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When the weather turns cold and the evenings get icy and uninviting, we tend to put off our usual dinner plans and stay home with the heating up high and a home-cooked meal on the table.
But, some of the best dining is to be had during winter. So, when you’re ready to brave the cold, here are some incredibly cosy restaurants to visit this winter. Think of them as a home away from home, with a roaring fireplace and a hearty meal you don’t have to prepare yourself!
Cape Town
Aubergine Restaurant 
(Gardens, Cape Town)
A Cape Town institution, Aubergine is celebrated for world-class fine dining, a seasonal menu that Chef Harald Bresselschmidt changes almost daily, and a wine list that’s second to none, Aubergine is a must when in winter, as the space is kept nice and cosy by the wood log stove burning in the corner.
Chefs Warehouse
(Multiple locations, Cape Town)
Loved by locals and tourists alike, the Chefs Warehouse restaurants put a lot of effort into their seasonal, produce-driven set menus. Because the dishes change with the seasons, it’s a great excuse to pay them a visit throughout the year. Boasting some of the best views in Cape Town and the Winelands, all the Chefs Warehouse locations are incredible destinations during summer but, in winter, a cosy fire burns at Beau Constantia, Tintswalo and Maison. Find a spot close to the hearth, and enjoy a hearty, multi-course lunch or dinner paired with fine red wines from some of South Africa’s best producers. Their signature risotto is comfort food at its finest and will be the highlight of your meal.
Book Beau Constantia Book Tintswalo Book Maison
ëlgr
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Fire. Food. Wine. The team over at ëlgr on Kloof Street have got the winning recipe for the perfect winter evening. The menu has something for everyone and their award-winning wine list will help you find the perfect pairing. The fireplace is in the belly of the restaurant, so you’re guaranteed to be nice and cosy for as long as you stay. And, if you fancy a little fresh air while you dine, their courtyard is well-heated too!
Foxcroft
(Constantia, Cape Town)
Led by the talented Chef Glen Williams, Foxcroft in Constantia manages to find the perfect balance between a relaxed and cosy atmosphere and fine dining-level food and service. During the winter months, the open kitchen does a great job of heating the space, but the four-sided fireplace in the centre of the dining room is what takes the cosiness to a whole new level.
Judd’s Local
(Gardens, Cape Town)
A favourite for wine lovers and people seeking out great, uncomplicated food, Judd’s Local has all you need for a cosy winter’s evening. Choose a selection of tasty snacks to go with your wine, or order one of the heartier dishes off the menu, including exotic mushroom arancini, szechuan roasted aubergines, and their Judd’s Local burger. The fireplace is located in the wine shop area of the restaurant, making it the perfect spot for dinner – private, cosy and surrounded by good wine.
Rick’s Cafe Americain
(Gardens, Cape Town)
For many Capetonians, Rick’s is a home away from home. This iconic three-storey building, at the heart of Kloof Street, is buzzing with happy diners – no matter the season. During winter, find comfort from the cold next to the roaring fireplace inside. Not only is the space cosy with heaps of homely charm, the menu offers tasty classics guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. Order one of their Moroccan tajines with cous cous, or visit on Sundays for their roast!
Simons Restaurant
(Constantia, Cape Town)
In summer, diners can revel in the Cape sunshine and dine al fresco on Simon’s terrace. But, when the weather turns, you’ll be invited indoors to sit next to the large fire burning in the grate, where you can tuck into healthy portions of comforting pasta, pork belly, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or you could grab a slice of cake and a cup of tea for a decadent afternoon treat.
The Stranger’s Club
(Green Point, Cape Town)
If an early breakfast or leisurely brunch is your thing, The Stranger’s Club is the perfect spot – especially during winter. Focused on getting the classics right, the food is always delicious, the service is fast, and the space is kept warm and inviting with a fireplace that burns throughout the day.
Upper Union Restaurant
(Gardens, Cape Town)
A favourite amongst locals and those passing through, Upper Union provides the perfect shelter from the icy Cape Town air. Head on inside and find a cosy spot by the roaring fire and enjoy a couple of plates of Chef Amori Burger’s famous cooking – they’re perfect to share!
The Village Idiot
Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
The Village Idiot on Loop Street is not only a great spot to enjoy watching a game or meeting up with friends, in winter, they have the fireplace burning inside by the bar with marshmallows to roast over the fire. The menu celebrates all things South African by embracing braai culture, while the bar provides plenty of options to heat yourself up from the inside!
The Winelands
Deux Lions
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
On La Bourgogne Farm in Franschhoek, Deux Lions is the perfect spot to enjoy a lazy lunch or homely dinner. In the colder months, you can find a table inside and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace while savouring the seasonal winter dishes on their menu. Think rich and savoury gnocchi, mint and pea risotto and a South African favourite of milk tart – yum!
De Volkskombuis
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
As the seasons change and give way to winter in the winelands, get through the cold evenings by enjoying a glass of red in front of the fire at De Volkskombuis. The menu celebrates many traditional South African favourites like the Boland bobotie, hearty oxtail and premium cuts of steak, perfect to fight off the icy chill.
FABER
(Paarl, Western Cape)
Faber in Paarl celebrates the origins of everything on the menu, from the ingredients used in their dishes to the wine served. Grab a table by the fireplace and make the most of their 2-course winter special or choose something off their delicious à la carte menu.
Patina Steak at D’Aria
(Durbanville, Western Cape)
Found on the beautiful D’Aria estate in Durbanville, Patina steak is a fantastic destination for a wintery weekend lunch or dinner. Cosy up next to the fireplace and order the creamy mushroom risotto, the perfectly spiced trinchado, or one of the specialty steaks along with a glass of the D’Aria Cabernet Merlot blend.
Stellenzicht Wines
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
With incredible views of the Helderberg mountains and the surrounding vineyards and fynbos, the wine pod at Stellenzicht is a great destination for the winter months. While gorgeous in summer, with the large doors opening out onto the shaded deck, the wine pod is cosy and comfortable when the weather turns cold and miserable. Settle in by the crackling fireplace and enjoy piping hot pizzas, in all their cheesy glory, while sipping on Stellenzicht’s range of premium wines.
The Garden Route
101 Meade Street Restaurant
(George, Garden Route)
Located in George, 101 Meade is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant that showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients on its menu. Tuck into winter classics like their rich and creamy mushroom risotto, oxtail ravioli, Karoo lamb chops, and a variety of perfectly spiced curries. The restaurant’s wood log fireplace creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, even on the most chilly days.
The Fat Fish
Multiple locations, Garden Route
Open for both lunch and dinner, The Fat Fish restaurants in George and Plett are loved year-round by locals and holidaymakers alike. Well-known for their fresh-as-you-can-get seafood, the restaurants are cosied up during the winter months with their roaring fireplaces. Share a generous seafood platter, or tuck into a heaving bowl of seafood pasta.
Forester at the Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
(George, Garden Route)
From the crackling fireplace to the plush chairs and soft jazz playing in the background, Forester offers a cosy escape from the cold weather outside. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner you can warm yourself from the inside with hearty dishes like Sodwana Bay mussel pot, french toast, butter chicken curry, rigatoni bolognese and Chalmar grilled sirloin on the bone.
Ilali Restaurant
(Wilderness, Garden Route)
Ilali restaurant in Wilderness offers a vibrant ambience with live music, delicious food, and a welcoming social bar. During winter, the cosy wood stove warms up the space, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal before venturing out to discover the wonders of the Garden Route. The menu caters to everyone, offering a range of hearty winter dishes such as Argentinian chimichurri fillet, wood-fired pizzas, and comforting bowls of steaming hot ramen.
Portobello Italian Kitchen
(George, Garden Route)
Whether it’s a heaving bowl of pasta or a wood-fired pizza fresh from the oven, there’s nothing better than Italian food, in all its comforting goodness when winter sets in. Book a table at Portobello in George, sit by the crackling fireplace and warm your soul with good, wholesome food and a glass of Chianti.
Johannesburg
Casalinga Restaurant
(Krugersdorp, Gauteng)
Located on an organic farm in Krugersdorp, Casalinga Ristorante Italiano is a great place to escape to the countryside. On chilly winter days, they have two cosy fireplaces burning in the restaurant and a menu full of comforting dishes like oxtail ragu, lamb shank and, of course, a hearty lasagna. They also boast a well-stocked wine cellar, so you’ll be able to find the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
Che Argentine Grill
(Randburg, Johannesburg)
In Johannesburg, Che Grill holds a special place in the hearts of many as their go-to steakhouse. When the weather’s too cold for the courtyard, the somewhat industrial charm of the space inside is wonderfully warm and inviting. A fireplace burns in the dining room and, because the menu is centred around the Argentinians’ love for open-flame cooking, the kitchen belts out a comforting heat from the crackling pizza oven and the many roaring fires beneath the grilling station.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
This winter, pay a visit to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Sandton for a sophisticated, yet cosy dinner at Amuse-Bouche. Sit beside the fire and enjoy an evening of fine dining in maximum comfort while you make your way through the extensive à la carte menu and wine list.
Throbbing Strawberry
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
In Douglasdale, Johannesburg, you’ll find this restaurant serving up crowd-pleasing meals throughout the year. But, in winter, they fire up the hearth and keep their diners snug and warm while they enjoy wintery dishes like pork belly, a selection of burgers, comforting soup, pork belly and fall-off-the-bone lamb shank.
Pretoria
Brasserie De Paris
(Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria)
Located in Waterkloof Ridge, the distinctive Karl Jooste House is home to Brasserie de Paris, where you can explore their take on modern French and international cuisine. Spoil yourself and order from their creative, multi-course tasting menu, expertly paired with wines recommended by their sommelier. With a view through the trees outside, you’ll be nice and warm by the wood log fire while enjoying course after course paired with fine local and international wines.
Create Red Barn – Irene
(Olifantsfontein, Gauteng)
When cabin fever hits and you need to get out and about, the team at Create Red Barn in Irene have just what you need. For adults and children alike, this is the perfect outing for a wintery day, grab a prized spot next to their four-sided fireplace, and then settle down for a relaxed session of painting ceramics. Order a flat white to warm yourself from the inside and enjoy one of their generous and wholesome café-style brunches while you paint.
PLTFRM Wolwespruit
(Erasmuskloof, Pretoria)
Geared for families, the team at PLTFRM are a passionate bunch that has created a space perfect all year round. In winter, the roaring fire inside keeps you warm and toasty while you enjoy one of their many tasty meals. From cheesy braai broodjies and juicy burgers, to picanha steaks and pork belly, there’s something for every winter craving.
PRIVA Pretoria
(Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria)
We all know and love PRIVA, the stylish, high-end restaurant in Waterkloof Heights, and while the outdoor terrace is loved by diners in summer, the indoor dining room is kept warm on chilly days by their fireplace. You’ll find lots of comfort food classics on the menu, including creamy gnocchi, slow-cooked pork belly and lamb shoulder. Plus, there’s live music to keep you entertained throughout! Pro tip: Book Table 6 to sit by the fire, or one of the cosy tables next to the wine cellar.
Prosopa
(Waterkloof Heights, Pretoria)
When thinking of comfort food, Greek cuisine has to be near the top of the list. At Prosopa, the menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including homemade pita and meze, souvlaki with perfectly crispy chips, hearty and rich kleftiko, comforting moussaka, and so much more. At the heart of the restaurant, a gas fireplace takes centre stage and makes sure everyone is warm and cosy on icy winter evenings. Of course, no meal would be complete without trying one of their famous desserts, like the baklava or galaktoboureko, alongside a coffee or nightcap before braving the cold and heading home.
And, there you have it! Choose your favourites from the list above, before gathering your family and friends, wrapping up warm and spending a few hours cosied up by the fire with a delicious meal.
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