You don’t need to book a tasting menu to experience one of South Africa’s best restaurants. Across the country, a growing number of Eat Out-starred destinations are opening their doors to guests who simply want a great drink, whether that means a carefully mixed cocktail, a sommelier-selected glass of wine or a mindful non-alcoholic sipper.

Think of it as a side entrance into some of the country’s most celebrated dining rooms. Whether you’re perched at a striking cocktail bar, soaking up vineyard views from a terrace or enjoying sundowners beside the ocean, these are the starred restaurants where the drinks programme alone is reason enough to visit.

Chefs Warehouse at Maison – 1 star
Franschhoek, Western Cape

While visitors flock to Maison for its acclaimed restaurant, they’re not always aware of the farm’s exquisite wine. That’s precisely why the estate has expanded its drinks offering, recently redesigning its wine-tasting terrace and introducing an à la carte bistro menu for guests who prefer a few plates and a glass over a full meal.

Naturally, the focus is firmly on Maison’s vintages. A flight of five estate wines provides a comprehensive introduction to the range, while bottle purchases come with the added bonus of a refunded tasting fee. Guests can also buy wines to take home, extending the experience beyond the farm.

If there’s one bottle to seek out, it’s the 2025 Viognier, described by the team as a “secret weapon”. As head chef Xavier Francis puts it: “The wine ties everything together… It is the true common thread binding Maison Farm to Chefs Warehouse. Luxurious, uncomplicated and down to earth.”

COY Restaurant – 2 stars
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Tucked beside the marina at V&A Waterfront, COY Restaurant offers one of Cape Town’s most rewarding drinks stops without requiring a dining reservation. Grab a seat at the bar, order a cocktail or glass of wine, and watch the harbour activity unfold outside.

The wine list champions local producers, while the cocktail selection balances classics with house signatures. Particularly noteworthy is the restaurant’s wellness pairing, a sophisticated alcohol-free journey featuring serves such as Marina Mist, Dry Dock and Cape 75. Built around fermentation, botanicals and layered acidity, these drinks are designed to complement food rather than just replace alcohol.

The programme also shines a spotlight on emerging winemakers, boutique producers and women-led wineries. As wine steward Eben Mupupa explains: “We’re deeply committed to uncovering and showcasing South Africa’s hidden gems: wines that speak of place, intention and craftsmanship.”

Embarc Restaurant – 1 star
Parkhurst, Randburg

With its wraparound bar seating overlooking 4th Avenue, Embarc makes an excellent case for dropping in for a glass, as it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch the world walk by while you catch up with friends.

The wine programme is the star attraction. Around 25 wines are available by the glass from a cellar of roughly 90 labels, with rotating monthly selections ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Embarc is also the South African home of Champagne Lanson, serving Le Black Réserve NV by the glass, while seasonal tasting menus are matched with carefully curated wine pairings.

The team describes the list as a showcase for local producers, boutique farms and artisans, with a particular focus on distinctive varietals and lighter-style reds. There’s a curated classic cocktail list too, for those in the mood.

Ember & Oak – 1 star
Constantia, Cape Town

Perched on the slopes of Constantia, Ember & Oak is the sort of place that works equally well for a quick drink or a long afternoon, settled onto the terrace with Table Mountain in view or beside the fire when temperatures drop.

Margaritas are the house speciality, with the frozen Aperol margarita emerging as the standout serve. The Mexican mule offers a spicy twist on the classic, while a daily small-plates menu provides easy snacking alongside drinks. With an extended happy hour, this is a place to let your hair down.

As the team says: “We like to have fun here – and we love tequila.”

Hōseki – 2 stars
Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Hōseki proves that a high-end dining destination can also work beautifully as a standalone drinks venue, with beverage service offered in the lounge or on the terrace, overlooking Stellenbosch.

Like Hōseki’s approach to food, the drinks programme is meticulous, with Japanese flavours and techniques intersecting with ingredients grown, produced and preserved on the estate, and sustainability remaining a guiding principle.

The signature Barista Negroni uses repurposed coffee grounds to add depth and complexity, while the Kōcha Ringo combines rooibos, apple, fynbos honey and mint in a distinctly South African take on alcohol-free drinking.

Head bartender Tora Miyata’s philosophy is simple: “The best compliment is when a guest finishes their drink and immediately wants another.”

 

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Marble – 1 star
Rosebank, Johannesburg

Few restaurant bars in Johannesburg have become as much of a destination as Marble. Guests can walk in at any time during service, grab a seat at the bar, lounge or outdoor patio, and explore one of the city’s most ambitious drinks programmes without booking a table.

The wine list spans everyday favourites, rare bottles and premium wines by the glass, while cocktails draw inspiration from Marble’s signature themes of fire, smoke and South African identity. Highlights include The Tree of Life, combining whisky with baobab and buchu, and a butter-washed old fashioned that showcases the team’s technical flair.

The rooftop setting and striking interiors make it a premier sundowner spot. Head bartender Blessing Maphosa describes the approach as “chasing fire and flavour” – a philosophy that runs through every drink on the menu.

Nevermind – 1 star
Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape

Hovering at the water’s edge next to Seal Point Lighthouse, this venue’s setting is in a league of its own. It’s the sort of place where a quick drink has a habit of turning into an entire afternoon, and guests are encouraged to arrive on a whim and see where the day takes them.

However long you choose to linger, there are two distinct experiences on offer. Nevermind itself leans romantic, with 280-degree ocean views from the peninsula, a laid-back atmosphere and a come-as-you-are attitude where sandy feet are always welcome. You can even forgo seating altogether and stretch out on the grass beneath the lighthouse with a glass of wine in hand.

Next door, the bar channels the spirit of an old sailors’ pub, created for locals, friends and family. It’s a little livelier, a little more casual, and every bit as compelling.

Both serve bespoke wines and cocktails, with current highlights including a Sbagliato Negroni and a Mont Blanc espresso martini (those in the know can order the dessert-menu version, which arrives with a baked-to-order tiramisu cookie for dunking).

The philosophy is refreshingly simple: “A shared drink is an invitation: to listen, to laugh, to argue a little, and to understand each other better before the bottle is empty.”

Terrarium – 1 star
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Set within the Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, Terrarium offers a sophisticated refuge from the bustle outside, with bar, lounge or terrace seating options and both harbour and Table Mountain views.

Wine is the main attraction. The award-winning list showcases producers from across South Africa, ranging from established names to smaller boutique wineries, and reflects the same sense of place that defines the food. Cocktails and non-alcoholic serves receive equal attention, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

For those looking for a bite to accompany their drinks, starters from the à la carte menu are available, including pairings such as beef tataki with Ataraxia Red Blend, ceviche with Gabriëlskloof Rosebud Rosé, or Saldanha Bay oysters with Mukanya Brut Rosé.

For the team, wine is more than a beverage. “Our wine selection celebrates the remarkable diversity, quality and terroir found across South Africa’s wine regions,” they explain, describing the list as an essential part of the Terrarium experience.

The Bistro at Brookdale Estate – 1 star
Paarl, Western Cape

While a wine-farm lunch is always a treat, The Bistro at Brookdale welcomes guests purely for drinks in the Tasting Room, with cosy fireside lounge or breezy terrace seating, and views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.

The estate’s drinks programme revolves around its acclaimed wines, including the five-star Brookdale Estate White Blend Bradbourne and the Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Guests can choose between Brookdale and Mason Road tastings, order wines by the glass, sip premium spirits or explore a cocktail list designed for leisurely afternoons.

The overall aim is to provide a relaxed, unhurried experience that encourages guests to unwind and enjoy the estate. A forthcoming small-plates menu featuring dishes such as crispy potato pavé, smoked snoek pâté and corn pakora has been created especially for sharing and pairing.

Food and beverage manager Brend Swanepoel sums up the approach best: “Our drinks philosophy is rooted in authenticity, quality and a strong sense of place.”

The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse – 1 star
Gardens, Cape Town

Hidden behind an unassuming entrance at the five-star Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, The Red Room feels like stepping into another world, trading the Nelly’s famous pink elegance for rich reds, low lighting and an atmosphere inspired by the great nightlife destinations of Asia.

Guests are welcome to drop in purely for drinks in the moody cocktail lounge, whether cosied into a plush booth or gathering around a table. The drinks list takes its cues from the kitchen, with house-made infusions, syrups and unexpected ingredients woven throughout.

Cocktails are designed to complement the restaurant’s dim sum and dumpling offering, making the popular Dim Sum & Then Sum experience an easy way to sample both. Signature serves include the Spicy Margarita, Singapore Sour, Red Room Old Fashioned, Grape Sake Tale and the recently introduced Last Samurai.

The team’s approach is rooted in exploration. “Inspired by the bold and diverse flavours of Asia, we embrace the classics while daring to reinvent them. Every sip is a journey across the continent – exploring spice, citrus, umami and everything in between.”

Upper Union – 1 star
Gardens, Cape Town

Since opening in late 2023, Upper Union has become one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighbourhood restaurants. What many guests discover after arriving, however, is that the drinks programme deserves equal billing.

The cocktail menu was developed by the award-winning team behind Sin + Tax and reflects the same flavour-forward philosophy that defines Amori Burger’s food. Seasonal local ingredients feature heavily, resulting in drinks that feel both familiar and surprising.

The espresso martini has become something of a local institution, while the Placebo 75 offers a sophisticated alcohol-free alternative. The wine list is equally impressive, showcasing boutique South African producers, older vintages and rare allocations available by the glass or bottle.

Head sommelier Tongai Charie describes the approach as “focusing on what’s inside the bottle more than what’s on the label” and guiding guests towards new discoveries.

These are the kind of places where a quick drink can easily turn into an afternoon or evening well spent, and the only reservation you need is the decision to go!