Sketch: Lawrence Holmes

Stellenbosch is set for yet another big restaurant opening. In mid-October, Chefs Warehouse will open its doors to Cantina, a new tapas eatery and bar that will offer a taste of the bustling pintxos bars of San Sebastián.

“I want everyone standing in the space, sipping wine and having little bites,” explains David Schneider, the chef and co-owner behind the concept. His enthusiasm is palpable as he describes the intimate 30-seater restaurant that’s currently being transformed from the ground up. The vision is decidedly anti fine dining: think crowded, convivial and slightly chaotic in the best way.

The menu will champion things like classic paella for sharing, lots of seafood, big meat cuts and those moreish small plates that make Spanish food so irresistible. There’ll also be a nod to Peru (one of David’s favourite cuisines), with ceviches and twists on escabeche planned.

The restaurant marks a partnership with Bernard Fontannaz, the Swiss wine mogul behind Le Grand Domaine and Origin Vineyards. He’s somehow managed to come across a hand-cranked Imperial Sling cocktail shaker that will be used to create a range of cocktails.

 

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Designer Lawrence Holmes, the man behind other recent Chefs Warehouse renovations, is creating a tiled mosaic wonderland featuring a large communal table with tiles hand-painted with oranges and walls that burst in Gaudí-style colour.

The team is deliberately positioning Cantina as something different to the other Chefs Warehouse venues; more approachable, more spontaneous, with no reservations, and pricing that won’t send students running for the hills. The hope is that large groups will share a paella, wine will flow freely, and the music might just be played a little too loud.

Chef Xavier Francis from Chefs Warehouse at Maison will split his time between venues, while longtime team member Seth Jacobs will step up to manage Cantina – a promotion that speaks to Chefs Warehouse’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Perhaps most tellingly, when asked about the concept, there’s genuine excitement in David’s voice. He’s eager to bring the new Chefs Warehouse vision to Stellenbosch’s vibrant dining scene – which is bursting at the seams with options. Now, there’s one more!