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Dusk is a restaurant concept conceived by award winning chef duo, Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin. The pair first met over a decade ago, when Callan walked through the doors as an intern at one of Darren's kitchens in the Cape Winelands.

Over the years, the two chefs established a strong mentor/mentee relationship and in 2017 Darren extended the offer to Callan to join his team when he opened Le coin Français in Franschhoek. As the restaurant would go on to win multiple awards, Darren's mentorship became increasingly prevalent in Callan’s career - seeing him through to the finale of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2021 in Milan where Callan became the winner of the Social Responsibility Award.

Fate, it seems, would have it that they have come full circle, since Callan is now assuming his first head chef role at Dusk restaurant. Stay tuned as we unveil more about the story behind the restaurant and what guests can expect when dining at Dusk.

Gourmet Guide Description

Hidden in Stellenbosch’s bustling Plein Street, a sophisticated epicurean crusade awaits 30 diners after dark. At their vibey Nocturne bar next door, you can savour a classic welcome cocktail – and maybe head back for more after dining at DUSK. You’ll want the adventure to last forever…

Light is centred discreetly on a white-clad table. The dark, intimate interior is the perfect backdrop for DUSK’s concept of all-encompassing, experimental dining. It’s a result of the expansive minds of restaurateur Darren Badenhorst and executive chef Callan Austin. Callan has channeled his technical expertise into creating exceptional dishes in the 16-course epicurean tasting menu (the odyssey menu is six courses with choices), divided into a prelude, interlude and epilogue.

From the start, the amuse bouche of three bite-sized creations reveals evidence of an alchemist at work with premium ingredients. An ultimate treat of perfectly pan-fried Scottish scallop with cauliflower, raisin, and blue cheese butter tortellini is a coup. It’s married with a black garlic emulsion, a delicate Parma ham and cauliflower floss, aerated lemon hollandaise, local KZN winter truffle, and caviar from Madagascar.

Reviews (558)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.4
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.8
  • Sylvester D. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Martin T. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Wantu B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 27 Nov 24
    Excellent service, unimaginable.

  • Henry U. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 27 Nov 24
    Best meal in a a restaurant in my life. Had 28 year wedding anniversary there. The Epicurean menu with wine pairing. The cost is a bit over the top, but can I say it was worth it? Yes, for once in a lifetime- it was awesome, but we won’t go back. The romance is unbeatable, it’s quiet with perfect lighting reflecting from the stylish light just above the table. The light on you and your partner is reflected from the table, it’s truly great. The lighting lets you also get the most from the visual aspect of the food. The service of the staff is very professional. This is the only wine pairing experience we had where the manager stayed sensitive to an empty glass of wine for the paired food- he would top off if there was still some food on our plates. Since he saw we were pleased, by the end of the 13 courses he poured again even though we had eaten that course. This, for us, is what made the high price worth it. Yes, there it is: it was worth it. One more thing, we requested that our mouths (eyes) would not need to be washed out with soap because of the curse word served in one of the courses. They handled our request gracefully, and served the course with out visibly seeing the word. Well done, truly fantastic in every way. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the best experience eating out that you have ever had.

  • Danielle T. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 26 Nov 24
    Excellent atmosphere, great service, and innovative dishes that looked great and tasted the part too. Wonderful dining experience overall, can definitely recommend.

  • Vlokkie G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 24 Nov 24
    What an incredible experience from the moment we arrived until we left! Every detail was meticulously taken care of. The plating and the gastronomic journey reflected the extraordinary care in preparing each dish. We thoroughly enjoyed the private tour, which gave us fascinating insights into the fermentation processes and the use of special ingredients. We will definitely be back! Well done, Chef Callan and team—bravo!

    1
  • Alexa Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 23 Nov 24
    My daughter and her boyfriend said it was the most amazing culinary experience! The food was exquisite and the lighting and ambiance was breathtakingly beautiful. They will be recommending this to their foodie family and friends. Made for a lovely birthday celebration.

  • Cathy S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 23 Nov 24
    Outstanding food. The ambiance was perfect, and the staff were on the ball. We dined at six other restaurants with tasting menus in stellenbosch during our visit, and Dusk is by far the best.

  • Nico Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 19 Nov 24
    As a South African, I thought it very expensive. Overall a good experience.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday 18h00 - 20h00

Christmas Menu

Join us for a festive 13-course menu this Christmas, available on Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch, and dinner. Begin with a glass of MCC on arrival and enjoy a memorable experience ending with gifted petit fours. R2495 per person

  • 24 Dec - 25 Dec
  • Tue-Wed: All day
  • All pax
  • Last confirmed: 25 Nov 2024

New Years Eve Dinner Menu

Ring in the New Year with Dusks exclusive 13-course menu on New Years Eve for dinner, featuring premium ingredients like caviar, truffle, and scallop. Begin with a glass of bubbles on arrival and toast 2025 with another at midnight. R2895 per person

  • Tue, 31 Dec
  • Tuesday only: 18:00 - 20:00
  • All pax
  • Last confirmed: 25 Nov 2024