Hōseki at Delaire Graff Estate — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Unfortunately not what it used to be.

I used to frequent Hoseki (and Indocine as it was called prior) in 2021-2023. It has been one of my favorite restaurants in Cape and never ever I had anything but stellar and memorable experience. I went back in December 2024. They told me they had a new chef and the menu is reimagined, while most things are the same they are done in a different way. Exciting. I ordered the similar plates I used to have and enjoy and each of them was a disaster. I don't know what's wrong with the new chef and his take, but I would wish he wouldn't ruin things. Salmon tacos - feels like salmon is mixed with butter, feels bland and fatty. Mushroom tacos - had some horrible and hard pickles, when I removed all of them interned out to be edible. Salmon tataki - had a bite and the only I could feel was garlic, garlic and garlic - was so intense that it killed anything else. I had to send it back. Beef gyoza - was edible, there was interesting kick to it, the filling contained something zesty, so minced meat had a bit sour taste. However it was served with sour and zesty sauce. Like why 😥? Why didn't chef try to balance the dish? Simple teriyaki would work perfectly as you want something sweet or maybe sweet and spicy but there is no escape from zestiness. I simply didn't get chef's take, everything is extreme and not balanced.

Ambience - screaming and running around children and loud groups of Americans in shorts and hoodies.

The service was as amazing as always. Thank you guys but unfortunately won't be...

We recently dined at Hoseki, expecting a high-end experience given its reputation and pricing. Unfortunately, the evening fell far short of expectations.

First, the service was disappointing and did not align with the premium price point. Despite informing the staff of my dietary restrictions ahead of time, they were ignored.

The atmosphere also left much to be desired. While one expects a refined ambiance at a fine dining establishment, the reality was quite the opposite. The dining room was filled with guests in flip-flops, sweatpants, and shorts—hardly the attire for a restaurant that markets itself as luxurious.

Additionally, Delaire Graff advertises its estate and gardens as part of the draw. We arrived early with the intention of enjoying an aperitif outside, as we informed the staff upon arrival. Instead, we were ushered straight to our table without any acknowledgment of our request. This oversight only compounded our disappointment.

The food was good but in my opinion the prices are far too steep for what is delivered. For those who value real fine dining paired with a suitable atmosphere, I urge you to look elsewhere. There are countless restaurants in the area that offer a far superior experience at a comparable...

One of the best dinners I have ever ever had. It is the most definitely the best restaurant in all of Cape Town. My fiancé took me here for Valentine’s Day, this Japanese restaurant exceeded all our expectations. We originally wanted to go to the other main restaurant in the estate, but I am so happy that it was fully booked, so we were essentially forced to go to Hoseki. I have no idea why this place wasn’t fully booked, because it is much better than the main restaurant. Everything we ordered was incredible. The starters, the main, the dessert, even the drinks! It’s such a pity that it’s such a long drive away from Cape Town, otherwise I would be coming here every night. For the service, atmosphere, and the food the prices are completely justified. Anywhere else in the world you would pay triple if not, five times the price. Highly recommend this to everyone. Even if you don’t like Japanese food, this is a place...