One of the oldest areas in Cape Town, and South Africa, Constantia is home to incredible wine farms, unrivalled natural beauty and some of the most renowned restaurants in town.
See why locals and visitors love it so much:
WHERE TO EAT
The Constantia Wine Route
We have already mentioned the wine farms, but it deserves a second mention, a third, and a fourth… you get the idea. Right on the city’s doorstep, the Constantia Valley is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious farms in the country.
All the farms are close together, meaning you can hop from one to the other with minimum fuss, but we would recommend taking two to three days to really explore the area properly. Each farm has its own unique selling point and charm, but one thing they all have in common is fantastic wine and superb attention to detail. Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Constantia Glen Wine Estate, Beau Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Eagle’s Nest and Silvermist all await you in the valley. For help in unpacking it, contact Constantia Wine Route.
Of course, Constantia has more on offer than the wine farms, with a huge number of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Peddlars and Co
Expect generous portions of starters, salads, seafood and burgers in a relaxed setting, while the adjacent The Oak Terrace provides a sunny, outdoor setting for casual eating with family and friends. Peddlars may have undergone something of a transformation, but it is still an institution in the valley.
Website: www.peddlars.co.za
Primi Buzz – Constantia
Part of the popular Primi Piatti franchise, the Constantia branch is a staple in the Old Village Square at Constantia Village. Serving pasta, pizzas, burgers and more, the food is wholesome and well-priced and the restaurant is very family friendly.
Website: www.primi-world.co.za/location/primi-piatti-constantia
Foxcroft
Awarded as EatOut’s Best New Restaurant for 2016, Foxcroft has fast become a favourite amongst the Cape Town foodie crowd. With a bakery producing some of the most delectable treats (and #MacaronMondays making Mondays great again), an offering of tapas under their oak trees and their fine dining menu, it’s easy to see why Cape Town has fallen in love.
Website: www.foxcroft.co.za
Harbour House & La Parada at Constantia Nek
The oldest restaurant in Cape Town, Constantia Nek, has undergone some serious renovations by the Harbour House Group and now houses a Harbour House Restaurant and a La Parada. The former serves fresh, tantalising, light meals with arresting views of the idyllic Constantia valley, while the latter serves up some of the best Spanish-inspired tapas in town. It’s the best of both worlds, with an unrivalled view!
Website: www.constantianek.co.za
La Colombe & The Green Vine Eatery at Silvermist Wine Estate
The Silvermist Wine Estate has two restaurants on its grounds – the Green Vine Eatery – serving up breakfast, platters and wine tastings – and the world-renowned fine dining restaurant La Colombe. The views from the eatery are pretty spectacular and even more so at La Colombe. The Eatery is cosy and exudes natural warmth making it a great option for cosy winter lunches, while La Colombe is fine dining at its very best with a gourmet menu and some of the finest wines on offer.
Website: www.silvermistmountainlodge.co.za
Pastis
Unwind with a glass of wine and scrumptious French cuisine in front of a blazing fire at the quaint brasserie Pastis, in Constantia. Situated alongside the vineyards of Groot Constantia, it exudes warmth and an informal vibe.
Website: www.pastisbrasserie.co.za
Catharina’s & Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Wine Estate
One of the most beautiful settings in the Valley, Steenberg Estate boasts two world class restaurants. Catharina’s – named after Catharina Res who founded the farm – offers contemporary comfort food and 100 of the finest local wines to choose from. Bistro Sixteen82 first opened in 2009 and has since become a favourite for its tapas and bistro style dining. With breakfast, lunch and late-afternoon tapas menus to choose from, the Bistro provides fine dining with an inimitable contemporary spirit.
Website: www.steenbergfarm.com
WHERE TO STAY
Constantia Cottages
Located in close proximity to the area’s restaurants and with easy access to all major attractions, Constantia Cottages has been endorsed as highly recommended by the AA Quality Assured Accommodation Program.
Website: www.constantia-cottages.com
Dongola House
This luxury guest house accommodation borders the beautiful Constantia Green Belt. It is surrounded by eight vineyards, pubs, superb restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, golf courses and the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. What more could you possibly ask for? How about world class accommodation and business facilities? Done.
Website: www.dongolahouse.co.za
Paradiso
Paradiso is a family run guesthouse and self- catering cottage, offering guests friendly and personal service is set in a tranquil treed garden with sweeping views of the distant Constantiaberg Mountains, Constantia valley and its wine farms.
Website: www.paradisobnb.co.za
The Alphen Boutique Hotel
Escape to a wonderland of contemporary glamour and sensual pleasures where charm and character of classical heritage merge beautifully with modern finishes and surprise design elements.
Website: www.alphen.co.za
The Cellars-Hohenort
The Cellars-Hohenort is ideally situated as a central point from which to experience the diversity of activities, including Cape Point, Robben Island, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Constantia Valley Wine Route and the famous beaches of Boulders and Camps Bay. All 48 rooms and suites boast panoramic views of the iconic mountain or over the 9.5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
Website: www.collectionmcgrath.com
Silvermist Mountain Lodge
Situated on the forested Southern slopes of Table Mountain and within the Table Mountain National Park, this rustic luxurious 60-acre lodge is just minutes away from Cape Town’s wonderful beaches, Constantia wine lands and restaurants and boasts 22 self-catering cottages.
Website: www.silvermistmountainlodge.co.za
ASK A LOCAL
Nobody knows Constantia better than a local. When you’re in town be sure to visit the closest VIC at Kirstenbosch where staff can help you really uncover the magic on offer in Constantia and surrounds.
Also be sure to visit www.constantiavalley.com for all the ins and outs of what is on offer in the Constantia Valley.
Special thanks to Constantia Wine Route for all their work in helping us uncover the area
