The Restaurant Review at Hazendal

Open to day visitors as well as hotel guests, the restaurant at Hazendal offers an incredible gourmet experience that we can highly recommend.

A few weeks ago we enjoyed a wonderful stay at Hazendal Estate with one of the highlights by far being an incredible dinner at their luxurious restaurant.

At The Restaurant at Hazendal, guests are invited to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of the Cape Winelands.

This refined venue effortlessly blends luxury and comfort, offering an array of gourmet dishes and wine experiences that cater to all the senses. With its golden cutlery, elegant lighting, and thoughtfully curated décor, the ambiance exudes sophistication. Every detail, from the attentive service to the meticulously crafted dishes, is designed to create a memorable dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Starters:

The meal began with an exquisite vegetarian starter, the Orange and Date Salad (R165). Visually stunning, this dish combined the sweetness of dates and oranges with the peppery freshness of coriander and rocket. Thinly sliced radish and red onion added a sharp, tangy bite, while the sesame seed crunch provided a delightful texture contrast, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

My partner opted for the Steak Tartare (R195), an elegant presentation featuring tender raw beef complemented by the rich, baked bone marrow. The salt-cured egg yolk added a creamy richness, balanced by the sharpness of herbs and capers. The toasted shortbread provided a crunchy base, and the oyster aioli introduced a subtle briny note, making this dish a complex and satisfying start to the meal.

Mains:

For the main course, my partner chose the Marmite Glazed Salmon Trout (R375). The fish was perfectly cooked, with a deep umami flavor from the Marmite glaze. The soft-poached deep-fried egg added an unexpected yet delightful twist, its creamy yolk oozing over the crisp potato and parmesan gratin. The grilled fine beans and almonds brought a satisfying crunch, while the pickled cucumber and lime crème fraîche cut through the richness with a refreshing acidity.

My Slow Braised Beef Short Rib (R300) was a triumph. The beef, slow-cooked to tender perfection, was complemented by a silky pumpkin, maple, and paprika purée, which added a sweet and slightly smoky depth. The roast pumpkin gnocchi were light and fluffy, pairing beautifully with the sweet and sour balsamic onions that brought a tangy complexity to the dish.

Dessert:

We ended our meal on a sweet note by sharing the Coconut Milk Crème Brûlée (R150), a vegan twist on the classic dessert. The texture was slightly more runny than the traditional version, but the flavor was stunning, thanks to the tropical notes from the grilled pineapple and poached guava.

Hazendal’s menu is a masterful blend of flavors, textures, and innovative twists on classic dishes, making for an unforgettable dining experience. If you enjoyed reading our review as much as we enjoyed our dinner, go ahead and book your table on DinePlan. It comes highly recommended by us.

Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa