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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

Reviews (725)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.4
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.6
  • Karen T. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Oct 25
    Great food, amazing service with attentive staff. Great wine selections, and amazing atmosphere!

  • Francismari E. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ann B. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Gwen G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 02 Oct 25
    Amazing meal Attentive service I love this place

  • Wessel K. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    3.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 29 Sep 25
    Any Darren Badenhorst restaurant never disappoints when it comes to the food. I would however suggest to inform the staff not to automatically assume that guest want another bottle of water and take the liberty of opening one and charge you for it, especially when it is a R100 bottle of water that went to waste. It leaves a bit of a bad taste in your mouth.

  • Megan E. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Sep 25
    The most amazing food. Incredibly creative and innovative. The wine pairing complimented the food beautifully and enhanced the overall experience. Thank you for the lovely evening to the entire team at Dusk.

  • Anna K. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Sep 25
    An intimate, pristine and romantic venue with beautiful lighting and stylish decor. The Dusk experience is very special indeed. The food was extremely well executed and absolutely delicious. Clearly a highly skilled chef. Attentive and friendly waiting staff. This is a perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 27 Sep 25
    If you are looking for more than just dinner, but for a full sensory, thoughtful, creative culinary experience - Dusk delivers in spades. The mix of theatrical presentation, inventive cooking, sustainable philosophy and superb wine makes it one of the best fine dining destination in Stellenbosch!

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