route... Die padloper, ​Riviersonderend 

There is often a need to have a stop over in Riviersonderend on route from Cape Town. However, we are always saddened when this local place is over looked for the overly busy and uninspired fast food joints in town. Die Padlooper is a great option with lovely home-made food with good coffee and a great pet friendly tea garden. Unfortunately, their hours are not always as convenient for weekends away but if they are open, definitely worth a stop.