Cape Town’s Northern suburbs are known for their green open spaces. This resulted in a boom of wine farms, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of other social spots that offer vast and sparse areas for kids to playfully run around while they absorb the world through their imaginative minds. Geraint Bojé went on an escapade to devise a list of child-friendly wine estates and their restaurants that best cater to families needing play areas or children’s facilities.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email editor@whatsonincapetown.com
GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL
Cape Town is well known for its wine and history. A prime example of this is the lavish farm in the Durbanville wine region, the Groot Phesantekraal. This family-owned farm shares respect for the heritage and passion in regards to the production of wine.
The restaurant is set in a picturesque interactive space to emphasize the historical aspects of the farm, yet adding a modern twist. This means that the guests sit and enjoy well-presented dishes paired with the Groot Phesantekraal wines in the refurbished mule stables. Trust us, it’s not what you think.
Groot Phesantkraal offers a brief respite for the weary soul, and a chance to catch one’s breath whilst soaking up the views. These consist of wide-open spaces where vineyards meet wheat fields, and game forage peacefully nearby.
Where: Groot Phesantekraal Wine Farm, Klipheuwel Road, R302, Durbanville
When: Mon: 11am – 6pm | Tue – Fri: 8am – 6pm | Sat – Sun: 9am – 4:30pm
Website: grootphesantekraal.co.za | Email: restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za | Tel: 021 825 0060
Facebook: @grootphesantekraal | Instagram: @grootphesantekraal
HILLCREST RESTAURANT
Hillcrest Wine and Olive Estate is a beautiful piece of land anchored amongst the rolling hills and vineyards of the Northern Suburbs. Known for its award-winning wines, olives and olive oils, their success gave way to the restaurant that has been catering to generations of families.
Housing a very distinctive revolving wood-fired pizza oven and a Havoc barbecue pit, Hillcrest brings an Italian and Mediterranean flair in their food to life. With an array of locally sourced products, the restaurant aims and executes its long-term goal of being an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Envelope your family outing with the smell of fresh air, soft sun, children’s laughter and an ambience of lively chatter amongst friends and even strangers.
Where: M13 Tygervalley Centre Service Rd, Durbanville
When: Wed – Sun: 10am – 5pm
Website: hillcrestfarm.co.za | Email: restaurant@hillcrestfarm.co.za | Tel: 021 975 2346
Facebook: @HillcrestEstate | Instagram: @hillcrestestatesa
TABLES AT NITIDA
You often find those places or people that just happen to be amazing regardless of the amount of effort they put into it. Nitida is one of those. This family-owned Durbanville cellar was never driven by the need for awards but managed to gain some anyway. That being said, it didn’t just fall in their lap either. Using a traditional and personalised approach to the making of wine Nitida found the balance.
The restaurant and café side of Nitida was opened in November 2010. Proudly named, Tables, this restaurant was constructed for the curious wine connoisseur looking to pair or accompany their wine with fantastic delicacies.
Since then, the restaurant flourished into a family bistro. Correspondingly, Tables is the locals’ favourite family-friendly spot to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast whilst the kids run around in a safe environment.
Where: Nitida Wine Estate, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Tygervalley
When: Wed – Sat: 9am – 4pm | Sun: 9am – 3pm
Website: nitida.co.za | Email: info@cassiarestaurant.co.za | Tel: 021 976 0640
Facebook: @NitidaWine | Instagram: @nitidawine
D’ARIA WINERY
D’Aria is one of Durbanville’s many beloved wine farms. Dedicated to preserve the congregation of history, tradition, nature in abundance and meticulous winemaking, all found on this captivating premises.
Parents can enjoy the incredible wines and tastings on offer while the children have their very own play area outside in the gardens.
The play area is part of the CU Kids play park. This essentially means that children will have access to swings and climbing apparatus to entertain them throughout the day while the parents do their fine dining. Sit, or rather, sip and enjoy the wonderful wine and family experiences that D’Aria has to offer.
Where: M13, Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville
When: Weekdays 10am – 6pm | Weekends 10am – 5pm
Website:dariawinery.co.za | Email: info@daria.co.za | Tel: 021 801 6772
Facebook: @DAriaWinery | Instagram: @daria_winery
EVERT RESTAURANT
A South African favourite in regards to wine farms and architecture, is the old Cape-Dutch-styled housing. Evert Opstal Restaurant is a venue that boasts such beauty.
Whether you would like to sit inside and absorb the heritage and antiques complemented by a massive fireplace, or sit outside and embrace the gorgeous views of the Eversdal valley whilst soaking up some warm sunny hugs, Evert Opstal aims to please.
Where: 13 Huguenot Avenue, Everglen, Durbanville
When: Mon – Sat: 7:30am – 4pm
Website: evertopstal.co.za | Email: info@evertopstal.co.za | Tel: 021 979 7186
Facebook: @evertrestaurant | Instagram: @evertrestaurant
DURBANVILLE HILLS WINERY
If not for the enthusiasm of Durbanville Hills’ wine producers and their everlasting faith in its potential and grapes, the venue would never have existed. Erected in the late 1990’s, the farm made its first vintage wine in 1999 and hasn’t looked back since.
The restaurant at Durbanville Hills Winery offers serenity and natural beauty for people wanting to escape the noise, and hustle and bustle of Cape Town’s city. Guests are welcomed to enjoy the most awe-inspiring panoramic views of Table Mountain, Table Bay, and the rolling hills and vineyards of the area. All this, while relishing in the consumption of meals that yield sophistication in an unpretentious manner.
Be sure to book in advance due to the restaurant’s popularity.
Where: M13, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville
When: Sun – Tue: 8:30am – 3pm | Wed – Sat: 8:30am – 11pm
Website: durbanvillehills.co.za | Email: info@durbanvillehills.co.za | Tel: 021 558 1300
Facebook: @durbanvillehills | Instagram: @durbanvillehills
JEAN RESTAURANT – KLEIN ROOSBOOM
Klein Roosboom is a boutique winery in the foothills of the Durbanville Wine Valley. The farm houses the beloved Jéan Restaurant that many locals of the North claim as a favourite.
The restaurant boasts a cuisine style that is contemporary with ample textures. The menus have nothing short of flavours and colours. The items range from freshly baked bread, pies, and farm-fresh salads to all sorts of delicacies that pay homage to the Klein Roosboom family roots.
Not in the mood for a typical luncheon? The Klein Roosboom also offers a food trailer cleverly named, Di’Vine’tjie. Or, guests can enjoy the specified picnic areas, craft beer for those who prefer barley, wheat, or hops to grapes, and even walking trails to work off your food.
Book your table at Jéan Restaurant and enjoy the splendorous views of the vineyards and surrounding areas of the valley.
Where: M13 Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville
When: Tue – Sun: 9am – 4pm
Website: kleinroosboom.co.za | Email: info@kleinroosboom.co.za | Tel: 0860 572 572
Facebook: @jeanrestaurant | Instagram: @jeanrestaurant
BON AMIS – BLOEMENDAL
Bon Amis, or ‘Good Friends’ for the readers that fell asleep in French class, is a quintessential family restaurant with elegance and cosiness at heart.
Situated on the premises of the ever-so-beautiful Bloemendal Estate, Bon Amis grants a safe and welcoming space for all its guests. Housing a play area and outside seating space amidst the luscious greenery and grass, or an indoor fireplace for those rainy days, this venue is a beacon for cosy and friendly atmosphere.
Walk with your kids through the Poplar tree forest while you wait for your food, or educate them on the differences between ducks and geese. There is more than ample natural beauty surrounding this amazing restaurant to entertain the family.
Where: M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, Bloemendal
When: Tue – Wed: 9am – 5pm | Thu – Sat: 9am – 10pm | Sun: 9am – 6pm
Website: bloemendalestate.co.za | Email: info@bonamis.co.za | Tel: 021 976 2682
Facebook: @BonAmisRestaurant | Instagram: @bonamisrestaurant
360 – BLOEMENDAL
This marvellous venue with a fantastic view can be found on the Bloemendal Estate’s premises in Durbanville Wine Valley. The Main Hall has recently been renovated to modern standards, which means it functions as a prime spot for various events. The large and naturally lit area boasts a breath-taking view of the mountains and valleys to provide the best backdrop for the function of your choosing. Albeit wedding, party, or private functions, this venue will not leave patrons dissatisfied.
As fancy as this venue is, it is not dismissive of the children. The outside area has more than enough space for kids to frolic around. Even better, there is a play area in the visible view from the seating area with a backdrop of the ocean, mountain and valley. What’s not to love? 360 is the ideal family outing.
Where: M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, Bloemendal
When: Tue – Thu: 10am – 6pm | Fri: 10am – 9pm | Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm
Website: bloemendal.co.za | Email: admin@bloemendalestate.co.za | Tel: 072 416 1611
Facebook: @360Bloemendal | Instagram: @360bloemendalestate
SIGNAL GUN RESTAURANT
Hooggelegen Farm is one of the oldest family-owned wine farms in the Durbanville area. It has been in the De Wit family for over six generations. And, with a special thanks to M.J. de Wit and his wife, Estani, for following their dreams and vision to make Hooggelegen Farm a family-friendly destination, Signal Gun has been running since 2010.
However, Signal Gun has evolved from a quaint food and wine restaurant into a full day’s visit with additional tasting rooms and a craft beer range.
A little history about the farm; The restaurant’s name came to be due to the original Signal Gun on the farm that is still intact and is used to fire shots on joyous occasions. The Dutch VOC installed more than 50 cannons on hills and mountains around the Cape to form a signal gun chain that could call the Burgher Militia to defend the Cape. This signal gun chain extended from Signal Hill in town, then to Durbanville, all the way to Citrusdal in the North West, further on to Worcester in the North, and finally via Tygerberg to Suurbraak beyond Swellendam in the East.
So, to backtrack, whether you fancy beer or wine, Signal Gun can provide a range of delicious alcoholic beverages to complement your meal of choice.
Where: Hooggelegen Road, Durbanville
When: Tue – Sat: 9am – 10pm | Sun: 9am – 6pm
Website: signalgun.com | Email: reception@signalgun.com | Tel: 021 976 0770
Facebook: @SignalGunWines | Instagram: @signalgun_wines
PEPPA JACK’S
Out and about in the open spaces of Durbanville, Peppa Jack’s is a simplistic family-fun and easy-going venue. With delicious flavour combinations of Mexican and Texan cuisine, Peppa Jack’s adds a South-African twist to the concoction. This results in a menu that caters to a wide variety of patrons, from kids to grandparents, and carnivores to vegans.
If you’re looking for some entertainment, Peppa Jack’s also has an indoor stage where they have local talents showcasing their music. These bands are the likes of Cherry Vynil, Kenny Hughes and Sheldon.
Indulge in excellent craft beer, Durbanville wines, cocktails and live music at this welcoming family-friendly grill and bar.
Where: 19 Thaba Park, Hooggelegen Road, Durbanville
When: Tue – Thu: 11am – 10pm | Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm | Sun: 11am – 4pm
Website: peppajacks.co.za | Email: bookings@peppajacks.co.za | Tel: 021 975 5606
Facebook: @peppajacks | Instagram: @peppajacksdurbanville
BOSSA – MEERENDAL
On the Family-friendly list of wine farms, is the extravagant Meerendal Wine Estate, which provides a fun and entertaining jungle gym outside for the kids. With tasting rooms, mountain bikes – and hiking trails, a boutique hotel, and a family restaurant, Meerendal offers entertainment for everyone.
The restaurant on the Meerendal Estate premises belongs to the well-known franchise, Bossa. The very first Bossa opened its doors back in 2002 in Paarl. This was during a phase when American-styled burger joints were popping up all across South Africa. Since then, Bossa has made quite a name for itself and branched out to 13 other locations. Even though they manage so many venues, Bossa holds a set standard of quality for all the franchises, and Meerendal is no exception. Well, maybe it gets a little special treatment, but you didn’t hear it from us.
Where: Meerendal Wine Estate, Visserhok Road, Durbanville
When: All Week 7am – 10:30pm
Website: bossa.co.za | Email: meerendal@bossa.co.za | Tel: 021 008 5669
Facebook: @BossaMeerendal | Instagram: @bossa_goodtimes
