Choose a location

Or use your current location

Select

Clara's Barn

Contemporary Fine Dining South African
1 Faure Village Rd, Stellenbosch Farms, Cape Town, 7131, South Africa
(54 reviews)
RRR

Attributes

  • Wine Estate
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

New Bertus Basson restaurant at Vergenoegd

Gourmet Guide Description

Clara’s Barn takes pride of place on the Vergenoegd Löw estate alongside the more casual Geuwels. There is a golden duck statue in front of the light and bright, open kitchen – the famous ducks remain to keep snails under control rather than running to entertain. History and heritage are beautifully showcased in the contemporary décor of this magnificently restored barn, the oldest in the country, named after the owner’s wife.

Chef and TV personality Bertus Basson has a symphony of restaurants in Stellenbosch. This, his modern South African kitchen, is headed up by chef Drikus Brink. They present a series of three original starters followed by a main course and sides, to be enjoyed with an optional pairing of wines from the area, not only those from the estate. From the elegant amuse bouche, called ‘versnaperinge’, that oozes nostalgic Cape flavours, till the last bite, you will be impressed by the marriage of local produce and tradition. The first of the starters may be a captivating dish like eland tartare with macadamia, crispy onion and nasturtium. Expect impressive vegetarian dishes like the savoury Usana egg custard with Jerusalem artichokes and leeks. The Weskus Cape bream sourced through ABALOBI, is served with a Boland waterblommetjie bredie and dune spinach.

There is a choice of two main courses to share. After the palate cleanser, the dessert and cheese selection are elevated when served tableside. It’s thoughtful, personable presentation like this and the bread and bokkom butter being served in an old workman’s tin, that makes for a memorable dining experience. As you leave, armed with a little box of home bakes like granny used to make, it’s also with remembrances of rich flavours and authentic sense of abundance.

Reviews (54)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Barbara L. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Juergen B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Nicole B. Dined: 1 month ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Andrea S. Dined: 2 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 02 Feb 24
    My only critique really would be that I would not have paired the reconstructed Caprese with the Chenin. Otherwise, what an experience. I did feel a little pressured when receiving the bill to tip more because the service was so good, but after all we South Africans can't afford a 25% tip on a fine dining bill. Love you guys, though!

  • Fabrice T. Dined: 3 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Suzanne S. Dined: 3 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Torsten H. Dined: 3 months ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 06 Jan 24
    Great wine pairing. Unfortunately 1-2 courses were not to my taste.

  • Niclas G. Dined: 3 months ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Cornelia M. Dined: 3 months ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 22 Dec 23
    It was our first visit to Clara‘s Barn (two couples). We really enjoyed the diner in such a special location. We were not happy with our table (in the entrance area, men had to look against the wall) and were recommended to ask for a specific table (which is difficult at your first visit and we booked well in advance). But now we have a number to call! Each course of the set menu was served by a different waiter who welcomed us at Clara’s Barn and gave detailed explanations to this course. As aperitif we had a bottle of MCC (could have been a little cooler) And later the Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec from the own vineyards. We liked all of them. You can choose between a sweet desert and cheese from the trolley. I had the chocolate tarte, but the cheese selection looked gorgeous!

  • Fredy B. Dined: 4 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 11 Dec 23
    Yes this is it, a wonderful menu in a wonderful place. Will come back. Thank you for a nice dinner !

Show More

Book a table

Favourite
Menu

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 16h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 16h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 16h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 16h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 16h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday 12h00 - 16h00