Guide to Constantia

LA COLOMBE
A truly memorable dining experience is very difficult to find, but at La Colombe (located on the wine estate of Constantia Uitsig) that is exactly what you will get. La Colombe Restaurant is rated internationally as one of the best restaurants in South Africa, and was named 28th Best Restaurant in the World and Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East by UK Restaurant Magazine in 2006. From there the new Executive Chef Luke Dale-Roberts has taken the restaurant to even greater heights with his extraordinary talent and international experience that continues the restaurant’s proud tradition, serving Classic and Modern French Cuisine with touches of Asia. Book in advance as they have a large following of regular clientele.

Constantia Uitsig Farm
Spaanchemat River Road
Constantia

e-mail: lc@uitsig.co.za
website: http://www.lacolombe.co.za
tel: (021) 794-2390

CONSTANTIA UITSIG
A wonderfully casual restaurant which overlooks the cricket field and vineyards of Constantia Uitsig. A comfortable and relaxing place, where the menu is Italian inspired and dishes such as their marquise du chocolat is just pure heaven.

Constantia Uitsig Farm
Spaanschemat River Road
Constantia

e-mail: frank@uitsig.co.za
website: http://www.uitsig.co.za
tel: (021) 794 4480

SPAANSCHEMAT RIVER CAFE
Eggs Benedict is a perennial favourite at this country style cafe which has re-introduced the art of breakfast to the locals of Constantia. Cafe style salads and pastas are offered on the lunch menu and some extremely decadent cakes.

Constantia Uitsig Farm
Spaanschemat River Road
Constantia

tel: (021) 794-3010

BUITENVERWACHTING
A classic-style restaurant overlooking the Constantia vineyards dressed in creams and browns. The staff surrounds you like a breath of fresh air - knowledgeable, friendly and aware of your needs. The chef responsible for the outstanding slivers of medium rare duck (as it should be) nestled in a red cabbage jus and sweet corn pancakes is Edgar Osojnik. His food tends to be a little fussy and a touch over-styled. And the desserts don't match up to that delicious home-made bread. An experienced sommelier will guide you through the wine selection. The wines from Buitenverwachting are prominent - why not take the opportunity to match glasses of varieties (including Buiten-verwachting Christine, a signature wine) with your choice of food. A few international wines and champagnes.

Buitenverwachting Wine Estate
Klein Constantia Road
Constantia

e-mail: restaurant@buitenverwachting.com
website: http://www.buitenverwachting.com
tel: (021) 794-3522

GREENS
This favourite haunt of well-dressed locals is perfect for a catch-up with friends. Part restaurant and part outdoor casual dining, it overlooks the parking lot in a small shopping complex. Pop in for a coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Recommended are the Californian pizzas with new-style toppings that you can pile on, from Parma ham to Camembert to figs, or a typical Italian-style quatro formaggio. Their famous burgers and veal sausage are also options. The wines are enough to match the style of food.

High Constantia Centre
Constantia Main Road
Constantia

tel: (021) 794-7843

SIMON'S AT GROOT CONSTANTIA
Nestled on the oldest wine farm in South Africa you will find a modern renovated restaurant (once a cellar) that has shaken off its fuddy-duddy style and is now called Simon's. There is a touch of magic in the setting with lawns and vineyards all around. Sophisticated crowds gather to sample big portions of outstanding food prepared with the best ingredients. The well-priced, seared tuna comes beautifully presented - good enough for food photography. The soft pink lamb is done to perfection as well. The extensive wine list features wines from regions all over South Africa.

Groot Constantia Estate
Groot Constantia Road
Constantia

tel: (021) 794-1143

CATHARINA'S
Catharina's ambience is strongly underscored by the restyling of the old cellar into a warm restaurant. For the ultimate in relaxation before or after, there is a cosy cigar bar offering a full selection of Steenberg and Constantia wines as well as whiskies, ports and spirits. In pleasant weather conditions lunches are served outside on the terrace under the oak trees with sweeping views across lawns and Cape Dutch buildings of the majestic mountains. Executive Chef Garth Almazan specialises in Cape Continental cooking, updated and enhanced by innovative spices and sauces. Try the ostrich carpaccio, oven-baked mushrooms with Camembert cheese and red onion marmalade! Main dishes are made from the freshest produce, such as the braised lamb shank with root vegetables and a rich port wine sauce. Desserts are a mix of traditional dishes and current delicacies such as pumpkin meringue pie and Cape brandy pudding.

Steenberg Hotel, 10802 Steenberg Estate
Tokai Road, Constantia Valley
Tokai

e-mail: reservations@steenberghotel.com
website: http://www.steenberghotel.com
tel: (021) 713-2222

CLOETE'S AT ALPHEN
Gracious dining in one of the Cape's great manor houses. No surprises on a menu that features traditional items such as lemon thyme and fennel linefish. Convivial pub alongside for casual meals (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Alphen Hotel
Alphen Drive
Constantia

e-mail: reservations@alphen.co.za
website: http://www.alphen.co.za
tel: (021) 794-5011

JAKE'S IN THE VILLAGE
Offers consistently good food for the whole family, whether you're looking for brunch, lunch or dinner. Contemporary picks includes everyone's favourite items, incorporating comfort zone stuff in abundance at friendly prices.

Steenberg Village
Steenberg Road
Constantia

website: http://www.jakes.co.za
tel: (021) 701-3272