Beyond Malmesbury, in the Riebeek Valley, you’ll find Riebeek-Kasteel. Less than 90 minutes outside of Cape Town, this small town is a weekend hideaway for foodies and wine-lovers looking for a quieter destination than Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. It offers excellent wine, a bounty of olives, numerous dining options, and delicious cocktails – all served with a warm Swartland welcome. 

For breakfast

Beans About Coffee

This café remains the best spot for your caffeine fix. On a hot Swartland afternoon, the iced coffee with espresso and condensed milk will perk you right up. The on-site roastery sends heavenly aromas into the air – you’ll want to pick up a bag of single-origin or blended beans to take home with you. Beans About Coffee also has a great breakfast offering – don’t miss the famous egg nest: two eggs are cooked in bacon cups and finished with a touch of cream and cheese.

Photo by Katy Rose

For the thirsty

The Alchemist

The wood-panelled bar groans with spirits and wines from the Swartland region. Serving dozens of local wines by the glass, The Alchemist is a great spot for the wine-curious wanting to taste the local terroir.  

DeStoep at The Royal Hotel

Stopping at The Royal Hotel is a must-do attraction in Riebeek-Kasteel. The shady stoep offers one of the largest gin lists in South Africa; pick from hundreds of local, international and small-batch gins and mix them with any one of the dozens of tonics on offer. Order a cheese and charcuterie platter to share, or the excellent tiger prawns in garlic and chilli, served with a mango-and-chilli salsa. 

Royal Hotel Charcuterie Photo by Katy Rose

Flagship Brew

A family-owned brewery and taproom, Flagship Brew offers local tasting flights and beers on tap without any frills. The shady stoep area out front has plenty of seating – just perfect for downing a few beers with friends. 

Flagship Brew Photo by Katy Rose

The Wine Kollective

This is where you can find all the best of Swartland’s wine offering. From the world-renowned Mullineux to the smaller, hard-to-find garagiste wines, The Wine Kollective has them all, and at irresistible prices. 

The Kollective Photo by Katy Rose

For snacks and light meals

Café Felix

Wholesome French bistro-style meals are on offer in the bright and inviting courtyard at Café Felix. It’s the ideal spot to stop for a quick breakfast or a more relaxed lunch. The chalkboard menu offers dishes such as a daily quiche, steamed mussels with white wine and garlic, slow-roasted rack of lamb and comforting homemade pies. 

Short Street Ice Cream

This small ice-cream shop keeps things simple with a refreshing treat for the hot Swartland afternoons. Choose to enjoy your scoops in a bowl, cone or on a doughnut. Grab a cone before you stroll through the town as you decide on your next meal. 

For the hungry

La Parilla

La Parilla offers a feast of tacos, Cuban sandwiches, fully loaded nacho plates and seared steaks with fresh chimichurri. Saturday evenings are all about the live music (and a little dancing!), so be sure to book a table in advance. 

La Parilla Photo by Katy Rose

Mama Cucina

This is the kind of Italian pizzeria you wish was in your neighbourhood. The wood-fired pizzas are legendary, while the chalkboard of starters and main courses changes regularly. The wine list is compact, offering great-quality Swartland wines and a reasonable price. We dare you to only eat here once a weekend!

Mama Cucina Pizza Photo by Katy Rose

Did we miss your favourite Riebeek-Kasteel eatery? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Eat Out was hosted in Riebeek-Kasteel by the Royal Hotel.