Melfort — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

5/5. Melfort gave us one of those rare dinners that lingers long after the last bite. The experience actually started before we arrived: a warm WhatsApp to say they were excited to host us and that we might be the only diners. We walked in to a crackling fire, soft light and that delicious hush that says you’re in good hands. In the end another couple wandered in, which only added to the living-room intimacy and made it feel like a private dinner party rather than a restaurant service.

The food was exceptional from first plate to last, but the Cape Point chokka was the showstopper. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and lifted by a clever set of accompaniments — foraged verde, dune spinach, ricotta and sorghum — it balanced ocean-fresh purity with earthy depth and little snaps of texture. It was the sort of dish that makes you slow down so you don’t miss a single note. Our main was a grass-fed braised beef short rib cooked for about six hours. It fell off the bone at a nudge, with a glossy, concentrated sauce, deep beefiness and just enough brightness to keep it light to the finish.

What truly sets Melfort apart is the people. It’s rare to see two young talents — a passionate co-owner on the floor and a focused chef in the kitchen — so fully invested in the experience. Service was present without hovering, pacing was spot on and the storytelling around ingredients made the plates sing even louder. There’s no flash for the sake of it, just precise cooking, seasonal thinking and real hospitality. We left feeling seen, spoiled and already plotting our return.

If you’re after a dinner that’s intimate, delicious and genuinely memorable, book Melfort. It’s a five-star experience in every sense — the kind that reminds you why we go out to eat in the...

My wife and I visited Melfort for the first time on Sunday, 05.10.2025, and were absolutely blown away with their full farm-to-table experience!

From the moment we walked in, the service from every staff member, including owner Nick, was exceptionally warm and genuine—far from the robotic friendliness you sometimes find elsewhere. The atmosphere is cozy inside, and the outside seating around the dam, surrounded by trees and mountains, gives the place a spectacular Cape Point Vineyards-like feel. The coziness and approach to plating and generous portions reminded us of the best qualities of De Meye.

The Sunday set menu (R695 per person) is outstanding value for money considering the quality is on par with fine dining. The food was truly to die for. We had the privilege of tasting their brand-new Kabeljou starter, which was genuinely the best fish dish we have ever experienced. The main course, the Rolled & Braised Karoo Lamb Rib, was unbelievably tender and succulent—the best lamb rib we've ever had. My personal highlight was the exquisite Sand Dune Spinach served alongside the delicious Buffalo Burrata dish. Chef Tasmyn must be congratulated for her excellent menu.

Melfort is a hidden gem we cannot recommend highly enough. Go now before the...

"A Hidden Gem in Nature"

From the moment we arrived, Nick and his team welcomed us with warmth and genuine hospitality, taking the time to explain the menu in detail.

We sat on the beautiful wooden deck overlooking a tranquil dam, surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong — a peaceful haven that immediately makes you exhale and unwind.

The food was beyond delicious — beautifully plated, full of flavour, and crafted with remarkable attention to detail. Every dish felt like something from a fairy tale, with perfect textures and a balance of comforting, homely taste and fine-dining finesse.

We even received a complimentary hors d’oeuvre as a welcome treat, setting the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The ''Restaurant Week'' special was well-priced and offered incredible value.

It’s the kind of place that leaves you with a warm, happy feeling — comfort food served in a setting that soothes the soul after a busy week.

Melfort is an absolute must-visit, and without a doubt, my new...