Dating back to 1679, the second-oldest town in South Africa has a lot going for it. Drenched in history and natural beauty, its immaculate vineyards are at the heart of a thriving economy. Stellenbosch’s oak tree–lined streets, many with original irrigation furrows, boast the highest concentration of heritage buildings in the country, ranging in architectural style from gabled Cape Dutch to decorative Victorian. Its university, more than a century old, is prestigious.
Up until recently, though, the town proper lacked a sophisticated dining scene. Yes, there were a few reputable establishments serving old-school Italian or steak frites, but for a more refined meal, you’d have to head to one of the surrounding wine estates for something interesting. Some, like the restaurant at Rust en Vrede, are still going strong.
But things have changed. Along with new coffee bars, icecream parlors, and specialty gourmet emporia, Stellenbosch has seen a flurry of wine bars open since 2021 (forerunner Spek & Bone, tucked away down an alleyway behind the town’s oldest general store, remains a favorite). Perhaps South Africa’s draconian alcohol bans during the Covid lockdowns ignited a rebellious desire for
