GOOD TO GATHER — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

With limited seating ( 40 pax...our party occupied 9 ), and only trading on weekends, it is extremely difficult, and perhaps frustrating not able to secure a table at Good to Gather, but when you do, they certainly do not disappoint. The scene is set for a harvest table gathering....it is a rustic and laid back affair....unpretentious, with wooden tables scattered around the werf/yard. Metal chairs with warm, fluffy sheepskin seats provide comfort under the dappled shade of Oak trees, with the occasional acorn falling on the table..... a gentle reminder autumn is here.

Don't let the laid back farmlike atmosphere deter you, the restaurant runs like a well greased Massey Ferguson plaas trekker. Luke is front of house.....and the talented Jess and her team run the kitchen. Platters of freshly baked sourdough bread, olives and baba ghanoush, followed by bowls of individually twice baked creamy cheese souffles arrived as the starter...help yourself, pass along and dig in is the order of the day.....it is a harvest table afterall.

The highlight was the slow roasted Karoo lamb neck with salsa verde and roasted turnips, submerged in a delicious lang sous, lank soos 'n lang Sondagoggend nagmaal preek....it was heavenly. Green runner beans with fresh tarragon and hibiscus flavoured vinaigrette ( what a surprisingly delicious flavour combo).

Desserts.....3 options....Pana cotta, Chocolate cremeux and Lemon and Lime posset, what a treat for a Sunday lunch....you don't want it to ever end.

They source locally where possible and gather fresh produce from the farm.....and you can taste the difference....this is hearty, healthy, homely food, awakening childhood memories with a gentle nudge from Jess' flair of combining unexpected flavours.

If you have the opportunity ( and patience) to reserve a table, you won't be disappointed....as Ottolenghi himself experienced ....trust me, it is that good, this is where food tastes as nature...

It’s 3am and I’m on the internet trying to find the words to describe my experience here, a place like no other, a heaven for where each course takes you on a journey. Speaking of journeys, the focaccia was quite literally a slice of Italy. Each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion, leaving your taste buds yearning for more. The Tomato tarte tartin? Best I’ve ever had by a county mile!

Now, onto the service – impeccable doesn't even begin to describe it. From the moment you walk in, you get a warm welcoming which makes you feel like you belong. Luke and his team go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

In summary, dining at Good to Gather is more than just a meal, it's an experience. So if you're looking for the perfect combination of phenomenal food and impeccable service look no further. Trust me, you won't be...

It was one of those rainy Friday evenings in Stellenbosch — the kind where the streets glisten under the soft drizzle and the vineyards seem to sigh in relief. Our dinner reservation was for 7:30pm, but we arrived a good half hour early, umbrellas in hand and hearts ready for something special.

As we made our way toward the charming wine seller-turned-dining hideaway, the heavy windowpane glass door swung open before we could even knock. A warm smile and friendly greeting welcomed us in from the cold — already, it felt like more than just a meal.

Now, let me spill the tea 🫖…

Starter: Kick off bites was AMAZING!!

Main course: Prime Time Grub was SPECTACULAR!!

Dessert: Sweet Farewell was BAIE LEKKER!!!

Conclusion: don’t take my word for it. Go and experience it for yourself.

Thank you team Good to...