Paarl, a lesser known town in Cape, South Africa is one of the most visited destination. The third oldest town in South Africa, Paarl is full of warm homes built in traditional Edwardian styles, with streets that are lined with broad oak trees. But one of the main reasons for the popularity of this town is its sprawling wine estates and the range of restaurants that are quietly tucked away in the midst of the scenic views of the city. Make sure you explore the restaurants in Paarl to have an exciting food tour.
7 Best Restaurants In Paarl
A visit to Paarl will not only make you feel like you have been transported to a different era but will make for one of the most refreshing experiences, one that is full of food and great tasting wine. We have got you a list of the six best restaurants in Paarl that you just cannot miss when you are in the region.
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1. Babel Restaurant
The Babel Restaurant is known to serve some of the freshest foods that are prepared with freshly produced ingredients. The restaurant also has a shop and a bakery which doles out some of the yummiest treats. Make sure you visit the bakery and pick up some fresh bakes before you say bye to this restaurant. Babel is one of the most popular restaurants in Paarl, making it extremely difficult to get a reservation. The restaurant is sleek and sophisticated, catering to diners who visit Babel just to get a taste of the food from one of the best restaurants in Paarl. The menu at Paarl changes with every season to accommodate the fresh farm produce and flavours into their food. You can head here for breakfast, lunch or even dinner, we are sure you will fall in love with food, all over again!
Must Try: For starters, try the Buttermilk, plum and beetroot soup with star anise. Next, try the beef fillet risotto, the slow-roasted lamb marinated in spices, pomegranate, pear and rose water.
Location: Babylonstoren, Road 45, Franschhoek, Cape, South Africa.
Cuisine: International
Restaurant timings: The restaurant is open from 8am to 9:30am for breakfast and from 7pm to 10pm for dinner on all days of the week. From Wednesdays to Sundays, the restaurant is open for lunch from 12pm to 3:30pm.
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Cost for two: ZAR530 (Rs. 2700/-)
Google Rating: 4.7/5
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2. Bosman’s and the Bistro
Located within the Manor House at the five star Grand Roche Hotel at Paarl, you must head to Bosman’s for a grand dinner party. Experience luxury and comfort like no other restaurant can offer at Bosman’s. The restaurant also has a super list of wines that are listed on their special wine menu, so make sure you order a glass or two, to go with your meal. The meals here are handcrafted by the Michelin- trained, chef Roland Gorgosilich. The brilliant food at this restaurant is paired with world-class service while the rich interiors will only add to your experience.
Must Try: Mushrooms and Buttered Potato mash, Vegetarian Truffle Tagliatelle, Zander (fish dish), Surf and Turf, three kinds of nutmeg pumpkin. For dessert, try out the ofenschluper which is a bread pudding topped with a berry compote, served with white chocolate ice cream. If you are too full for an elaborate dessert platter, go in for a simple Walnut ice-cream.
Location: Grande Roche Hotel, Plantasie Street, Paarl, Cape, South Africa.
Cuisine: European, South African
Restaurant timings: The restaurant remains open from 12pm to 2pm for lunch and from 7pm to 9:30pm on all days of the week.
Restaurant Type: Fine Dining
Cost for two: ZAR970 (Rs. 4887/-)
Google Rating: 4.4/5
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3. Faber
Locals and tourists who have dined at Faber often describe it as a ‘purely magical’ experience, owing to its location within the Avondale wine estate. The restaurant is owned by Chef Eric and his wife, the couple only manage the restaurant, bringing out heavenly dishes from their kitchen and are known to offer the best service to guests. Dining at Faber is a fine dining experience that is elegant yet very relaxing. The chef’s culinary skills and the wine from the wine farms definitely make for a lethal combination for foodies, a combination that you just cannot resist! The restaurant has an indoor seating arrangement with nicely done up interiors as well as a garden-facing veranda where you can enjoy the food while sipping on some fine wine.
Must Try: Try the five-course Chef’s special menu. We also suggest you try the Cold Smoked Yellowtail (with cucumber, pomegranates, herbs and flowers). For dessert, we suggest you choose the yummy sweet lavender macaroons and the Avondale plum tart.
Location: Avondale Estate, Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl, Cape, South Africa.
Cuisine: Tapas
Restaurant timings: The restaurant remains open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 12pm to 3pm for lunch and from 6:30pm to 9pm for dinner.
Restaurant Type: Fine Dining
Cost for two: ZAR800 (Rs. 4030/-)
Google Rating: 4.9/5
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4. Tea Under the Trees
With a name like that, do we even need to give you more reasons to visit this cafe in Paarl? The tables at this quaint little cafe are set up in the chicest style and will be full of sweet and savoury treats right out of their kitchen, as soon as you place an order. With top-notch service, tea served in antique teacups and yummy snacks to go with it, you will only want to keep coming back to this place. If you happen to visit the cafe with kids, make sure you take them to the jungle gym within the cafe, that is specially designed for children. After grabbing some snacks and tea at the cafe, head to their in-house shop and have a look at the vintage clothes and other articles that are sold at the shop. A little shopping after a hearty high tea doesn’t hurt, does it?
Must Try: Try the mango and strawberry tea, the decadent brownies, the poppy seed dotted carrot cake and small savouries that the restaurant serves. If you are not too big on tea, you can also go in for some sparkling wine to go with your treats at this cafe.
Location: St. Pieters Roche, Main Road, Paarl, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cuisine: Finger food, tea and breakfast.
Restaurant timings: The restaurant remains open from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Fridays. You can also book the restaurant for Saturdays if you want to hold a private function or high tea.
Restaurant Type: Casual Cafe
Cost for two: ZAR180 (Rs. 907/-)
Google Rating: 4.4/5
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5. Noop
Noop is a French Bistro located on the Paarl Main Road and is sure to make you feel at home. The restaurant has an old-world charm and the warm smiles that the restaurant staff greets you with only adds to the homely feeling. Chef Mariëtte van den Bergh and the owner Zian Oosthuizen, prepare some of the best-tasting food with seasonal ingredients that will make you want to keep eating more. As soon you seat yourself and open the cloth-bound menu it opens up to a foreword from the owner, Zian, you will know why the restaurant is a favourite with the locals. Every little thing about this restaurant is about adding a personal touch that warms the hearts of the people. Wine lovers rejoice! They have a long list of wines that cater to every wine lover’s palate.
Must Try: We suggest you order the seared and tempura tuna with bay leaf, avocado, julienne vegetables, bean sprouts, ginger, sesame seeds, Asian dressing with some mayonnaise. Next, try the slow-roasted Karoo lamb shank. For dessert, try the crème brûlée, the malva pudding, the Amarula Anglaise and the milk tart ice-cream.
Location: 127 Main Road, Paarl, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cuisine: South African, French and Contemporary
Restaurant timings: The restaurant remains open from 11am to 10:30pm, from Mondays to Saturdays. The restaurant remains closed on Sundays.
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining
Cost for two: ZAR350 (Rs. 1750/-)
Google Rating: 4.7/5
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6. Tafel and Tap
Tafel and Tap has a laid back vibe, this bakery, bistro and wine shop serves mouth-watering dishes handcrafted carefully by the chefs at the restaurant. The interiors are elegantly done up with some parts that are adorned with wooden pieces. The owner of the restaurant, Erlank Erasmus has teamed up with a former winemaker, Fairview and Piekenierskloof to bring in some of the best wines from their wine shops.
Must Try: Order the Cape Malay Curry, McGarry’s drink that goes best with orange juice and wine, the Pulled Pork with Home of Erasmus Grenache. For dessert, we suggest you order the homemade milk tartlets and the sweetish grilled pear slices. If you are not too big on wine, we suggest you order the refreshing mint drink or the pineapple and lemon smoothie.
Location: 191 Main Rd, Hoog-En-Droog, Paarl, Cape, South Africa.
Cuisine: Bar, Finger foods, Bakery
Restaurant timings: The restaurant remains open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8am to 10pm.
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining, Bistro
Cost for two: ZAR350 (Rs. 1762/-)
Google Rating: 4.4/5
7. Terra Mare Restaurant
The restaurant has a very vibrant atmosphere and equally sumptuous cuisines. The service by the staff is simply outstanding and very prompt. Specialty of this place is its awesome Rissoto – simply the best you can get in Paarl.
Must Try: Brandy Bisque, Shrimp Risotto
Location: 90A Main Street, Paarl, Cape Town
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Restaurant timings: 12 – 10PM, Sunday closed
Restaurant Type: Casual
Cost for two: ZAR280 (Rs. 1350/-)
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Further Read: 15 South African Cuisines That’ll Add Many Delicious Flavors To Your Next Vacay!
We are sure that you have gathered that Paarl is a wine haven and heaven, both in equal measure for lovers of fine wine. So, plan a trip to South Africa and head to Paarl. The gastronomy of this little town has been under the wraps for the longest time but needs to be explored deeply by tourists who are looking for dining experiences that will linger in their mind and food that will linger on their palates for years to come!
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
