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Smeul

Location Pointer 193 Main Rd, Hoog-En-Droog, Paarl, 7646, South Africa
4.7
(50 reviews)
RRR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Great Views
  • WiFi
  • Fireplace

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Menu
Favourite

SMEUL is a fire-focused restaurant at Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl.
Award-winning chef and Paarl local Kevin Grobler and his team serve an à la carte menu shaped by fire, smoke and flame.

The food is rooted in authenticity and purpose – honouring seasonality and letting superb ingredients shine. SMEUL works closely with local farmers and producers, championing sustainable practices and celebrating what the region has to offer.

The wine list, developed by our sommelier, draws on local and hard-to-find favourites chosen for their substance, a story and unique food pairing abilities.
About Kevin Grobler

Many will know him as Head Chef at the Michelin-starred JAN in Nice, Executive Chef at Delaire Graff, and most recently as Executive Chef at SCAPE in Suid-Agter Paarl, where he received an Eat Out One Star Award in 2025.

SMEUL marks a return to the heart of his home town – and a chance to marry his creativity with the skill required to cook elevated cuisine over the most humble and ancient tools: a flame.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 20h00
  • Sunday 12h00 - 20h00

Reviews (50)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.5
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.9
  • Jayee C. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 25 Jun 26
    Just fab

  • Linandri K. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26
    Service was excellent. Preferences were met without even asking. Food was delicious and wholesome.

  • Yolandi Dined: 5 days ago
    2.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 22 Jun 26
    Waiters should know the menu. We had to google words to know what sauce etc is with what dish. Waiters in training should be accompanied by a seasoned waiter and not left on his own device. Wine should also be offered per glass. Have more than one Pinotage option. The food was lovely, although very similar; lots of yogurt and similar sauces with dishes. Head Cheff can be more present outside the kitchen, besides the occasional fire display with T-bone steaks. We waited for ever for someone to tend to our take away and to settle the bill. We sat outside and couldn’t get the attention of anybody to pay the bill. Eventually I phoned the hotel to ask them to send our waiter. I’ll think twice before returning.

  • Lauretta E. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Jean L. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 21 Jun 26
    food and service 👌would have liked wine by the glass and fresh juice on the drinks menu

  • Carin K. Dined: 6 days ago
    3.7
    Food N/A
    Value 5.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 21 Jun 26
    We went for lunch and it was a beautiful afternoon to sit on the veranda in the courtyard. The food was well presented and tasty. Unfortunately our waiter didn’t know the menu well and couldn’t really explain the dishes. I would expect the waiter at this type of restaurant to know the dishes very well and be in top of what fish is being served, what the side options are etc. We had the beetroot and carpaccio as starters which we both enjoyed a lot and we had the grilled line fish as mains - the fish was cooked to perfection and paired well with the emulsion. Overall I will definitely recommend the food, but they still have some work to do around the service. There were also a couple of flies hanging around😬 which I am sure they are trying to manage, but also someting to sort out to improve overall experience. I look forward to visit again in the future once all the niggles have been sorted and to experience some of the other dishes on the menu!

  • Andrea Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 21 Jun 26
    We ordered one of each entree plus their famous triple cooked baby potatoes as sharing plates, paired with a great rosé - our new favourite brunch spot!

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