10 Best Foodie experiences in South Africa
Share this on Social Media
South Africa's cosmopolitan society and rich heritage of different cultures have created a diverse and grand menu of cuisines, delicacies and beverages that cater to travelers exploring the country.
La Colombe
La Colombe is the pinnacle of the gastronomic and culinary scene in South Africa and, arguably, the entire continent—perhaps one of the biggest reasons why it offers such a unique experience. Perched on the slopes of the Constantia valley at Silvermist Wine Estate, the restaurant offers a refined experience that draws inspiration from local flavors and French-Asian fusion. Guests are treated to a multi-course theatrical journey that emphasizes seasonal produce and incredible attention to detail. Here, traditional ingredients and modern gastronomic techniques are fused in what ends up being something truly spectacular. The restaurant is consistently ranked among the best in the world, a place that most certainly does it justice.
Restaurants in wider Cape Town
The Capetonian culinary scene is a vibrant and diverse one. In and around the Mother City there are many local beer brewers, quirky restaurants and fine dining giants. Local markets are dotted throughout the city every Saturday and there is a bar, pub, cafe or cocktail bar to suit any environment. Cape Town is the unofficial cultural capital of our country, a fact few would dispute when going restaurant hunting in this diverse and eccentric place.
Clarens Craft Beer Festival
Clarens is a beautiful old town surrounded by the Maluti Mountains of the Free State, and plays host to this vibrant festival in February of every year. Over 50 different beers and ciders are on display here from across South Africa, showcasing the artistry and dedication of our best artisan brewers. The entire experience definitely warrants a visit to this beautiful and idyllic town, as well as the town itself.
The Cape Winelands
When the French Huguenots landed in the Cape nearly 340 years ago, they brought with them the rich culture of wine-making that defines this area to this day. South Africa boasts having some of the best wines in the world, perfect for any foodie to explore and discover for themselves. The wine farms in the region are also perfect lunch destinations while you seek out your ideal Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, with most having a cozy restaurant or bar area that showcases a small selection of the best produce of the region.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s culinary scene, similar to that of Cape Town, is one that is very diverse. Sandton, the CBD of Johannesburg, has some of the best fine dining restaurants, while the surrounding areas of Rosebank and Melrose boast similarly high-end attractions for eager foodies. Scattered throughout the city, however, is an array of places where you may find anything from African to Greek, Korean to Argentinian food. The size of the greater Johannesburg region, and its status as the largest city in Southern Africa, contributes further to the vastness of options to explore.
Bastille Festival
To this day, the town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress and the French Revolution in an annual event that is full of food and festivities, wine and celebrations that show the town’s strong French heritage. In addition to traditional dishes and local wines, you might also enjoy the live music and the astonishing views. For those looking for a more food-centered experience, there are special tickets available to the Food and Wine Marquee, with tastings of the best wines, cheeses and foods of the region.
Knysna Oyster Festival
The beautiful Garden Route town of Knysna hosts the annual Knysna Oyster Festival every year around late June and early July in what is one of the biggest lifestyle festivals on the southern coast of South Africa. Though there are many places for oyster tastings in and around the town’s waterfront, there are just as many family activities to enjoy. In addition, there is also the Knysna Forest Marathon that takes place around the same time. Though not strictly a foodie experience, the festival is definitely worth a visit.
Franschhoek Uncorked
As the name suggests, this festival is made for wine lovers. The festival takes place over a weekend in mid-September in the beautiful town of Franschhoek in the middle of the Cape Winelands. Wine tastings, wine pairings, vineyard and cellar tours, and barrel tastings are all part of the experience, with few places in Africa having such a wide variety of wines to enjoy in such a beautifully scenic and tranquil town.
Stellenbosch Wine Festival
Another festival taking place in the vibrant Cape Winelands is the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, which brings the region’s finest offerings into the heart of the town. The town of Stellenbosch plays host to this event, with winemakers and chefs from throughout the region assembling here to showcase everything from award-winning vintages to gourmet food pairings. The festival atmosphere is bolstered by live music and outdoor tastings, making it a highlight for any visitor. There are also designated areas where families can relax, in keeping with the idea of making the festival as accessible as possible.
South African Cheese Festival
Lastly, we have another vibrant festival—the South African Cheese Festival, typically hosted in late April. The best local cheese makers display their creations here, though international brands have also joined their ranks in recent years. Now celebrating over two decades of excellence, the event welcomes thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, making it one of the largest of its kind in the region and just the place to explore niche cheeses and fine wine pairings.
