The Restaurant at Waterkloof Wines has to be our favourite restaurant to visit. Not only for the spectacular view, but also because Chef Gregory Czarnecki continues to wow us with his dishes time and time again.
Wine and Alcohol
Wines available are from the estate and are served in decanters. I like this touch, especially with the white wine which is placed into a bowl of ice. The staff are well able to recommend wines for your meal, and the menu includes wine pairing options. Sparkling and still water is complimentary. Dave and I always start our evening with Steenberg Méthode Cap Classique and end our meal with port.
Food
Every meal at Waterkloof begins with home made bread and this is followed by an amuse bouche. The photograph above is an asparagus veloute with an almond foam. The menu changes with the seasons and according to what Greg can source so we seldom eat the same dish twice when we visit the restaurant. Cured Fizantakraal trout always features on the menu with variations in the curing and what it is served with. The trout has an amazing texture and is the one dish I will never tire of. Greg has shared his method of curing with Dave and it has made such a difference to our gravalax. Monkfish is another regular on the menu and a friend of ours who is in the fishing industry was most impressed with the way Greg cooked and served the fish. Before dessert is served your palate will be delighted with a pre dessert. Coffee is served with petit fours and makes a perfect way to end the meal.
Service
You will be met at your car by a friendly staff member who will show you where to go if this is your first visit. The management staff are friendly and efficient and will great you with a smile. The wait staff are attentive and some of them have been employed since the restaurant opened. The service is not silver service but you will be well looked after. Each course will be presented to you with an explanation, much in line with Michelin Star restaurants we have visited overseas.
Ambiance
The estate is all about the view, and the huge glass panels allow you to gaze over mountains and sea from nearly every table. The balcony provides the perfect place to watch the sunset over False Bay. There is a fireplace central to the wine tasting room which is lit more evenings than not. The open plan kitchen allows you to watch the staff busily at work. The ambiance here is serene and you feel like you are floating. This very modern building invites you to stay, just a little longer.
And …
Even if you do not feel like a full meal, take the 2.1km drive up to taste wine and enjoy a platter with your tasting.
Contact them on 021 858 1491 reservations recommended
blog post updated 18 February 2014
Tandy
Very thorough review and has definitely given me the push to go try myself. thanks Tandy
thanks Ed – it is an amazing treat 🙂
Holy cow, if you weren’t in love before that dinner, you are now! What a beautiful meal. I love the pre-dessert gift from the chef. I’m full just adoring your photos. 🙂
thank you so much Maureen 🙂
What a superb meal you had! Was that noodles wrapped around the prawn?
it is a very thin pastry Sue – I am going to have to wheedle the recipe out of Alan at Winery Road as they do the same thing with salmon 🙂
Looks like Kataifi Prawns….my SIL makes these and I love them! It is shredded filo pastry xx
Hi, I spoke to Natasha, who is the chef at 96 Winery Road, and she tells me that Kataifi pastry is not actually shredded filo, but something similar 🙂
Yes, Damon also says so. I had thought it was the same as filo pastry but he says similar.
I believe we can buy this locally if we want to 🙂
Yes, will send you the info I have been given xx
thanks Colly 🙂
That looks mouthwatering!
*hugs*
thanks my friend, it was all very good 🙂
What a magnificent looking meal from beginning to end! 🙂
thank you so much Lorraine 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit this restaurant and vineyard since I got to meet the winemaker. You’ve made me even keener!
you will have a bed to sleep in down the road if ever you choose to come and visit 🙂
I want to go there too! Awesome review Tandy. What a pity the beef and lamb were cold though but talk about the most beautiful presentation and attention to details – just exquisite!
🙂 Mandy
it was so worth it Mandy, even if the meat was cold 🙂
Delicious pics and a great review. It looks like a very special place to dine. Thanks for sharing your experience, Tandy. xxx
It is a really great place AD 🙂
Wow this sounds like quite the delicious V-Day meal! Everything looks so good!
It was a great evening Joanne 🙂
What a fabulous meals, I wish I could have some of then!
thanks Katya, they were fabulous indeed 🙂
WOW!
Excellent post!
thanks so much Tok 🙂
It appears from the photos that it well worth the wait. I am sorry that your meats were cold *frown. It truly is a spectacular venue.
It was an amazing evening, even though the meats were not warm 🙂