Swellendam Restaurants

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We never intended to stay (or eat) in Swellendam. But, as it was getting dark, we decided to pull off the N2 and find a hotel. Luckily, we chose to stay at the Cypress Cottage - lucky, because it was a nice little B&B, but even moreso, because it was next door to the Koornlands Restaurant. What a treat this restaurant was... absolutely delicious food, incredible service. We all enjoyed this restaurant so much that I think we'd all put Swellendam on our itinerary the next time we visit South Africa, just so we can eat here again. A real treat. I guess the food would be considered European with a mix of South African. No matter how you classify the food, its fantastic, and the ambience could only be described as extremely fantastic (how's that for hyperbole).

Favorite Dish: The soup, appetizers, mains... everything was great. Excellent wine list, too.

When I was doing my research on the trip, I kept coming across this restaurant listing. So when we arrived at our B&B I was hoping to get at this restaurant. Unfortunately, they were full when we called. Oh well- next time.

Here is what I read: Mention Swellendam, and one of Roosje's apostles are bound to inform you about their last pilgrimage to the cosy geselskamer. Life's too short for bad food and small portions in pretentious eateries, they'll sigh, and then they'll remind you of the sea of glowing faces always seated under Roosje's rietdak ceiling. Rated as one of the Top 10 on the Garden Route in 2003 and 2004 by Eat Out, South African Restaurant Guide.

Favorite Dish: The a la carte menu caters for everyone with a wide selection of traditional, seafood, meaty and Mediterranean dishes, including gourmet pizzas. The wine list is varied with the best from the region.

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We arrived at our B&B late in the evening and had to immediately think about where to eat dinner. Our hostess recommended a place that has a set 3-course menu but which has limited seating. She called and got us a reservation at the Klippe Rivier Country House. We were not sure what we were getting into as we drove off of the main road onto a gravel path, then over a really narrow bridge and past a field of phesants. We arrived at a beautiful Colonial Dutch Manor (which is a historical monument) with our host for the evening and a little Corgy dog Taffy to greet us. We were ushered first into a sitting room filled with antiques and served cocktails while we waited for the other party that would be dining that evening. After a half hour or so of socializing, the hostess came in with our menu choices (peanut soup/ostrick kabobs, filet mignon/pork loin, chocolate mousse/apple tart) and asked for our wine selection. We were then escorted into the candle-lit dining room. There are only 2 tables in this room so it is very intimate with no artificial lighting. Music selections included Paul Anka, Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra. After dinner we were presented with a printed bill that looked more like a wedding invitation. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

Favorite Dish: The homestead was once the family home of S. African Presidents Steyn and Reitz. One of the other notable current residents is the Irish Wolfhound, Molly, who was too tired to give us a proper greeting.

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This place is Joe's culinary find of the honeymoon. We were driving from Knysna to Franschhoek and we were looking for a place to stop for lunch. Joe remembered seeing a place for pizza in Swellendam on the main road. We decided to stop and had a delightful lunch. The deli/pizzaria is adjacent to the Woodpecker Inn. It is owned by a young couple (we meet the husband during lunch). The deli serves a variety of Italian items- pasta, wine, olive oil, etc. which line one of the walls of the restaurant.

Favorite Dish: We had the pizza which was wonderful - a big. The pizza are more of the Italian style than either the NY or Chicago style pizza.

Excellent restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, under big shady oak trees.
African cuisine with a Belgian touch. The owner is a Belgian lady, Nikki, who makes a number of Belgian specialities, like home-made ice-cream and Belgian waffles.

Open: 7 days a week.

Favorite Dish: He: mediterranean lamb chops
Me: linefish = catch of the day (cod) thermidor.
Wine: Gewürztraminer
Dessert: home-made ice-cream (on the house) and Calitzdorper Port
Price: 159 ZAR (excl. tip)

For really lekka food, you must visit this place. The food is like my ma used to cook it. The smells from the kitchen is absolutely devine.

Favorite Dish: Venison pie with veg

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For steak in Swellendam, go to Mattsen's restaurant.

Steaks & Grills are priced from R93 to R140.
Pizza, Pasta, Chicken, Seafood and Burgers also available.
Specialities priced R100-R154