Constantia Wine & Food: Dining Where History Happened

Jonkershuis restaurant at Groot Constantia occupies the old slave quarters. Simon's restaurant has views of the 1685 estate. Buitenverwachting does a 5-course Cape dinner in a 1796 homestead. The point: eat where 340 years of history happened.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Read the Menu Like a History Book History · Free

   Before you order at Jonkershuis, Simon's, or Beyond, read the menu for bobotie (curried mince with egg custard), bredie (slow-cooked stew), sosaties (lamb skewers with apricot jam). These dishes were created by enslaved people from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Madagascar who worked the Constantia vineyards from 1658 onwards. The cuisine of South Africa's wine country was invented by people who were not allowed to own anything. At Jonkershuis, you're eating in the old slave quarters. At Beyond, you're in a 1796 homestead. At Simon's, you overlook the 1685 estate. Every meal is served where 340 years of history happened. Choose a dish with Cape Malay spices. If you're not dining at a restaurant, visit Atlas Trading Company (94 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap) -- the most important spice shop in Africa since 1946.

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2. 2 Pair Chenin Blanc with Bobotie Wine · Price: moderate

   Bobotie -- curried minced meat with raisins, topped with savory egg custard, baked golden -- paired with off-dry Constantia Chenin Blanc. This is THE classic South African food-wine pairing. The fruit and gentle sweetness of Chenin complements the curry spices and raisins. The irony: Cape Malay cuisine is predominantly Muslim (traditionally non-alcoholic), yet it IS the food of South Africa's wine country. Order bobotie at Jonkershuis (most symbolic -- former slave quarters at Groot Constantia). Ask the sommelier: "Which Chenin Blanc would you pair with this?" They'll suggest Groot Constantia's Gouverneurs Reserve or Klein Constantia's estate Chenin. Notice how the wine's stone fruit meets the curry, how the acidity cuts through the richness. If bobotie isn't available, order waterblommetjie bredie (lamb with wild water flowers, winter only) paired with Pinotage -- the earthy, smoky character mirrors the slow-cooked lamb.

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3. 3 Dine Where the Enslaved Once Lived History · Price: high

   Hendrik Cloete bought Groot Constantia in 1778 for 90,000 guilders, including 16 enslaved people. Then bought 16 more. He positioned tents of enslaved workers in the vineyard during the day to remove insects by hand. At night, they slept in these quarters. Today you eat bistro-style Cape Malay dishes in the same building at Jonkershuis. The cuisine they created. The wine they made. The space they inhabited. Book via reservations@jhuis.co.za at least 48 hours ahead. Request outdoor seating among the ancient oak trees. Order beef samosas with peach and cumin chutney, bobotie with sultana and almond turmeric rice, cinnamon butternut. Pair with Groot Constantia estate wines. Budget R300-600 per person. If Jonkershuis is fully booked, Beyond at Buitenverwachting (1796 homestead) offers similar historical depth with more upscale contemporary cuisine. Budget R800-1,200 per person.

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4. 4 Hunt La Colombe: Africa's Best Restaurant Adventure · Price: very high · Optional

   La Colombe at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate sits at the top of Constantia Nek with breathtaking views over Constantia Valley, False Bay, and Hout Bay. One of Cape Town's most awarded restaurants. Asian-French fusion with culinary theatre. Spring Lunch Menu 8 courses for R1,595 per person (late 2025 pricing, check current). This is the opposite of Jonkershuis. Not historical Cape cuisine, but what South African fine dining has evolved into. Both are essential to understanding Constantia's food culture. Book ONLINE ONLY at lacolombe.restaurant/reservations. Requires deposit. Cancellations need 48 hours notice. Book 2-3 months ahead for dinner, 4-6 weeks for lunch. Request window seating for the valley view. If La Colombe is fully booked (often is), Greenhouse at Cellars-Hohenort (Chef Peter Tempelhoff) earned One MICHELIN Key in 2025 and sits just down the road in Constantia.

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