The Stellenbosch Wine Bar

Foodie friends in the capital need little introduction to the Stellenbosch Wine Bar, which has long been a favourite for fine dining in Windhoek. But for those who have yet to pull out a wrought iron and wood chair, take a seat by a trickling water fountain and sip on some of the best South African wines, let me introduce you to your new go-to spot.

Inspired by the wine and food culture of Stellenbosch, this restaurant has long been crafting dining experiences reminiscent of a swanky lunch or dinner in the rolling vineyards of the Western Cape. A restaurant is only as good as its location, and it seems the Stellenbosch Wine Bar hit the lotto with their space in the Bougain Villas complex in central suburban Windhoek. The restaurant is perfectly situated in a courtyard lined with trees and other greenery, and the architecture channels old Cape Dutch and Tuscan villa vibes.

As for the menu, wine is always the very first point of departure. Their cellar boasts labels like Springfield, Diemersdal, Donkiesbaai and Rust en Vrede, while the waiting staff are clued up and happy to make recommendations if you get lost in their extensive offering. The next order of business is a starter, where you will be hard-pressed to decide between a beef tartare, duck leg phyllo, or a cheese and charcuterie board to compliment that first glass of wine.

Never have I met a burger I didn’t like. And while the Stellenbosch Wine Bar serves fabulously messy and delicious burgers, the steaks and other main meals remain their greatest drawing card. Aged to their prime and flame-grilled to perfection, the steaks are export-quality, locally sourced cuts of sirloin, rib-eye, fillet and rump. It goes without saying that anything cooked over medium is sacrilege, so if well-done is the way you roll, rather tuck into their red winebraised oxtail served with veggies and rice.

Aged to their prime and flame-grilled to perfection, the steaks are exportquality and locally sourced.

Other noteworthy main meal items include the grilled Norwegian salmon with baby potatoes and a leek ragout, pork belly with mash, ginger chilli sauce and grilled apples, as well as a prawn and coconut curry with a cucumber and apple raita. I’m salivating, aren’t you?

All in all, the atmosphere of the Stellenbosch Wine Bar, their brilliantly curated menu and fabulous wine list goes uncontested. In a town with few finedining restaurants, this one is the finest by a long shot, ideal for romantic dinners, special occasion spoils, or simply because you are craving a trip to the Cape Winelands.

Charene Labuschagne