The explosion of restaurant openings in Cape Town and the Winelands in the last two months is a concern to many, both as restaurant lovers, in that one cannot keep up, and as restaurant owners, as there is not enough business for everyone.
Last month saw the opening of Seta at Villa 47, Le coin Français by Darren Badenhorst in Franschhoek, The Bistro and Deli at La Paris outside Franschhoek, Chef Duncan Doherty’s Eatery at Colmant in Franschhoek, and Boschendal at Oude Bank in Stellenbosch, amongst others.
We update information about newly opened and closed restaurants continuously, and welcome such news.
Restaurant Openings
# Villa 47 has relaunched its Stuzzico and Restaurant restaurants, as SETA and Pierino Penati, respectively. The latter restaurant (photograph) has opened in conjunction with Italian Michelin star restaurant owner Chef Theo Penati. Continue reading →


The Sweet Service Award goes to Café 1904 in Hermanus, and its owners Johan and Endria Post, for making me a cappuccino despite having a break before their dinner service. It was just before 17h00, and all coffee shops in Hermanus were about to close. Johan and Endria took pity on me, and made me a perfect dry cappuccino, taking time to sit down and chat too.
Last week I ate lunch at the new Origins Restaurant at The Marine, the second poor experience I have had at the hotel, despite the hotel having new co-owners, and a new GM and Chef. Given its five star status (they have lost their Relais & Chateux status), the dining experience was unacceptable.