4 Best Restaurants in The Western Cape and Winelands, South Africa

This relaxed venue is always buzzing with folk from the wine industry, locals from the area, and up-country visitors. The menu changes regularly but tempts with favorites such as Karoo lamb, the "Hollandse" pepper fillet, and the decadent crème brûlée. Dishes are served tapas style, meaning you can taste a little of everything. As you'd expect for a restaurant in this area, the selection of wine is also impressive. Inside, burgundy walls are cozy for winter, and outside terrace seating offers soothing mountain views during summer. With more than 25 years under its belt, the restaurant has become a Cape Winelands institution.

Right at the entrance to the town, this laid-back eatery is a great lunch stop, especially if you're traveling with kids. It serves pizza, pasta, and hearty meat dishes at tables in a shady, tree-lined garden. There's an excellent play area for kids. The attached tasting room offers juice and candy pairings, wine pairings, and tastings from the on-site craft brewery.

Miko is a contemporary fine-dining restaurant with seating indoors and out, both offering spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley. Many dishes have an Indian influence, such as the pork belly with biryani rice and cauliflower masala purée. The daytime menu is a simpler affair, featuring salads, burgers, and fish-and-chips. There are plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians.

Overlooking the lagoon in Onrus, the Milkwood is a great place for a languid lunch. You can sit on the deck after a quick dip and eat some fresh fish (what kind of fish depends on the day's catch), grilled and served with a lemon or garlic-butter sauce.