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DUSK is one of South Africa’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants. Since becoming eligible, it has earned Eat Out’s highest accolade — 3 stars — every year, and was named Best New Restaurant in its debut. The restaurant has also received three stars at the LUXE Awards, two plates from the JHP Gourmet Guide, and has been featured on the global Best Chef Awards.
Chef Callan Austin leads with a bold and creative culinary vision. His menus are built around storytelling — nostalgic memories from his childhood, subtle social and political commentary, and a sense of mischief that adds charm and depth. While inventive, the food is always rooted in bold, expressive flavour.

DUSK offers two seasonal tasting menus: the Epicurean Menu, a full expression of the restaurant’s philosophy, and the Odyssey Menu, a more concise and approachable offering. The Odyssey Menu also adapts to seasonal periods, allowing new guests to experience DUSK at a more accessible price point without compromising on quality.

Service at DUSK is refined but refreshingly human. Staff are encouraged to engage authentically, creating a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that breaks from the formality often associated with fine dining.

The wine and beverage programme, led by Head Sommelier George Young — recently named South Africa’s Best Young Sommelier — is built around guest experience. Whether a newcomer or seasoned enthusiast, each guest is guided toward a beverage journey tailored to their tastes.

Adjacent to the main dining room is DAWN, DUSK’s private dining space. Recently renovated, it’s perfect for intimate celebrations, business events, and exclusive gatherings. Menus and pairings can be fully tailored, offering guests a bespoke experience in a refined setting.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Hidden in Stellenbosch’s bustling Plein Street, a sophisticated epicurean crusade awaits 30 diners after dark. At their vibey Nocturne bar next door, you can savour a classic welcome cocktail – and maybe head back for more after dining at DUSK. You’ll want the adventure to last forever…

Light is centred discreetly on a white-clad table. The dark, intimate interior is the perfect backdrop for DUSK’s concept of all-encompassing, experimental dining. It’s a result of the expansive minds of restaurateur Darren Badenhorst and executive chef Callan Austin. Callan has channeled his technical expertise into creating exceptional dishes in the 16-course epicurean tasting menu (the odyssey menu is six courses with choices), divided into a prelude, interlude and epilogue.

From the start, the amuse bouche of three bite-sized creations reveals evidence of an alchemist at work with premium ingredients. An ultimate treat of perfectly pan-fried Scottish scallop with cauliflower, raisin, and blue cheese butter tortellini is a coup. It’s married with a black garlic emulsion, a delicate Parma ham and cauliflower floss, aerated lemon hollandaise, local KZN winter truffle, and caviar from Madagascar.

Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h00 - 20h00
  • Wednesday 18h00 - 20h00
  • Thursday 18h00 - 20h00
  • Friday 18h00 - 20h00
  • Saturday 18h00 - 20h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Specials

Winter Odyssey Special

This season, we invite you to immerse yourself in our limited-time Winter Special menu, designed to capture the richness, warmth, and beauty of the colder months. This menu celebrates the seasons bounty through a succession of six courses, with options between starters and mains to suit your preference. From delicate Mozambican prawns with avocado gazpacho and lime panna cotta, to the smoky depth of coal-fired lamb complemented by house-made black garlic and white anchovy, each dish is thoughtfully composed to highlight the best of winters offerings. Price: R995 per person

  • 1 Jul - 31 Aug
  • Tue-Sat: All day
  • All pax
  • Last confirmed: 27 Jun 2025

Reviews (701)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.6
Value 4.3
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Vanessa W. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Daleen K. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 25 Aug 25
    We had a fantastic experience at Dusk restaurant! Food and wine paring were amazing! Service excellent, thank you!!

  • Dr. Balekile M. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 21 Aug 25
    It was a bit chilly in-house on that particular night.You could have impoverished with some heat and warmth.Overall it was enjoyable

  • Sonette J. Dined: 5 days ago
    3.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 21 Aug 25
    Food was very good, but the wine pairing for R1 800 was def not worth it. Waiters was exceptional.

  • Lyndsay G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 15 Aug 25
    Wonderful. Chef Callan, Sia, and Sam were all incredible. We had reached out wanting to make a reservation with the team on a day that was typically unavailable. Chef Callan and his team graciously offered to for us to come in and dine with them so we could celebrate our honeymoon there. From the moment we walked in, they made us feel so special. The details, the food, the ambience and the people all took such great care of us. This meal and Dusk will always be something we remember. Each dish came with a lovely backstory and each dish was better than the next! Highly recommend!

  • Samantha H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 15 Aug 25
    Superb evening celebrating a 21st. Excellent service from a professional team. George is a delight.

  • Puleng M. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 10 Aug 25
    The food and the staff was everything and more. What an experience!

  • Carlos M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 05 Aug 25
    Chef Callan blew me away with this experience, the food , the service, the quality was the best i have had in South Africa, forget rust en vrede come try this place. Its worth every single cent!!! Thank you Chef and your team

  • Lloyd Dined: 3 weeks ago
    2.5
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 02 Aug 25
    Love the restaurant, wish there were more restaurants like this but unfortunately the food was not great. The atmosphere was terrible. The service and the wine collection was world class but I will not be returning

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