Arkeste — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

A true gem you shouldn't miss on!

Located just near the Chamonix Wine Estate, the arkeste restaurant is a casual fine dining place. As the chef Richard Carstens explained to us, "we want you to feel welcomed into our home". And it works!

The menu is quite simple, it's a la carte with starters, mains and desserts. For starters, we went with the roast squid and the artichoke. All cooked to perfection with a subtle mix of spices and acidity.

Then, for the mains we had the slow cooked lamb shoulder (a special), which was just incredibly tender. And the linefish, also cooked to perfection. The sauces mixed perfectly with the sides creating an harmony of flavours.

We added a side of triple cooked potatoes but that was too much to be honest.

We ordered the gorgonzola ice cream as a dessert. Very surprising, creamy with the gorgonzola coming on the aftertaste. The chef told us that's one of the very first he tried in 1999!

And then came the surprise. The chef actually served us his special starter just because he wanted us to try it and see our reaction. That was salmon pavé with meringue on the top, and a smoked salmon ice cream and salmon eggs on the side with a delicious sauce composed of a mix of herbs oil and soy. All mixed together created something special, where different temperatures, tastes and textures collided and resulted in a clear umami taste. An incredible meal we won't forget.

Compliments to the chef who stayed with us and spent time with all the guests, and for that extra special meal, making our dinner even more special.

And the wine were also great as well (we took the chenin blanc).

We...

When in Franschhoek, a trip to Arkeste is a must!

I’ve known chef Richard for a while. His passion and understanding for food and flavour never ceases to amaze me 💫

Richard respects the culinary past and embraces the culinary future to bring you a boundary-pushing, mind-bending culinary present!

Sitting in his restaurant taking everything in, from wine to service, and from food presentation to the cozy, vibey atmosphere, I was reminded of why he’s still one of South Africa’s top restaurateurs (and cooks)!!!

There is no other way to say this, but Richards food makes me so unbelievably happy. It also leaves you feeling so ridiculously satisfied! 🤗❤️

Chef treated us to a new dish he’s testing, Silverfish glazed with lacto blueberries, spinach, mushroom, crisp herbs and Beurre Rouge 😮‍💨🤯😱 hands down one of the best dishes I’ve tasted, EVER!

Treat yourself. Make a reservation!

#richardcarstens #arkeste #arkestechamonix #arkeste_richardcarstens...

Made booking online before our trip to CT. Had to pay a pre reservation fee to secure our booking which we did not mind as Arkeste was highly recommended on the requested feed.

It was a cold and rainy winters evening, we were the first to arrive and later another couple. We had a warm and friendly greeting with hospitable staff tending to us.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, just wish we had a day view as the surroundings has a nature feel surrounded with trees. Warm and delightful ambiance.

The menu is crazy cos every item is tastefully described making you to wanna order everything. It gets more frustrating when they tell you about the specials which leaves you more confused.

Loved everything we ordered. Our taste buds were dancing. Mouthful of flavours coming together. The trout starter was original and a must try.

My only irritation was the choice of crockery - everytime I let go of my knife it slid into the rounded plate messing...