Welcome to Lievland Café: An Oasis of Delight on a Historic Estate

By Rob Wittle

What a place to be alive!

Just three weeks had gone by since Lievland Café opened its doors when my friends and I decided to pay a visit on a rainy Heritage Day weekend. As we drove towards the magnificent Lievland Vineyards, just off the R44 in Stellenbosch, we couldn’t help but marvel at the picturesque Cape Dutch setting that lay before us. Luscious green hills and sprawling lawns embraced the restaurant, while a charming pond filled with geese and two majestic peacocks added to the enchantment. Once inside, it felt like we had been transported to a peaceful valley, far away from the bustling R44.

When I walked into the restaurant, Jana Bedford, the manager, greeted me warmly. She showed me to a table in the large, beautiful restaurant. The room was filled with natural light from the big windows, and there were cozy fires burning on each side. Outside, I could see a magnificent old oak tree, adding to the charm of the place.

Delicious and modern food

The chef, Gareth Goliath, has created a menu that combines the best of bistro-style food with a touch of Mediterranean influence. He uses fresh, seasonal ingredients from the local area to create dishes that appeal to all kinds of tastes. The menu is a mix of traditional and contemporary recipes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

I started with an appetizer feast, savoring the starter menu. We started with a delightful plate of fresh oysters, topped with a tangy mignonette dressing. To complement the flavors, we paired it with Lievland’s exquisite MCC 2019 sparkling wine – the ideal way to kick off our meal. While the cold poached trout and the tempting Lievland Platter caught our attention, we decided to indulge in a beetroot carpaccio adorned with creamy feta and toasted pine nuts, as well as a Mediterranean plate brimming with flavorful aubergine, rich hummus, plump olives, crispy falafel, and soft lavash.

For the main course, we couldn’t resist the mouthwatering lamb Rogan Josh. It was served with a side of well-seasoned lentil dahl, a kick of sambal, and a buttery, flaky roti that was pure perfection. Another standout dish was the tagliatelle cooked to al dente perfection, accompanied by juicy roasted tomatoes, tender aubergine, zesty lemon, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. And let’s not forget the pure beef burger; cooked just right, it was nestled in a fluffy bun with crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy pickles, all accompanied by a side of perfectly cooked chips.

Sorry, but I have to put off trying the West Coast black mussel-and-Cape linelish casserole with potatoes and fresh vegetables, as well as the confit duck leg with an orange-and-thyme sauce until my next visit!

I highly recommend indulging in the burnt Basque cheesecake with a berry sauce and a perfect affogato to complete your delicious meal. If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll absolutely adore the dark chocolate mousse with whipped cream and almond tuile.

Rob Wittle

For the little ones, there’s a short kids’ menu that offers Bolognese pasta, chicken strips, a white cheddar farm toastie, and chips. And if the weather is sunny, they can enjoy playing outside on the expansive lawns.

Good to know: Lievland is available for hosting private events and special occasions like weddings.

Wine-tasting with a view

Rob Wittle

Hi there! I want to tell you about Lievland Vineyards and their amazing wines. When it comes to winemaking, Lievland does it all – from old vine chenin blanc to bushvine pinotage and classic cabernet sauvignon. The winemaker, Riaan Mӧlle, is all about finding the perfect balance between old-world elegance and new-world bright fruit. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Now, picture this: you can enjoy a tasting of all six varietals at the nearby gabled Cape Dutch house. It’s the perfect spot to relax before or after your meal. Trust me, wine tasting in a charming setting is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Let’s talk details. The wine tasting costs R110 and includes all six of their delicious wines. That’s a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me. Oh, and you can visit them any day between 9am and 4pm. No need to worry about finding the right time – they’ve got you covered!

If you want to get in touch with them, simply give them a call at 021 879 9894 or send them an email at tastingroom@lievland.co.za. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, Lievland has got you covered too. Their café is open from Wednesday to Sunday, serving up delicious dishes from 8am to 11.30am and again from 12pm to 4pm. Talk about convenience!

Looking for the café contact details? Easy peasy. Just give them a call at 021 879 7892 or shoot them an email at cafe@lievland.co.za. They’ll take care of the rest.

Now, let’s find them. You can locate Lievland Vineyards on R44 in Stellenbosch. It’s a beautiful spot that you don’t want to miss. Trust me, the drive will be worth it.