Discover Springfontein Eats: A Culinary Adventure

Welcome to Springfontein Eats, an exciting new addition to the food scene in the charming village of Stanford. My wife, Susanne, and I are thrilled to share our passion for exquisite cuisine with you.

While Stanford is already home to renowned eateries like Marianas and Havercroft’s, as well as newer establishments like Madre’s Kitchen and the Tasting Room at Stanford Hills Estate, Springfontein Eats is ready to make its mark. Located on Moore Street, just a short drive from Stanford’s Victoria Street, this hidden gem is nestled within the scenic Springfontein Wine Estate.

Indulge in Perfect Pairings

When you visit Springfontein, make sure to arrive early so you can indulge in the exquisite wines crafted by Tariro Masayiti, a skilled winemaker from Zimbabwe who joined the vineyard in January 2013. The vineyard benefits from a one-of-a-kind environment, with vines that thrive in limestone-rich soil and are blessed with cool breezes from Walker Bay. Tariro’s expertise shines through in three distinct wine ranges. The Sopiensklip range offers a variety of red, white, and pink wines, with prices starting around R50 per bottle if purchased directly from the vineyard. For a special treat, try the Terroir Selection, featuring six exceptional wines like the sauvignon blanc (R69) and the new petit verdot (R169). And don’t miss the flagship Jil’s Dune Chenin Blanc (R159) and Jonathan’s Ridge Pinotage (R190), both of which are absolutely delightful.

Ambiance and Expertise

When you step into the restaurant, you’ll immediately notice that this place is unlike any other in the area. Even on a scorching 37C Sunday before Easter, the heat is hardly felt within the spacious, breezy, thatch-roofed restaurant. The cool stone and plaster walls, along with the pale grey cement floor, create a refreshing atmosphere. Chef Jürgen Schneider, who used to run a Michelin-star restaurant in Germany, is now the co-owner of Springfontein Eats, along with Dr. Johst Weber, the founder of Springfontein Wine Estate. On the day of my visit, Jürgen’s wife, Susanne, was serving tables. The waitstaff at Springfontein Eats are attentive and well-informed about the menu, which changes based on the season and the availability of ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh herbs and greens from their own garden or locally sourced through foraging.

A Delectable Feast

Hey there! Let me tell you about this incredible restaurant I discovered. They have a mouthwatering three-course menu for R290, a four-course menu for R390, and a five-course menu for R490. Now, the price might seem a bit steep, but trust me, it’s worth it. The best part is that they offer a wide variety of dishes for you to choose from.

When I went, they had two menus available: one with quail and another with beef. Each menu had six delicious options. The quail menu had tempting dishes like trout terrine with a salad of wild herbs, calf’s tongue, madumbi, and parsley. As for the beef menu, it had indulgent options like duck and beetroot, sweetbread with mock truffle, and more. Can you believe it?

This place certainly knows how to impress with its diverse and mouthwatering choices. You’ll definitely enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite. So, if you’re searching for a top-notch dining experience, look no further. Head to this exceptional restaurant and prepare to be amazed.

When I settled in at the restaurant, a lovely bread basket caught my eye. It was like a work of art, filled with a variety of small rolls and bread sticks. As I marveled at the basket, the waitstaff brought out a delightful pastry and a tiny beef burger with mini chips and a swirl of tomato sauce. It was a perfect bite-sized treat to start the meal. Then, they surprised me with a shot glass filled with creamy avocado soup and a crispy wonton on top. It was absolutely delicious.

Now, on to the starters.

The trout terrine and the duck and beetroot starters were beautifully presented. However, they didn’t quite meet my expectations in terms of flavor. After the incredible amuse-bouches, these dishes seemed a bit lacking. But then came the main course.

The oxtail dish was a true standout. The beef and farce-filled oxtail was cooked to perfection and accompanied by delicate slices of green beans, finely diced carrots, baby onions, and potatoes. It was a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that left me wanting more.

And finally, the dessert.

But let me tell you, the desserts at this place are something else! I mean, they were so good that we just have to go back. The combination of the semi-preserved naartjie with the candied olives, panna cotta, and sorbet was absolutely unforgettable. And oh boy, the piña colada with the thinly sliced pineapple, sorbet, and panna cotta was just delectable. Our waitress called it a “chef’s spoiler” and I couldn’t agree more! And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, they brought out this incredible chocolate mousse with granadilla sorbet to cleanse our palate. Let me tell you, it was pure bliss.

And that’s not all, folks! They even serve these fancy espressos with a curated selection of chocolate and nut petits fours on a beautifully presented curved wooden board. It’s like a little piece of heaven right on your table.

Now, let’s talk about the wine. They’ve got a really nice selection, mainly from Springfontein or local boutique wineries. It’s clear that they put a lot of thought into their wine list.

If you’re in the area, you absolutely have to check out this unique restaurant. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Want to taste some wine or check out the cellar? Here are the details:

Tasting and cellar tours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
Saturdays, 10am – 2pm (by appointment)
Contact: tariro.masayiti@springfontein.co.za

Looking to grab a bite at Springfontein Eats? Here’s when they’re open:

Thursday – Sunday, 12pm (lunch)
Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm (dinner)