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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 (593)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.3
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.7
  • Daniel N. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Alain G. Dined: 3 days ago
    1.8
    Food 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 03 Jan 25
    Very disappointed by dusk. Service was chaotic and had no pace, we waited 45min between starters. We ended up spending close to three hours for a very short menu, whilst you are being served non stop water and wine to try and charge more out of you. Food was very bland overall, but on a positive side it was creative and looked good. The portions were ridiculously small. Overall value for money is just completely off, there are so many better places in South Africa and especially Stellenbosch.

  • Thulile M. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 02 Jan 25
    What an amazing experience. Im still in awe. From the ambience to customer service to food…you guys are a 10. Dusk dining experience was the highlight of my Cape town trip. Thank you Chefs Callan, Darren and the entire Dusk team

  • Mario K. Dined: 5 days ago
    3.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 01 Jan 25
    On the whole it was a great meal, but with one disappointment. One of us was served a stinking oyster, thank God he was able to spit it out. There was an apology, but nothing more. We would at least have expected them to have invited the injured party. This restaurant no longer sees us.

  • Annemieke V. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 01 Jan 25
    Please let the custumur now you have free parking. We lost our bank Card to that day because the told us we had to pay for parking. The food was more than good. It was a creation, with love. The look and taste were divine.

  • Maria K. Dined: 5 days ago
    2.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Caroline C. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 01 Jan 25
    An unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience. Have dined in 1,2,3 Michelin Star restaurants around the globe, and this easily makes the top restaurants we have ever dined at. Incredible creativity exhibited in the presentation and flavor of each dish. You will remember this meal forever!

  • Sugandree M. Dined: 1 week ago
    2.8
    Food 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 31 Dec 24
    Very disappointing from the first time. Food was under whelming. We booked for the Odessy menu and was told only the Epicuran more expensive option was available. We had no option as we had guests.

  • Chris O. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 31 Dec 24
    Greatest fine dining experience in south africa! Thank you so much! Pandora’s box was amazing!

  • Sarah S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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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