Restaurant Review: Waterkloof in Somerset West

Let me tell you about the incredible experience I had at Waterkloof Wines in Somerset West. This place has hands down one of the most breathtaking views in the entire winelands. As I made my way up the winding road through the beautiful vineyards, I couldn’t help but be in awe.

When I arrived at the top, I was greeted with a stunning sight – floor-to-ceiling glass windows showcasing panoramic views of the rolling vine-covered hills and the Strand below. It was like something out of a dream.

Now, let’s talk about the food. The restaurant at Waterkloof offers a truly fantastic dining experience. The menu is filled with an array of mouthwatering dishes that made it incredibly difficult to decide what to order.

After much deliberation, I finally settled on the Camembert crème brûlée with curry candied walnuts and a granny smith apple and celery sorbet for my starter. Let me just say, it was a flavor explosion in my mouth. The creamy Camembert paired perfectly with the crunchy walnuts and the tangy sorbet.

For my main course, I opted for the “chicken of the forest” mushroom topped with a poached egg. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, as I had never tried this type of mushroom before. But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The mushroom had a texture that was eerily similar to chicken, and it was downright delicious.

The highlight of my meal was definitely the monkfish and crispy prawn with ginger beer compressed apple. The flavors were out of this world, and the dish was executed to perfection. Each bite was an explosion of taste and texture.

Now, let’s talk dessert. The menu featured two irresistible options, and I simply couldn’t pick just one. So, I decided to order both and share them with my dining partner. First up was the caramelized banana with truffled “Nutella” and horlicks ice cream. It was pure decadence. The rich flavors of the banana and “Nutella” combined with the creamy, slightly malty horlicks ice cream created a dessert that I won’t soon forget.

Lastly, we enjoyed the cream of ivoire white chocolate with matcha tea and black sesame. It was a true work of art. The smoothness of the white chocolate paired with the earthiness of the matcha and the nuttiness of the black sesame was a match made in heaven.

All in all, my dining experience at Waterkloof was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of the breathtaking views, the exceptional food, and the impeccable service made it a meal to remember. If you’re looking to indulge in a culinary adventure, I highly recommend paying a visit to Waterkloof in Somerset West. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

I had the chance to do a special activity called a wine tasting at Waterkloof. During the tasting, I got to try different kinds of wine from Waterkloof, like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a fun experience to taste and compare all these different wines.

I had the chance to chat with renowned French chef Gregory Czarnecki after our lunch, and it was fascinating to learn about the meticulous process behind each of his incredible dishes. It turns out that creating this kind of gourmet food is more akin to an art form than just cooking!

With years of experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Gregory infuses his dishes with a South African influence. He incorporates local ingredients like buchu and Cape Malay spices to add a unique flavor profile. Imagine yoghurt mousse topped with biltong soil and buchu meringue – it’s a beautiful fusion of flavors.

During our conversation, Gregory also shared his plans for Waterkloof to become nearly 100% sustainable by next year. The restaurant has its own herb garden, and they’re even working on an organic compost and earthworm center. It’s fantastic to see their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Overall, the experience at Waterkloof was truly eye-opening. From the artistry behind the dishes to the restaurant’s sustainable practices, it’s clear that Gregory and his team are creating something truly special.

I love spending a windy autumn Saturday in Waterkloof’s tasting room, cozied up by the fire with a glass of syrah and a full tummy of scrumptious food. Unlike other winelands restaurants where you have to dine outside, Waterkloof offers the perfect autumn or winter experience – you still get breathtaking views and that winelands atmosphere, all while being comfortably inside. And let me tell you, the food is absolutely divine.

About Waterkloof Wines

The restaurant’s doors are open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sundays for lunch. You’ll find main courses ranging from around R100 to R160.

Wine tastings are available from 10h00 to 17h00 and cost R30 per person. If you’re not staying for lunch at the restaurant, you can enhance your wine tasting experience by ordering a ploughman’s platter for R120 or a cheese platter for R80.

Give them a call at 021-858-1491

Find them at: Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West