News Blog

Insights from Charl, our head chef, on the philosophy and vision behind the food, as well as current and new offerings.

The Spookfontein restaurant was established by long-time partners Vaughan, Charl & Francois in 2016, after having built up considerable combined local and international experience in the industry. Head chef, Charl, describes the restaurant as a real passion project and credits their long-term partnership with creating the collaborative foundation that allows him to live out his food fantasy: “We respect each other inside the business and that flows through how we treat the ingredients and ultimately, our food. We have a lot of fun and just enjoy being here.”

Inspired daily by the magnificent landscape and views, the ethos at the restaurant is all about consistency in its delicious, locally sourced food. The result is a menu which manages to be both humble and special at once – mirroring the rustic charm of the farm itself. Dishes range from classic to more refined and elegant. All are locally inspired and thoughtful, such as the Springbok which is served with with polenta and chakalaka, an exquisite play on pap and vleis. Most long-standing favourites remain menu fixtures, such as the ever-popular Hake & Chips and the Asian-style Yellow Fin Tuna. Accordingly, Charl knows most repeat guests’ orders by heart. On the flip side, he relishes in the freedom he has in being able to transform daily inspiration into new dishes on an ongoing basis – adding an “off menu” seasonal item each week.

The emphasis placed on building relationships and creating a memorable experience for clientele is evident. Long-standing guests from far and wide have become true friends. The team delights in the opportunity to create an experience which enables one to slow down and savour the moment. There are no double seatings on table bookings by design – so that guests can linger all afternoon while enjoying the food, wines, and views of the Babilonstoring mountain range and vineyards as the sun crosses the valley.

Spookfontein’s restaurant is a beautiful and popular wedding venue, affording Charl even greater opportunity to be creative with dishes. Bespoke menus are designed with the bride and groom - tailored to their own tastes and vision - and often lead to lasting relationships between the couples and the restaurant team based on the closely collaborative process.

This philosophy of innovation spills over in other ways. One example is the home cook boxes which remain available following their launch during the pandemic. These are primarily for Spookfontein cottage guests who wish to whip up convenient culinary dinners during their stays. The boxes comprise locally sourced ingredients, 90% prepped and cooked by the restaurant team, and simply require reheating and plating according to provided instructions.

For everyone else, nothing beats a seat enjoying the ambience and spectacular views from our Spookfontein restaurant itself.

As the 2022/23 summer season is upon us, the restaurant will extend its trading days to include Tuesdays (usually Wed-Sun) from December through January with usual hours

(12h00-15h30).  As always, events can be hosted in the evenings too (30 guest minimum)

Contact the restaurant for functions, reservations, and home cook box enquiries. Please note there is a 24hour lead time required on home cook boxes.

All enquiries: 0730677936 or [email protected].