It’s difficult to find the perfect balance between student happy meals and fine dinning in Stellenbosch so I was pleasantly surprised after a great experience at Java Bistro and Co. I loved the option to dine al fresco on the street. It makes you feel like you’re in a small town in Europe. The staff is friendly and 100% on it and no request is too much to ask for. The food is amazing and super affordable - nothing like student noodles. The lamb shank is fall-of-the-bone succulent and the steak is tender and juicy. For a restaurant in the middle of the winelands the wine list was a let down. I would have loved more options on bubbly. Still, it was a lovely experience. I’ll definitely recommend this gem!

As a Gautenger, one does become used to less than great service when dining at coastal areas in South Africa. Stellenbosch and Java are no exceptions, however, when overseen, we had fabulous tasting food here, especially the roast pork belly. Thumbs up for Java Cafe.

I had a horrible experience. The place was full and there were no queue management. After waiting about 20 minutes for a table to open, one opened and someone off the street just slipped to the table. I then asked 2 waiters to find the manager. Then standing in the door for a long while, no manager arriving and being ignored by all waiters, a male who works there walked past me and asked if he could help. I asked if they do any queue management. He explained to be that they are basically busy, and incapable of dealing with the situation (not his words). He then said to me, with a rude attitude, that there are many other restaurants. I told him I don't appreciate the attitude with which he said that. He then told me to step outside and proceeded to walk into the street. It seemed that I was invited to a fight. I followed him and told him I don't appreciate his attitude. He told me I was rude (not saying why he thinks so). I then decided he was too rude and since he was at least 30 years my junior, it was better to leave. During my daughters years at university we frequented the place. This experience is therefore a total shock to me. The basic problem is that there is not even a hint of management.

Look like a great place and can be but the waitering service lets it down

I have been a regular visitor to Java Cafe for quite sometime now. Their food is well priced and very tasty. Their coffee when done right is what we usually go for.

On the last two occasions though we were served cold cappuccino. That is after you stir through the nice creamy top. Once the waitress asked "Should I warm it for you" WTH. Get me a new cup of coffee.

Anyway allround good food and vibe. Just the waitresses who seem to loose their concentration and seem ignorant to exceptional service from time to time .

- Edgar Sampson