Jordan Restaurant

Food
It’s always a privilege to sample celebrated chef George Jardine’s menu at the acclaimed Jordan Restaurant, tucked away at the end of Stellenbosch Kloof Road. Patrons are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of sparkling water and a generous bread platter (boasting charcoal buns, foccaccia, seed loaf and some gloriously garlicky aïoli) that could fill you up before dinner if you’re not careful.

Deciding from the menu (updated regularly) can prove to be a challenge, so if you want to abdicate freedom of choice for one evening, indulge in the five-course chef’s choice. Make quick (delicious) work of the beautifully presented beetroot-cured Norwegian salmon before moving on to the delectable seared Rustenburg duck salad with dollops of honeyed sweet potato and the heady flavour of coriander.

The rolled Karoo lamb shoulder is a dish that works remarkably well. The moist lamb melts in your mouth and is supported by the soft parmesan polenta, olive tapenade and broad beans. The only vegetarian option for mains was a lemon-and-thyme risotto, which could be a tad more flavoursome.

Jordan Restaurant has a cheese room where diners can assemble their own post-meal platter. Or you could try the menu classic – an expertly prepared and decadently sweet souffle (á la orange on the day that we dined). However, for the more adventurous, the lemongrass ice cream served with a baked coconut tart is definitely a highlight.

Drinks
If you haven’t chosen the pairing option, don’t despair. The wine list offers more than enough options per glass for you to make sure you aren’t missing out. The estate’s own wines form the cornerstone of the menu, but are not exclusively offered.

Service
While there was no overly warm reception at the door, the service was adequately attentive. Answers to any queries about the menu are somewhat off-hand.

Ambience
The ambience draws its strength from the glorious surrounds and the fact that you can unabashedly watch the kitchen at work.

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

Carolin Hermle
- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
January 29th, 2019 at 17:05pm

Moe Djovani
- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
...and there we were coming back my wife and I to Jordan's after our last experience in late March 2017, where there was 12 of us and simply could not fault it. But this time to celebrate my wife's birthday. Having booked on the 8th of December 2017 for the 29th of january, I did ask if they could provide a bouquet of flowers on the table(which I will pay for), Having received on the day confirmation that our table was booked, I did not inquire as to the flowers. When we got there, the waiter showed me the list and pointed to the world "birthday" next to my name, we exchanged smile and walk to our table. Waiting for the flowers to arrive, we ordered drinks (bubbly) but still nothing, so we ordered more drinks, placed our food order, but still nothing. When the starters arrived, we were presented with a wooden tray of tit bits to have with our drinks (too late), we send them back. The food was poor, the filet steak has been cup in little square as if one of us was a toothless geriatric, and the fish was on a diet free salt. By the way, we are both 62 years old. At the end of the meal , my phone announced the arrival of an email, which turned up to be from the hostess (Janine)letting me know that she could not supply me flowers, but there was a small pot on the table with a couple of flowers in it, email sent minutes before we were about to leave. I only need to be disappointed once, so....never again. Not wanting to spoil my wife's big day, I remained calm and called the next day, only to be offered the famous word"sorry" The hostess Janine (is arrogant and does not belong to the hospitality business; People like her should be kept away from such magical places. this category. Unfortunately for my wife, she had a very disappointing birthday lunch.

February 2nd, 2018 at 20:07pm

Michelle Barrett
- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
After dining at Jordan a year ago, we were eager to taste the complex and exciting flavor combinations for 2017, served with care and attention to detail. Our meal at Jordan yesterday was fair. For the price of the menu, I have to say it was just a tad disappointing. Though the view from the glass doors could almost make up for what lacked in food quality. Our table of four ordered the sea bass starter which was delicate in flavor and beautiful in appearance, I did feel that it could have been slightly more substantial considering the portion sizes of the mains. Moving on, the mains were split between two sirloin orders and two pork neck orders. While the pork neck was tender it definitely was a lady's portion rather than a man's. The beautiful flavor of leek was subtly presented and needed a contrast of flavors to add richness and depth. The peppered sirloin lived up to expectations, beautiful flavors of mushroom and celeriac puree, cooked to perfection with a rich sauce and layers of complex flavor. The steak was definitely adequate in portion leaving me feeling somewhat guilt-ridden for the pork neck which left my other half wanting more. Every plate was carefully inspected before moving off the line to the customer's table. Our very friendly waiter made us feel welcome. Jordan has the most beautiful setting and the atmosphere is there. The maitre'd could show a little more attention to individual tables. All around good but has been better.

August 21st, 2017 at 10:33am

Lidwien Van Loon
- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
JORDAN lost his Shine ! We were really looking forward to having lunch at Jordan's Restaurant. Unfortunately we experienced that Jordan lost its shine. When we entered the air-conditioning was set to 'dangerous, and we were almost blown away from our reserved table. With sweat on our foreheads from the heat,we finally asked for another table, away from this terrible heating device. The starter was served, with sea bras for me and lamb for my partner. With the sea bras, more Potato mash was served than actual fish. The accompanying onion mash was nice, but actually better suited for a main course than a starter. I assume their thought was, that winter time is asking for additional calories in the starter. As the climate in the restaurant was still not pleasant, we moved for a second time to a different part of the restaurant. Mainly due to a combination of heat and smell of old frying oil. Apparently more customers complained, as the glass doors were opened, when we left the restaurant ( unfortunately to late for us) The same mash onions, this time cold, was also served on top of nice pieces of meat at the main course. The fried onion rings and the Hollandaise sauce were unfortunately both cold. The sauce was thick and missing it's sour taste. When we asked the lady, if the onion mash was the same as in the starter, she denied this. However, the waiter confirmed later on that this was actually the case. We have been to the restaurant 3 times the last half year, and we experienced not much creativity and innovation. The lady hostess is arrogant and does not show the hospitality you may expect from a restaurant in this category. So unfortunately, I have had a very disappointing birthday lunch.

July 16th, 2017 at 14:51pm

thean labuschagne
- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A beautiful and pleasant setting Friendly staff well educated with their menu for the day excellent wine pairings but.. I noticed that from start to finish dishes decline in both innovation complexity and looks While the breads and butters and snacks and starters pleasantly surprise the mains and desserts lack creativity and flavour profiles All in all a brilliant reataurant never the less

April 4th, 2017 at 15:56pm

Menu

Details

Location and contact

Critic's review

Ambience

Service

Food

User reviews

Carolin Hermle

Moe Djovani

Michelle Barrett

Lidwien Van Loon

thean labuschagne

Nearby Restaurants

The Bakery at Jordan

Tasting Room at Mulderbosch Vineyards

Zevenwacht Restaurant

Wedgeview

Related Articles

The 26 best restaurants in Stellenbosch

What it costs to eat at SA’s top restaurants

Top 20 chef to open new restaurant in the winelands

Promoted Restaurants

Casa Bella (Grand West)

Casa Bella (Montecasino)

NV-80

Vista Bar and Lounge at One&Only Cape Town

The Hussar Grill (Somerset West)

Spur San Diego (Worcester)

Login to Eat Out

Join our community

List your restaurant

Claim your restaurant