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When the weather turns cold and the evenings get icy and uninviting, we tend to put off our usual dinner plans and stay home with the heating up high and a home-cooked meal on the table.
But, some of the best dining is to be had during winter. So, when you’re ready to brave the cold, here are some incredibly cosy restaurants to visit this winter. Think of them as a home away from home, with a roaring fireplace and a hearty meal you don’t have to prepare yourself!
Cape Town and the Winelands
Aubergine Restaurant
Aubergine is one of Cape Town’s institutions. Celebrated for world-class fine dining, a seasonal menu that Chef Harald Bresselschmidt changes almost daily, and a wine list that’s second to none, Aubergine is a must when visiting the Cape. In winter, the space is kept nice and cosy by the wood log stove burning in the corner.
Chefs Warehouse
Loved by locals and tourists alike, the Chefs Warehouse restaurants put a lot of effort into their seasonal, produce-driven set menus. Because the dishes change with the seasons, it’s a great excuse to pay them a visit throughout the year. Boasting some of the best views in Cape Town and the Winelands, all the Chefs Warehouse locations are incredible destinations during summer but, in winter, a cosy fire burns at Beau Constantia, Tintswalo and Maison. Find a spot close to the hearth, and enjoy a hearty, multi-course lunch or dinner paired with fine red wines from some of South Africa’s best producers. Their signature risotto is comfort food at its finest and will be the highlight of your meal.
Book Beau Constantia Book Tintswalo Book Maison
Deux Lions
On La Bourgogne Farm in Franschhoek, the dappled courtyard at Deux Lions is a wonderful spot to enjoy a lazy lunch over the weekend. In the colder months, you can find a table inside and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace while savouring the seasonal winter dishes on their menu. Think rich and savoury gnocchi, crispy ham hock croquettes and twice-baked cheese soufflé – yum!
De Volkskombuis
As the seasons change and give way to winter in the winelands, get through the cold evenings by enjoying a glass of red in front of the fire at De Volkskombuis. The extensive menu boasts many traditional South African favourites like the Boland bobotie, hearty oxtail and premium cuts of steak.
ëlgr Restaurant
Fire. Food. Wine. The good people over at ëlgr on Kloof Street have got the winning recipe for a winter evening. The menu has something for everyone and their award-winning wine list will help you find the perfect pairing. The fireplace is in the belly of the restaurant, so you’re guaranteed to be nice and cosy for as long as you stay. And, if you fancy a little fresh air while you dine, their courtyard is well-heated too!
Faber
Faber in Paarl is a modern South African restaurant that celebrates the origins of everything on the menu, from the ingredients to the wine. In 2022 and 2023, it was one of SA’s most-loved restaurants on Dineplan. So, grab a table by the fireplace and make the most of the fantastic specials they run through the winter months.
Foxcroft
Led by the talented Chef Glen Williams, Foxcroft in Constantia manages to find the perfect balance between a relaxed and cosy atmosphere and fine dining-level food and service. During the winter months, they offer the most amazing lunchtime special, including a bread course, two tapas, a main course, and dessert per person. The open kitchen does a great job of heating the space, but they have a four-sided fireplace in the centre of the dining room that takes the cosiness to a whole new level.
Judd’s Local
A favourite haunt for wine lovers and people seeking out great, uncomplicated food, Judd’s Local has all you need for a cosy winter’s evening. Choose a selection of tasty snacks to go with your wine, or order one of the heartier dishes off the menu, including brisket mac ‘n cheese, braised beef short ribs, and their vegan artichoke risotto. The fireplace is located in the wine shop area of the restaurant, making it the perfect spot for dinner – private, cosy and surrounded by good wine.
Patina Steak at D’Aria
Found on the beautiful D’Aria estate in Durbanville, Patina steak is a fantastic destination for a wintery weekend. Cosy up next to the fireplace and order the creamy mushroom risotto, the perfectly spiced trinchado, or one of the speciality steaks along with a glass of the D’Aria Cabernet Merlot blend.
Rick’s Café Americain
For many a Capetonian, Rick’s is a home away from home. This iconic three-storey building, at the heart of Kloof Street, is buzzing with happy diners – no matter the season. In summer, people spill out on the rooftop deck under the umbrellas and, during winter, they find comfort from the cold next to the roaring fireplace inside. Not only is the space cosy with heaps of homely charm, the menu offers tasty classics guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. Order one of their Morrocan tajines with cous cous, or take a look at their list of hard-to-beat lunch specials.
Simon’s at Groot Constantia
In summer, diners can revel in the Cape sunshine and dine al fresco on Simon’s terrace. But, when the weather turns, you’ll be invited indoors to sit next to the large fire burning in the grate. There you can tuck into healthy portions of comforting pasta, pork belly, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or you could grab a slice of cake and a cup of tea for a decadent afternoon treat.
Stellenzicht Wines
With incredible views of the Helderberg mountains and the surrounding vineyards and fynbos, the newly built wine pod at Stellenzicht is a great destination – even in the winter months. While gorgeous in summer, with the large doors opening out onto the shaded deck, the wine pod is just as comfortable when the weather turns cold and miserable. Find solace by the crackling fireplace and enjoy piping hot pizzas, in all their cheesy glory, while sipping on Stellenzicht’s range of premium wines.
The Stranger’s Club
A breakfast and brunch institution on the Atlantic Seaboard, The Stranger’s Club, or TSC as locals have come to call it, is perfect for winter dining. Focused on getting the classics right, the food is always delicious, the service is fast, and the space is kept warm and inviting with a fireplace burning throughout the day.
Upper Union Restaurant
One of Paige’s must-have reservations in July 2023, Upper Union is a firm favourite amongst Capetonians. In summer, the shaded courtyard and conservatory offer a welcome oasis from bustling Kloof Street but, in winter, head on inside and find a cosy spot by the roaring fire. They also run some wonderful winter specials, so reserve your table next to the fire and enjoy a couple of plates of Chef Amori Burger’s famous cooking – they’re perfect to share!
The Village Idiot
The Village Idiot on Loop Street is not only a great spot to enjoy watching a game or sporting event. In winter, they have the fireplace burning inside by the bar with marshmallows to roast over the fire. Tip: Join them on Thursdays for half-price meals and marshmallows on the house!
Discover Cosy Restaurants Near You
Get the ultimate guide to restaurants with fireplaces and heaters by visiting our website or downloading the Dineplan app. Easily filter through a variety of options in your area to find the perfect cosy spot.
The Garden Route
101 Meade Street Restaurant
Located in George, 101 Meade is a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant that takes pride in showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients on its menu. Tuck into winter classics like their rich and creamy mushroom risotto, honey-glazed eisbein, saffron paella, and a variety of perfectly spiced curries. The restaurant’s wood log fireplace creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, even on the most chilly days.
The Fat Fish
Open for both lunch and dinner, The Fat Fish restaurants in George and Plett are loved year-round by locals and holidaymakers alike. Well-known for their fresh-as-you-can-get seafood, the restaurants are cosied up during the winter months with their roaring fireplaces. Share a generous seafood platter, or tuck into a heaving bowl of seafood pasta.
Book George Book Plettenberg Bay
Forester at the Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
From the crackling fireplace to the plush chairs and soft jazz playing in the background, Forester offers a wonderful reprieve from the cold weather outside. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner you can warm yourself from the inside with hearty dishes like krummelpap, french toast, butter chicken curry, risotto Milanese and Chalmar lamb on the bone. In summer, guests are more than welcome to order and enjoy their meals in the luxury of the beautiful Hawthorn Hotel gardens.
Ilali Restaurant
Ilali restaurant in Wilderness offers a vibrant ambience with live music, delicious food, and a welcoming social bar. During winter, the cosy wood stove adds warmth to the space, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal before venturing out to discover the wonders of the Garden Route. The menu caters to everyone, offering a range of hearty winter dishes such as succulent pork belly, flavourful tandoori chicken curry, and comforting bowls of steaming ramen.
Portobello Italian Kitchen
Whether it’s a heaving bowl of pasta or a wood-fired pizza fresh from the oven, there’s nothing better than Italian food, in all its generosity, when winter sets in. Book a table at Portobello in George, sit by the crackling fireplace and warm your soul with good, wholesome food and a glass of Chianti.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Amuse-Bouche Food and Wine
This winter, pay a visit to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa in Sandton for a sophisticated, yet cosy dinner at Amuse-Bouche. With an extensive à la carte menu and wine list, you can sit beside the fire and enjoy an evening of fine dining in maximum comfort.
Casalinga Restaurant
Located on an organic farm in Krugersdorp, Casalinga Ristorante Italiano is a great place to escape to the countryside. On chilly winter days, they have two cosy fireplaces burning in the restaurant and a menu full of comforting dishes like oxtail ragu, lamb shank and, of course, a hearty lasagna. They also boast a well-stocked wine cellar, so you’ll be able to find the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
Che Argentine Grill
In Johannesburg, Che Grill holds a special place in the hearts of many as their go-to steak house.
What began as a passion project between two South American friends selling empanadas and steak sandwiches at a bustling market in Maboneng, has become an authentic slice of Argentina in the heart of Jozi.
When the weather’s too cold for the courtyard, the raw, somewhat industrial charm of the space inside is wonderfully warm and inviting. A fireplace burns in the dining room and, because the menu is centred around the Argentinians’ love for open-flame cooking, the kitchen belts out a comforting heat from the crackling pizza oven and the many roaring fires beneath the grilling station.
Create Red Barn – Irene
When cabin fever hits and you need to get out and about, the team at Create Red Barn in Irene have just what you need. Nab a prized spot next to their four-sided fireplace, and then settle down for a relaxed session of painting ceramics. Order a flat white to warm yourself from the inside and enjoy one of their generous and wholesome café-style brunches while you paint. For adults and children alike, this is the perfect outing for a wintery day.
Brasserie De Paris
Located in Waterkloof Ridge, the distinctive Karl Jooste House is home to Brasserie de Paris, where you can explore their take on modern French and international cuisine. Spoil yourself and order from their creative, multi-course tasting menu, expertly paired with wines recommended by their sommelier. With a view through the trees outside, you’ll be nice and warm by the wood log fire while enjoying course after course paired with fine local and international wines.
PLTFRM Wolwespruit
Geared for families, the team at PLTFRM are a passionate bunch and has created a space perfect for socialising all year round. In winter, there will be a roaring fire inside keeping you warm and toasty while you enjoy one of their many tasty meals. From cheesy braai broodjies and juicy burgers, to picanha steaks and pork belly, there’s something for every winter craving.
PRIVA Pretoria
We all know and love PRIVA, the stylish, high-end restaurant in Waterkloof Heights. While the outdoor terrace is loved by diners in summer, the indoor dining room is kept warm on chilly days by their fireplace. You’ll find lots of comfort food classics on the menu, including creamy gnocchi, slow-cooked pork belly and lamb shoulder. Plus, there’s live music to keep you entertained throughout!
Pro tip: Book Table 6 to sit by the fire, or one of the cosy tables next to the wine cellar.
Prosopa
When thinking of comfort food, Greek cuisine has to be near the top of the list. At Prosopa in Waterkloof Heights, the menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including homemade pita and meze, souvlaki with perfectly crispy chips, hearty and rich kleftiko, comforting moussaka, and so much more. At the heart of the restaurant, a gas fireplace takes centre stage and makes sure everyone is warm and cosy on a cold winter’s evening. Of course, no meal would be complete without trying one of their famous desserts, like the baklava or galaktoboureko (Greek milk tart with phyllo pastry), alongside a coffee or nightcap before braving the cold and heading home.
Throbbing Strawberry
In Douglasdale, Johannesburg, you’ll find this restaurant serving up crowd-pleasing meals throughout the year. But, in winter, they fire up the hearth and keep their diners snug and warm while they enjoy wintery dishes like pork belly, veal Milanese, duck confit and fall-off-the-bone lamb shank.
Smoke
One of Paige’s must-have reservations in July 2023, Smoke celebrates the best of South African food and drinks – and our country’s love for cooking over fire. In winter, you can sit around the open firepits and keep warm while the chefs prepare some incredible food and the resident DJ sets the tone. Order hearty portions of smoked pork ribs, beef brisket and succulent short ribs together with some sides, and cap it all off with a s’more for dessert!
And, there you have it! Choose your favourites from the list above, then gather your family and friends and spend a few hours cosied up by the fire with a delicious meal.
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