Ilse van der Merwe

Food
Bistro Bonbon prides itself on serving comfort food where the sourcing of local ingredients remain key. The menu is a mixture of French bistro classics and traditional South African favourites. Starter items like the “soup du jour” and “winter salad” change with the availability and seasonality of ingredients. Favourite items are the Elgin free range chicken livers, with a house made peri-peri and fresh bread, as well as the seared free range beef carpaccio, served with Grana Padano and a reduced balsamic and caper dressing.

For mains, the braised free range lamb is an absolute winner - a generous portion of meltingly tender meat braised with tomatoes and served with mashed potatoes and herb gremolata. The vegetarian option of wild mushroom risotto with shiitake mushroom arancini, truffle and parmesan is excellently seasoned. Other popular choices are the sustainable linefish “caldo verde” with heirloom tomato, swiss chard and crispy potatoes.

For dessert, there are two sweet options and an artisanal cheese platter to choose from. The poached winter fruit with honeycomb and cinnamon ice cream is the perfect comforting ending to a superb, scrumptious meal. A children’s menu and a selection of cakes are also on offer.

Drinks
A selection of carefully selected wines from neighbouring estates as well as other SA wine areas such as the Overberg covering all the basic varietals are on offer - a few also per 250ml carafe, but no options per glass (750ml bottle prices vary from R175-R580, excluding MCC’s). You’ll also find a list of spirits, beers, liqueurs, coffees and teas.

Service
Service is adequate (can be slow sometimes) and staff members are all very friendly.

Ambience
The cosy interior and fire place of Bistro Bonbon is perfect for a winters day, but you’ll find some welcome sunny spots on the patio overlooking the pond and lawn during warmer weather. The farm is beautiful with manicured lawns and beautiful orchard & mountain views. The barn-style thatched roof interiors provide a splash of rustic comfort and there is a welcoming ambiance throughout. Leather and wooden chairs combined with crisp white tablecloths set the scene for premium bistro dining.

Best for...
Bistro Bonbon is the perfect choice if you’re looking for world class comfort food within a tranquil countryside setting.

(2018)

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.