20 amazing restaurants near Paarl

The Western Cape’s Boland is a foodie haven and if you’re in the area, be sure to visit Paarl for lunch or dinner. Whether you want an intimate setting or a lively atmosphere, there is a restaurant for you on this list.

1. Babel at Babylonstoren

Babel Restaurant is housed in the old cow shed at the world-famous, Babylonstoren. The restaurant has Cape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls, making it a simple but exciting environment to dine at.

Babel Restaurant has a farm-to-fork philosophy which means they serve seasonal food which reflects their “pick, clean, and serve” approach. There are many more activities you can get up to at Babylonstoren, these include the Babylonstoren Garden, Spa, and a Cellar tour.

READ: Babylonstoren: All you need to know

Making a reservation is very important.

Opening times: Weekly, 8am – 8.30pm
Their service options: Sit-in – Takeaway – No delivery
Menu: Check out the latest Babel at Babylonstoren Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5

Contact: 021 863 3852 / Make a booking at Resdiary
Address: Babylonstoren, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Klapmuts

If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg, be sure to check out The 20 Best Restaurants in Midrand.

2. Noop

Noop is one of our favourite restaurants in Paarl because they focus on keeping it simple and have a bright homely atmosphere. With Noop you always get fresh ingredients, great food, and a wide selection of wines to choose from.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 12am (closed on Sundays)
Their service options: Sit-in only
Menu: View the full Noop Restaurant Menu and 2022 wine list
Rating (Google reviews): 4.7
Contact: 021 863 3925
Address: 127 Main Rd, Vrykyk

3. Faber

Faber is located in the centre of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, at Avondale Wine Farm. The best part of this scenic restaurant and location is the views of the Paarl Rock and Simonsberg mountains from their outside seating area.

Faber is run by head chef Dale Stevens and owner of Avondale Wine Estate, Jonathan Grieve. They serve high-quality steaks, salads, and other dishes.

Opening times: Lunch – Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm and Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 8pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the Faber sample menu and the Faber wine list
Rating (Google reviews): 4.8
Deals: Faber Weekday Special, R330 per person Saturday Steak Night Special, R295 per person
Contact: 021 202 1219 / Make a booking at Avondale Wine Estate Website
Address: Drakenstein Rd

4. Cosecha Restaurant

Cosecha is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a great glass of estate wine. Their Latin-infused menu has Mexican and South American roots with inspired dishes like salsa, guacamole, burritos, and tacos. They use responsibly-sourced meats from their local butchery and serve seasonal produce from local growers. The restaurant forms part of Noble Hill Wine Estate so be sure to check out their wines on offer.

Opening times:
Cosecha Restaurant – Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Wine tasting – Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm (Last wine tasting at 4:30pm)
Wine sales – Weekly, 9am – 5pm (Free delivery nationwide)
Their service options: Sit-in and Drive-through
Menu: Check out the Cosecha Menu 
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 021 874 3844 / Make a booking online at Cosecha Restaurant
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium

5. Goatshed at Fairview

At the heart of Fairview Wine Estate is the Goatshed Restaurant which can be best categorised as a “country-style eatery”. It has a beautiful setting and they sell a variety of organic pizzas, salads, and pies. Their philosophy is that “fresh and homemade is always better”

They also sell dairy products sourced from the estate. The restaurant is located on Fairview Wine Estate so they have a wide selection of wines, including both domestic and foreign labels.

Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm; Sunday, 9am – 3:30pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu(s): They have a set menu, A la Carte and an evening menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 021 863 3609 / Make a booking online at Goatshed
Address: Fairview Wine Estate, Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd

6. Cavalli Estate

Looking for a romantic spot to take your date? Look no further than Cavalli Estate. Not only are their dishes exquisite, but the estate is beautiful and perfect for a special night out. The restaurant takes inspiration from Chef Lucas Carstens whose big focus is on using season produce from Cavalli’s garden and nearby small farms. Their set chefs menu comes with 5 Courses at a cost of R595 per person.

Cavalli Estate also doubles as a wedding venue and also features an award-winning art gallery. As previously stated, if you’re looking for one of the most romantic restaurants in Paarl, Cavalli Estate is the place to go.

Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 10pm; Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Their service options: Sit-in only
Menu(s): They have a set chefs menu and an A la carte Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.7
Contact: 021 855 3218 / Make a booking on dineplan
Address: Strand Rd, Somerset West

7. Glen Carlou Wine Estate

Glen Carlou is another restaurant headed up by the experienced Johan Stander and is located in one of the most beautiful settings in the whole of Paarl. The food is great and reasonably priced, with signature dishes such as roasted pork belly with apple curry crème, apple puree, and cumin roasted carrot. Their menu also features recommended wine pairings that will give you the full dining experience. They also have a wine store and a gallery there, so you can be sure to purchase something on the way out.

Opening times: Weekly, 12pm – 4pm
Their service options: Sit-in only
Menu(s): Check out the Restaurant@Glen Carlou menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.7
Contact: 021 875 5528 / Book online at Dineplan
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd

8. Cattle Baron Grill and Bistro

The Pontac Manor Hotel in the heart of the Cape Winelands is home to a popular chain restaurant, Cattle Baron. This franchise has always delivered what it promised, and this location is no exception. In addition to excellent steaks, grills, burgers, and house specialities, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Some awesome amenities include free parking and no corkage fee.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm; Sundays, 12pm – 5pm
Their service options: Sit-in, takeaway and delivery
Menu: Check out the Cattle Baron Paarl menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Deals: Weekly Wednesday and Thursday night specials on starters and desserts
Contact: 021 872 5577
Address: 16 Zion Street, Paarl

9. Kaapstadt Brauhaus Paarl

Kaapstadt Brauhaus is a German-inspired restaurant that serves dishes like pretzels, schnitzels, and German sausages. Whether you’re looking for a lively place to watch sports or enjoy a quiet family lunch, Kaapstadt Brauhaus has it all.

Opening times: Sunday– Thursday, 11am – 10:30pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am – 12am
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the Kaapstadt Brauhaus Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.3
Contact: 021 492 4358 / Reservations: [email protected]
Address: 90 A Main Rd, Hoog-En-Droog

10. The Hussar Grill Paarl

The Hussar Grill is one of the best steak houses and restaurants in Paarl. Even though it’s not as old as some of the other restaurants in the city, it has maintained a high standard of excellence in its steaks and food – and is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a top-quality meal.

Their menu includes steak grilling guidelines and a whole host of meat options. Be sure to check out their extensive wine list as well to choose the best pairing options.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm; Sunday 11.30am – 6pm
Their service options: Sit-in and takeaway
Menu: Check out the Hussar Grill Main Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 021 863 0466 / Book online at Dineplan
Address: 55 &, 56 Main Rd, Paarl

11. Blacksmith’s Kitchen

Blacksmith’s Kitchen is a cozy, relaxed restaurant in the old blacksmith’s cottages on Pearl Mountain. The restaurant has a selection of wines from Pearl Mountain winery and other local sources. It serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a classic wood-fired pizza oven. The farm also has a vegetable patch which helps to keep the kitchen stocked!

If you’re looking for restaurants in Paarl, then you should definitely check out Blacksmith’s Kitchen – it’s one of the best places to eat in the area!

Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Takeaway and Delivery
Menu: Check out the Blacksmith’s Kitchen Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.3
Contact: 065 396 5015 / [email protected]
Address: Bo Lang St, Groenvlei

12. Jackson and Black Prime Steakhouse

Jackson and Black Prime Steakhouse is one of the few steakhouses in Paarl. They offer a variety of steak options. You can also choose seafood dishes such as prawns or a seafood platter. Their top chef options include Moroccan Lamb Shank, Ribeye surf and turf, and Tomahawk pork chop. They also have an awesome drinks menu with a host of beers to choose from. Check out some current discounts and deals below.

Opening times: Weekly, 11am – 10pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out their lunch, A la carte, and wine selection
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Current deals: Mondays, Legendary burgers for R69, and Wagyu burgers for R89
Contact: 021 872 9283 / [email protected]
Address: 166 Main Rd, Hoog-En-Droog

13. Bossa Nova Good Times Bar and Restaurant

Bossa is one of the cosiest restaurants in Paarl and it’s perfect for winding down after a hectic day. They have a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. They have many food options, like burgers, pizzas, steaks, and wine. On cold nights, enjoy a glass of wine or coffee by the fireplace.

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 11pm
Their service options: Sit in, Takeaway, and Delivery
Menu: Check out their Bossa Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.2
Contact: 021 872 9861 / [email protected]
Address: 166 Main Road, Omnipark Building

14. Giusseppe’s Paarl

Giuseppe Massolini, an Italian immigrant, opened Giussepe’s with the intention of introducing the town of Paarl to Italian cuisine. His restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian-friendly and traditional Italian dishes. A large number of positive reviews can be found online from a variety of sources, and the number is only growing.

Opening times: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11:45am – 5pm
Their service options: Sit-in, Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.9 (15 reviews)
Contact: 084 976 5939
Address: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Suider

15. Jewells

Jewells is one of many restaurants in Paarl that are inspired by an experienced chef. Experienced chef Neil Jewell opened up this famed spice route restaurant alongside his wife Tina Jewell. The views of the surrounding wineries and mountains can be found at the popular tourist destination and some of their most popular main courses include the Pira roasted Linefish and Pan-roasted Fairview rump. They also have delicious appetizers, sides, and sweets.

Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:30am – 5pm
Their service options: Sit-in
Menu: Check out their latest Jewells Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.8
Contact: 021 204 4875
Address: Spice Route Destination, Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd

16. Backs Restaurant and Deli

Back’s has three main offerings: a restaurant, a deli, and an online shopping experience. The restaurant is bistro-style inspired and serves food from Charles Back’s family farms. The deli offers fresh and dry goods, all of which are sourced from local artisans. The online shop is an extension of the deli and will soon be available outside the Winelands region. Everything in the restaurant and deli is based on quality and integrity. Some signature dishes include creamy seafood risotto and crispy, slow-roasted pork belly.

Opening times: Monday – Tuesday, 8am – 6pm; Wednesday – Friday 8am – 9pm and Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 3:30pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Drive-through
Menu: Check out the latest menu from Backs Restaurant
Rating (Google reviews): 4.5
Contact: 021 872 0697 / [email protected]
Address: 191 Main Rd, Hoog-En-Droog

17. Stoep at Laborie Estate

Stoep is a restaurant open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They use fresh, flavorful ingredients that are both local and seasonal to create simple dishes. This modern restaurant has beautiful views of the vineyards and provides a calm atmosphere for a great meal, not to mention its elegant decor.

Opening times: Mon – Tuesday, 7am – 5pm; Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the latest menu from Stoep Restaurant
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 021 807 3232 / Book on dineplan
Address: Laborie Wine Estate, Taillefer

18. Copper Club

The Copper Club is located in Frater Square, overlooking the Hou Moed farm and Paarl’s most famous landmark, Paarl Rock. This restaurant offers scenic views as well as a fantastic selection of craft beers, cocktails, freshly made burgers, and delectable pizzas.

Opening times: Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 10:30pm; Friday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday, 12 – 5:30pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the latest Copper Club Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 021 863 3500 / [email protected]
Address: Frater Square, 40A Main Rd, Paarl, 7620

19. Cucina Di Giovanni at Laborie

Cucina di Giovanni at Laborie is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and good food. You can have a relaxed dining experience in the wine country with your family and friends.

Opening times: Weekly, 12pm – 9pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the latest Cucina Di Giovanni at Laborie
Rating (Google reviews): 4.6
Contact: 021 807 3390 
Address: Corner Taillefert & Main Road Laborie Estate

20. La Grapperia Bistro

La Grapperia is known for its many types of wood-fired pizzas, flammkuchen, tapas, and grappa cocktails. People usually get a choice of red or white wine. There is also bread and platters, as well as desserts like Belgian waffles, tiramisu, creme brulee, cheesecake, apfelstrudel, and homemade ice cream.

Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Their service options: Sit-in and Takeaway
Menu: Check out the latest La Grapperia Menu
Rating (Google reviews): 4.4
Contact: 021 863 4367 / Book a table online
Address: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Suider

ALSO SEE: Parties, wine and street food at the eccentric Who Knows Bar

Parties, wine and street food at the eccentric Who Knows Bar

Feature image: Stoep at Laborie Estate

Originally posted on Getaway and Cape Town ETC.