Review Cavalli Restaurant - Somerset West

I recently experienced the chefs' lunch menu and wine pairing at Cavalli Wine Estate, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The menu's creativity, presentation, and flavor combinations were absolutely stunning. The wine selection complemented each dish perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience. I must commend Unathi for providing outstanding service, making the meal even more enjoyable. A five-star experience all around!

We went to Cavalli for the wine tasting. We called on the day and were able to get a spot. Really loved the aesthetic of the place, it is clean, warm but had a welcoming vibe. Will be back to have lunch here one day.

Very professional and friendly staff. 5 course wine pairing was well presented and lovely flavors. Wine was really nice. Overall, great experience and worth a visit.

The views are spectacular and especially at sunset with the sun bouncing off the mountains. Beautiful and good wines to go with it.

What a fantastic experience. The staff, service, food, venue; all top notch! Would defnitely go back for the wine tasting experience. Ceviche starter sublime. Springbok main absolutely perfect; moist, tender & towards rare; the way it should be. And dessert; what can I say. Ordered white chocolate and black garlic (yes, you read correct) more out of curiosity than anything else, and oh my! It works; it works in a mesmorising way. Delicious! Buket list✔️

Wonderful estate. Take a drive with the family....or with strangers and sample some of the amazing wines they have. This is also a beautiful place to have a grand wedding!

Really impressive wine estate in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region. On a good clear day the views are amazing toward the helderberg mountains. The wine tasting room is underground and really well laid out and classy. Really enjoyable tasting and experience. Will return to try the restaurant as the snacks ordered were really good.

Review 1: We were at Cavalli setting up our photo booth for a wedding. The wedding venue is ideal for bespoke weddings, with its contemporary design, phenomenal natural lighting and overlooking a serene dam. 🌿💍 No wonder it's voted one of South Africa’s top Wedding Venues in the Cape Winelands. Review 2: As a supplier, it's an honour to work at Cavalli, a venue synonymous with luxury and top-tier wedding planning in South Africa. The meticulous attention to detail sets it apart. A standout feature was the 360 photo booth on the manicured lawns overlooking the dam and mountains, adding a unique touch to the magical occasion. I highly recommend Cavalli Estate for an unforgettable experience, and thank the team for allowing us to contribute.

Such a lovely place to go for lunch. The atmosphere is lovely and the dishes are full of flavour.

Oh my goodness, I had the most incredible lunch at Cavalli Restaurant! From the moment I stepped onto the wine estate farm, I was transported to a world of pure culinary delight. The organic ingredients used in each dish were not only fresh, but bursting with flavor. And let's talk about the scenery - it was like stepping into a dream! The art gallery added an extra touch of elegance to the experience. Every bite was a symphony of gastronomy flavors that left me in awe. Lunch at Cavalli Restaurant is truly an unforgettable experience that will leave you speechless!

The last two evenings, 23rd and 24th December, we had an amazing dining experience. An absolute gastronomical taste explosion and a wonderful and kind professional staff. Mphatso was really great with the service he gave us. Justin gave us the best wine advice ever and showed us around. And also Isaac and Jabulani made our evening great. Service was excellent and the view is gorgeous. We highly recommend this estate to everybody. What a great hospitality and wonderful experience. Thanks! Chris & Eveline

A picturesque wine and stud farm, with phenomenal service and delicious wines �� And the Equus restaurant is beyond anything I could have expected. The food was not only scrumptious, but beautiful too. One of the best lunches I have ever had anywhere... I would recommend this wine farm and it's restaurant to anyone! It was well worth the money �

Wonderful place to lunch ... always excellent service and food is art on a plate .... one of my most fav places to go

The architecture and setting was awesome, there has been no expense spared. The food was top class. I had the fillet and it came with the most flavoursome mini oxtail pie. The potato was sliced and stacked but had way too much pepper. All in all would certainly go back

I visited Cavalli recently after hearing raving reviews, which lived up to everything I was told. The setting is beautiful - both the decor and property. I had my first oyster - and like it! The carpaccio was delicious, so was the gnocchi. The dishes are presented beautifully, the portions are hearty, the flavors are bold and yet there is simplicity and finesse on the plate. The only bit of constructive criticism would be the macaroons, which I’d skip.

Truly an experience. Gorgeous gardens with views across the winelands, and a wine list to match. Sommelier is friendly and knowledgeable. Portion sizes were just right and the dessert was a lovely end to the meal.

I am back at it: bragging about good food as if I have a hand in anything other than gluttonously scoffing it down!<br/><br/>Today, our chef elevated the status of a veggie side to a show-stopper alongside the main meal. My worst foods were prepared in such a manner that I wondered why they aren't a feature on my grocery list. For example: the too often lifeless/limp bok choi that accompanies most Asian dishes was part of a beautiful symphony including succulent duck breast with miso aubergine pancakes and ginger jus.<br/><br/>My mom's oxtail was stuffed in this pastry with a "Goldilocks" texture: not too flaky, not too soft... just right. The brocolli on her plate prepared in 3 different ways was worth applause. I actually wanted to clap my hands and say bravo! 👏<br/><br/>And we made so many impolite moans of enjoyment as we ate our dessert - I commend the staff for politely sending us off with warm smiles instead of judging our lack of inhibition! 😁<br/><br/>The interior decor is rightfully minimalistic as it lends itself to focusing on the outside view. The landscape artist has enhanced the already magnificent natural environment with a garden that cemented our feelings of contentment.<br/><br/>The restaurant at Cavalli is definitely one of the best in Cape Town.

Eating at Cavalli was such a treat! One of the first things I noticed was the restaurant's accolades. It was voted on the best restaurants in the Western Cape so my expectations were high but were met. The venue is breathtakingly beautiful, the restaurant is right next to a lake and the serenity is unmatched. <br/><br/>The chef is extremely talented and really take pride in his cuisine, both the taste and presentation were impeccable. I ate the linefish with the baby potatoes as a side. The side of potatoes is so large that I shared mine with my friend. The chef made a delicious meal while still catering to my gluten and lactose intolerance. The plate that the fish was served on made my meal look tiny but by the end of my meal, I was stuffed and very satisfied. <br/><br/>The service was lovely and the ambiance was perfect. I would recommend Cavalli for a date or dinner with the family. <br/><br/>This restaurant deserves another visit and I can't wait to return and try more meals on the menu.

This restaurant is beautifully located between a lake and poppy field. We sat on the terrace and were in awe of the stunning view of the lake and vineyards beyond. <br/>For starters we had the sweet potato and cured seabass. Both dishes were very enjoyable. <br/>There was only one vegetarian option for mains but it was flavorful and tasty nonetheless. The duck was a nice portion and very filling. The accompanying aubergine pancakes were a nice creative adjunct. However, I felt that the duck was slightly over cooked but still a lovely meal as it wasn't too chewy. <br/>The service was great and the wine tasting downstairs was a great way to end our experience.

Food: For starters I got the bobotie wontons. I was a skeptic because bobotie is not one of my favorites. It turned out to be amazing. It was nothing I've tasted before and since have found myself craving them. For main I had the cardamom sirloin with the smoked mash. It was delicious and the mash perfectly complemented the well cooked meat. My girlfriend had the linefish with the squid ink risotto and calamari. I tasted the calamari and it melted in my mouth. For desert we shared the peppermint semi fredo which was as delicious as it looks. <br/><br/>Service: The service was really good. Our waiter was super friendly and was cracking jokes with us. He was very attentive but certainly not overbearing. <br/><br/>Atmosphere: This is a perfect spot for lunch as the setting looks over some vineyards with the mountains of Somerset West. Perfect view to enjoy a delectable lunch. <br/><br/>Overall I found this experience to be of a fine dining quality which was value for money. Homemade breads and butters as well as an additional small dessert at the end (replacing the iconic peppermint) gave this place a differentiating touch. I would definitely go back.

BEAUTIFUL wine estate & the food is absolutely AMAZING! Really enjoyed the time here & would come back a million times over when I'm in Cape Town.

An interesting evening..the staff were amazing..so friendly and accomodating..the venue was lovely..and the amuse buche was a precursor to a delicious evening...but alas..a bone in the seabass starter..that the chef never even bothered to respond to..sadly..was followed by tough sirloin and even tougher duck..we didn't even stay for dessert..Come on cavalli ur better than that

Been at the cellar for wine tasting and was a great experience. Definitely be back soon. Good wines, good coffee and friendly faces. Stunning venue.

Had lunch here today and it was absolutely amazing. It was my 4th time here and I love the fact that they have made the fine dining more palatable and the portions more realistic.<br/><br/>The octopus was very good and so was the pork belly! Can't wait to come back!

One of the prettiest wine estates I have been to. The chef is really quite something, the dishes he comes up with are incredible. And I love the touches of Molecular Gastronomy. I eat there at least once a month for our family dinners... I just think the staff should be more attentive because they greet us everytime as if they have never met us but we go so often..

We were privileged enough to try everything on the menu here, bar one starter and one main meal, when we visited a few weeks ago. Everything was unbelievably good! Art on a plate, exquisite flavour combinations, excellent service and the sommelier, Farai, provided us with thought out wine pairings that worked amazingly with the various meals. Our party felt it was some of the best food ever experienced and that goes without mentioning the gorgeous scenery and the incredibly comfortable chairs! We will undoubtedly be back.

So this place was quite pleasent, I loved the the atmosphere and how everything is so exquisitely placed. They have a beautiful gallery that has the most interesting pieces of art. We did a stable tour and it was really something special. <br/><br/>The restaurant is simple yet sophisticated with amazing mountain views. I had the sirloin while my friend had the chicken fillet with rissoto. I must say I love how the flavours worked together. Our waiter Kazz was very friendly and went the extra mile for us, we were well looked after. <br/><br/>I'd definitely recommend a day at Cavalli it's also child friendly so that's a plus, will be coming back soon <br/><br/>

A lot has been said about Cavalli, so we've been very eager to go and try it. The estate is absolutely beautiful - so too the restaurant. The service was friendly and attentive, so that was a plus too.<br/><br/>Food wise - it's not as good as Terroir, but definitely worth a visit!

Thank you for an unforgettable experience!! The food was exceptional, perfect service & most surprised this heavenly restaurant has passed under our radar. Taken the expectations to a whole new level. Well done!

Wow, is the best word to describe this beautiful restaurant. The food is gastronomic and can only be described as edible art. Views to inspire all that enjoys a great glass of wine, while you indulge your tastebuds. Exquisite fine dining within the Stellenbsoch Winelands!

Best combination of wine and food. Excellent setting and service. If u need something to be critical of, then you may think the acoustics inside are a bit harsh. Otherwise, it's perfect

So yesterday we went to Cavalli for our anniversary and I must say it was absolutely spectacular. <br/><br/>From the venue itself to the scenery, the service and of course the food it was completely worth it. <br/><br/>And before "those people" complain about how they would have to stop at the McDonalds on the way home, this food was so much that I had two pieces of toast only at 22:00 last night. <br/><br/>The size of the plate especially of the mains makes it look much less than it is. We opted to forego the rosemary potato sides and have dessert instead. Even so, I was overfull. <br/><br/>Breads : Bread itself was much of a muchness but the accompanying Mustard and Blueberry butter make it amazing. They also give you pineapple salt which is great to try with and without for two completely different tastes. <br/><br/>Such a basic thing that I will definitely make for snacks in the future. <br/><br/>Starter : Barn-raised duck breast, mango purée, sweet corn salsa, nam prik, coconut reduction. <br/><br/>The shocker here was that the corn and other things were cold while the duck breast was warm which catches you by surprise but makes for a very interesting fusion of taste. <br/><br/>I loved the corn salsa combined with the reduction. Duck breast was equally tasty but best had alone and not mixed with the rest. <br/><br/>Mains : Pasture raised flat-iron steak and short rib, shiitake mushrooms, yellow mustard, estate carrots, star anise jus.<br/><br/>My first bite was actually very mixed as the piece of short rib with the fat just didn't blend with the almost vinegar like jus. So I had the rest of it with the mushrooms of which there weren't many and it was very pleasant. <br/><br/>I'm far from vegetarian but the carrots were ****ing amazing. <br/><br/>The main steak section worked perfectly with the jus and while it looked like so little it was incredibly filling. Perfectly<br/><br/>Dessert : Pink peppercorn nectarine, rooibos & yoghurt mousse, lemon curd, almond biscuit, white peach sorbet. <br/><br/>I like strong robust flavours when dining out and generally also very experimental when it's a reputable restaurant. So this was some kind of peppercorn mouse thing but it was ultimately very flat in flavour and not at all what I expected. The peaches were great and so was the sorbet, but definitely my least favourite part of the meal. <br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>My wife had the lemongrass & coconut torte, chickpea fudge crust, pine Apple compote, cucumber granita, which I expected to be quite subtle and lite but turned out much stronger in flavours than mine. <br/><br/>Should have gone for the cheesecake. :)<br/><br/>Didn't pay attention to the wine as my wife selected it but it was one of their own Rosés. Was pretty good but not the type of wine that had me finishing the bottle almost by accident and took a bit of effort down the line. <br/><br/>Overall it was a spectacular experience in every way and highly recommended.i

This is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed when you're in the Stellenbosch area!! More than just a dining experience, the food is art! Service is friendly and they have a gallery downstairs as well as the tasting room. Additionally, they have one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen!!! Everything about this place simply screams "class and elegance"! A sure winner.

One of my favourite dining experiences in Cape Town <br/>I'm not sure what to rate as my favourite part <br/>Stunning venue<br/>Delicious and creative food<br/>Fabulous wine list<br/>Attentive and friendly staff <br/>It's all wonderful :) <br/>Little did I know after lunch my fiance had planned to propose in the gardens of the estate so it was extra special<br/>Honestly can't recommend cavalli enough

Words leave me when I have to describe the experience of this place.<br/>From the scenery, wine tasting, stable tour right down to the cuisine is mind blowing, the attention to detail left me speechless.<br/>For a place that is only three years old, they have truly out done themselves.<br/>The food is delicious and having to dine in the sunset over looking the pond is one I could bask in forever.<br/>I'm definitely coming back

Food was really good, but sadly, the service was really bad. The wait staff looked unfriendly and didn't seem well informed about the food.

One of my top 3 resturants in South Africa. Everything from making the reservation to the last bite of desert is perfect. Always a pleasure.

The drive into the estate was really beautiful.<br/>The estate and restaurant have lovely scenery ! <br/>Amazing food. <br/>The service was perfect. <br/>I genuinely have nothing to critique. <br/>The selection of wines really caught my attention, I'm definitely going back !

We went here for lunch, I really enjoyed the picturesque setting. This venue is a treat, especially in summer. We ate 3 courses, from an aesthetic point of view the food looked amazing but in terms of taste it was lacking. Do try the deconstructed cheese cake, it was delicious. Their lunch is very reasonably priced, which was great. We took home some great wines from the tasting room. Do yourself a favour and Have a look at the art downstairs.

What an incredible experience, went with my family and friends from the uk. The view was mind blowing, the food and service amazing, the manager was a delight. If u appreciate decor and art it's a must I could have been interior shopping I wanted everything! Wine tasting was fabulous the gentleman who did it was so knowledgeable and professional. My friends returned a Second time before going back to the uk they loved it so much

Absolutely memorable dining experience. The barmen are excellently trained for pairings and the manager is exceptionally apprehensive towards her guests. The food was quite superb and beautifully presented. There are several amuse bouche "gifts" from the chefs.

Had an exceptional lunch here a while back with friends on a sunny afternoon! <br/><br/>Everything was perfect. They have an extensive wine menu, the food was delicious and our waitress was super attentive and sweet. <br/>The restaurant itself is beautiful and of course the view is breathtaking. <br/><br/>I cannot fault them on anything. Definitely need to come back.

Absolutely spectacular meal! The setting was perfect, the food was creative and beautifully presented - and tasted even better! The dark chocolate parfait was a highlight, so worthwhile. The estate is gorgeous and overall just a great experience.

Wow! Amazing food. Amazing setting (it's a pity we sat inside). The food was delicious but the service was quite disappointing. The fish and pork were incredible. The desserts were fantastic! The prices are fair for the food quality. Worth the splurge!

Views views views! This restaurant is made by the beautiful location but the cuisine and service match the exceptional views as you dine directly next to a small dam and perfect scenery. Modern stud farm in the heart of the winelands provide a perfect tranquil and informal setting for a lunch (in my view this spot must be booked for lunch instead of dinner to appreciate the scenery).<br/>For starters we had the buffalo mozzarella, salad, pastrami and trout. All were well-presented, delicious and decent sized portions.<br/>For mains we had the fillet, chickpea crusted line fish and pork belly. Line fish (yellowtail) was good but not amazing but the fillet and pork went down very well with my fellow diners. <br/>Dessert (as recommended by the waiter) was the gingerbread cheesecake (delish!) and a very generous portion of equally well balanced chocolate parfait (can definitely be shared).<br/>All in all good food but this restaurant is made by it's breathtaking setting and I would definitely return but will ensure I (once again) book an outside table at the waters edge to maximize the beauty of this great spot. <br/>

Being an equestrian fanatic, I was very excited to have lunch at Cavalli's Equus restaurant. And with spectacular weather, we were able to sit outside on the patio with a gorgeous view of the mountains. <br/><br/>Although the setting was picture perfect, I felt the food was lacking in flavor. The bread we were served to start off with did not taste freshly baked, which is something that has become a tradition on wine farms. It came with two butters - the one was honey flavored, the other a red wine infused butter. Neither were particularly tasty.<br/><br/>For starters, I ordered the mozzarella salad on recommendation from our waitress. I didn't like it - it was quite tasteless and I found the beetroot to be too overpowering with the subtle flavor of the mozzarella. Maybe feta or goats cheese would have made a better combination. The fish starter seemed to go down better, but it was quite a big serving for a starter! The best starter for the day seemed to have been the pork belly.<br/><br/>Mains arrived as linefish (hake) and more pork belly. Both dishes were quite good - I loved the crispy outside of the hake and the meat on the inside was soft and delicate. The sauce it came with was also delicious, but I just wished there was more of it!<br/><br/>For dessert, I had the chocolate terrine. You can't really go wrong with layers of chocolate, caramel and nuts topped with a citrus sorbet! Accompanying my dessert, I ordered some green tea, which was absolutely delicious! <br/><br/>What started out as a bit of a disaster thankfully ended on a sweet note. I must say, I was expecting more from Equus, but it was still an enjoyable lunch. The service was a bit slow, but our waitress was friendly and attentive. They also have a bit of a fly problem, which is expected since they do have a lot of horses. This becomes quite annoying if you're sitting outside - they have mist that does a good job at keeping the flies away, but leaves you with a bit of a damp layer on your skin! <br/><br/>Overall, the experience was enjoyable, but definitely not one of my favorite restaurants.

Such a beautiful setting! The farm is differently a must see. The detail in the wine tasting area, the restaurant and the stables are just out of this world. The view even more spectacular. The food was great! Flavourful and well presented. Limited menu but more than enough to chose from. The wine list has a variety to chose from in different price ranges.

Overall experience was superb. Given that this is an upmarket restaurant, the food is not expensive and the portions are decent. An amazing setting, overlooking the vineyards with beautiful views of the Stellenbosch mountains.

Fine dining done exceptionally well. Lovely fresh, exciting ingredients. Portion size wasn't too small (had the fish main which was on as the special). Limited menu but very exciting and well thought out. Lovely decor. Service was on point. Was surprised that it wasn't busier on a Saturday evening. Highly recommend for a fantastic fine dining experience!

What a wonderful Sunday lunch!! Super venue excellent service and superb food. I would highly recommend this restaurant. ( if you go as a group, all order something different and taste each other's).

Best Restaurant and best food expirience ever! I enjoy every part of my food expirience at this restaurant. Amazing service from the second I arrive and receiving champagne....I feel like an important special guest each time. A highly reccomend.....everything!

Think farm-to-table but on a grand scale. Local, seasonal and organic produce reigns supreme and each dish is something of a masterpiece. Chef Hylton Espey is the genius behind the restaurants transformation.<br/>The restaurants sommelier is one of most informative yet down to earth guys that I've met in the industry.<br/>As for a setting, sweeping views of the valley make it even more perfect.<br/>Of course, perfection costs so make sure you save up

Magnificent setting, service and food! We had lunch at Equus yesterday and I will highly recommend this restaurant to everyone who enjoys tasty, high quality food. The plating was beautiful and reasonably priced for a meal where they have clearly put great effort and planning into it. We will certainly go back for more.

The service, the view, the food and the wine - all exceptional! We went for a beautiful summer lunch and enjoyed a bottle of the Warhorse and the Cremello. I have had their other wines which are also fantastic. For lunch I had the beef filet with potatoes which was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. I really recommend this for a nice long lunch. Be sure to take your time as the estate has a lot to offer is is certainly worth the visit.

The food is absolutely incredible. Exquisite flavour combinations flawlessly presented. <br/>Unfortunately even if the food is genuinely world class (which it was!), slow service and poor communication from the waitrons detracted somewhat. <br/>The fact that the resultant score is 4 stars shows how mind-alteringly incredible the food was, because the service was very mediocre. <br/>As a side note, the setting could not be more idyllic.

I specifically came for the pork belly; it was the highlight of my dinner when I was here 9 months ago. We had a lovely dinner, and the service was fantastic. However, the pork didn't live up to my expectations (where was the crispy skin!), and I felt the dessert was lacking (dry carrot cake :( ) <br/><br/>Equus is still a great, fine dining experience though, and the three course special is great value for money!

This place is so beautiful. The views are exquisite and the cuisine is French. A serene ambience fills the entire restaurant and the food is spectacular. Upon arrival you see beautiful horses alongside the road and the experience at large is unforgettable. The food was unbelievable and left me dreaming about each course long after I left.

Had a great overall dining experience at Equus. Top class service and wonderful food paired with a great atmosphere which added up to a very enjoyable evening.

I'm really surprised on the rating of this beautiful establishment.<br/><br/>this is one of my favourite restaurants I've been to in the Cape, and has the food to stand with it!<br/><br/>Beautiful open plan kitchen and you can see the passion filtering through this magnificent establishment. They grow their own vegetables and usually utilise what's in season on their menu.<br/><br/>Please don't forget to go down to the museum on the ground floor or their wine cellar (really a special collection!)

The most amazing view you could wish for at Equus. Once the sun slipped away we were kept warm by lovely wood fire which created a wonderful ambience. The meal started with home made breads and anchovy and olive-spreads. <br/>Starters were trout, beetroot salad and steak tartare. Presentation and tastes were exceptional. Mains were beef, pork belly, springbok ( quite apt following Boks defeat earlier that day😩) and sea bass.<br/>Desserts Pistachio sponge, coconut torte and strawberry cheesecake.<br/>Again delicious and full value for money. The highlight for me was Miles Mossop Max - tremendous wine.<br/>So why the 4 rating after all the praise.<br/>Other than the sommelier, the service was an abomination. Chatting away amongst themselves whilst we frantically hailed them ( like trying to hail a cab in Paris after 11)<br/>I cannot understand how management allow this.<br/>Would have given a higher rating if not for service. Was a real shocker !<br/>Starters were superb

Absolutely breathtaking! What an experience. From the moment you arrive at this exquisite venue, you feel as if you are in some sort of mystical relm. The flavours in each and every dish are completely in harmony, with an impeccable attention to detail. Recommendations: Starter - Scallops; Main - Springbok or the corn & palenta if you're vegetarian; Dessert - the whole lot (well I certainly had them all)