Ruitersvlei Restaurant

On our way to spice route we spotted this restaurant and thought thats where we having lunch when we come back and it wasnt to bad either the place looks lovely for a wedding venue which im sure they have a few weddings under there belt the owner and chef were welcoming the menu wasnt to big but its understandable with covid the rustic style of the place was lovely ....

We hadn’t been to Ruitersvlei for a while, but it was always a great place to stop for us on the way back to Cape Town via Philadelphia. When we got there we were surprised that it looked ramshackle and unkempt, and there were no horses, which were always in the paddock out front. Then we discovered the tasting area had vanished as well, needing to be led to the restaurant. We were only tasting, having had superb pizza at the La Grapperia, further down the road. When we asked about the sisters who used to own this place, we were told they had sold up and left. I guess that explains the rather insipid white wines in rather twee branding (the winemaker is only a consultant), and the (good) reds being left over from the previous owners. It also explains the loss of the horses, being replaced by mechanized noisy MX bikes. I’m glad we didn’t eat if the cheap photocopy menu was anything to go by. We did actually buy some reds but was a little annoyed that they slapped a R100 tasting fee onto our bill. That fee was never mentioned, ever. All that fantastic charm has gone. Somewhat sad really. Won’t be back. There are better places to go.

We visited this estate after 2 years and the change is impressive. We really had a calm and tranquil afternoon sitting on the stoep, Lunch was good and well prepared. The children were having fun on the field below, We will definitely be coming back.

After a very disheartening start to my day at a nearby wine farm and me close to tears, we took to the road back to Cape Town. Hence, saw this little hidden gem on route and decided to stop at Ruitersvlei Wine farm. What a breath of fresh air and upliftment to my spirit. The Gorgeous scenery under the huge oak trees instantly brought a tranquility over me. It was a pleasure enjoying scrumptious food at stunningly affordable prices and such friendly staff. Thank you for putting the cherry on the top and creating fond memories for my birthday.

My partner and I arrived at the restaurant and we were given a table. We patiently waited for menus, but after about 15 minutes I went to ask for menu's as we were thirsty and hungry. We ordered and waited an hour for a steak and beef strips. But the quality and taste of the food was very poor. The potato cheese thing was inedible as it was rock hard, steak was well done instead of medium and the strips was disappointing and oily. At least the chips was ok but that was it.Maybe they had a bad day but we will not be returning to this place.

Always a good choice. Not one of the more fancied wine estates but still a good meal had by family at restaurant. Wine tasting also was enjoyable. Nice view of Table Mountain in the distance in a clear day.

Recently visited the Mountainside Restaurant for lunch. The Leg of Lamb looked delicious but we opted for the cheese and meat platter for two with a glass of Cab Sav and Merlot. The platter was excellent and is an ideal light lunch. We found the Merlot better than the Cab Sav and bought six bottles. On the day we visited they had live music which was brilliant.

We were the only ones in the restaurant but were made to feel very welcome. Staff good and food the same. Will go back

We met up with friends at this establishment for a Sunday afternoon visit.StaffStaff are very helpful and friendly. I can not fault them.FoodI was slightly disappointed in the "Barrel Platters". The bread and cheeses were great, but the smoked chicken that was on my platter (They made a special arrangement as I do not eat pork) was quite horrible. Was tasteless and watery?? and tasted like it was quickly defrosted in a microwave. The main course I had was great.GeneralThe view from this restaurant is amazing, and it is generally quieter than it's much more commercialized and expensive neighbors down the road.The gentleman providing the entertainment on the Sunday afternoon was amazing. Truly a great musician. (Think his name was Pat?)Unfortunately also at this establishment you will find the in-considered smokers who will not care where they smoke. Not all non smokers want to sit inside on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

This is the second time that we visited Ruitersvlei, and it was such a disappointment. We booked a table in advance, but when we arrived, there wasn't a table ready for us. It seems that, as people arrived without prior bookings, they were just given the booked tables. Being mother's day, just as many guests arrived looking for a place to lunch than the number of booked guests. We personally helped moving tables to open a spot for us, and found a lovely spot to sit overlooking the mountains. The service was non existing. The guests helped clearing tables, and we served ourselves wherever possible. The buffet was only ready at 14h30, which was 90 minutes later than advertised! Because of the number of extra guests, there wasn't enough starters for all, and extras had to be made. We didn't receive starters until after the main meal, which was about 15h15. Positive aspects: the live music was fantastic; they offered us a free bottle of wine while we waited; their wines are affordable and the setting is beautiful with amazing views. Despite everything, we still had a lovely time, because we were together as a family and had lots of catching up to do and because we decided to laugh about the ridiculously bad experience. Our previous experience was lovely, being on a quiet day when we were the only guests, sitting under the tree outside, overlooking table mountain, doing a wine tasting. If Ruitersvlei wants to become a popular destination, some serious planning and management skills will be needed.