The Stone Kitchen Restaurant – Dunstone Estate Wellington

The Stone Kitchen Restaurant, situated on the Bovlei Road outside the picturesque, historical town of Wellington on Dunstone Wine Estate, is one of those magnificent hidden gems that I am always so thrilled to discover. The Cape Winelands in winter, the Western Cape’s Green Season, is truly magnificent. It has endless blue skies and sunshine, mountains, beautiful towns and villages and, of course, wine estates and farms creating a patchwork design in shades of green and the fading autumn colours of orange yellow and brown. Having just been in the throes of a severe drought the past few years the welcome rains that have recently fallen have washed everything clean, the spruits and rivers are starting to run again and dams slowly beginning to fill. Last week we drove through the glorious rural countryside for lunch at The Stone Kitchen Restaurant. Hemmed in on all sides by the magnificent Bainskloof, Limietberg, Hawekwa and Groenberg Mountain ranges, Dunstone Estate is solace for the soul when you happen upon it.

Recently refurbished with comfortable seating around the indoor fireplace, the Stone Kitchen Restaurant is a bright and airy, yet warmly welcoming Bistro in what was once the wine cellar. Owners of the family run estate since 2002, Lee and Abbi Wallis originally from the UK,  recently purchased a small neighbouring farm, which co-incidentally was part of the original farm, and relocated the wine cellar into what was the barn and gave the Stone Kitchen its own dedicated space. Lighting is creatively formed chandeliers woven out of  dried “wingerdstokke”, cut wine barrels and wine bottles strung together. Modern metal chairs sit comfortably next to shiny wooden tables and chairs. The mosaic tiles at the bar counter and on the floor are eye catching, burgundy chair covers and cushions give a splash of colour.

Seating 100 plus patrons indoors and about 60+ outdoors the bistro kitchen is presided over by General Manager, Carmen Murray, and newly appointed Chef Davey (Jacob Davids but known as Chef Davey in the industry) with his compliment of assistant chefs. Having worked in the industry the past 27 years Chef Davey is all about the food that he presents to his patrons. He acquired experience and training during those years at Rhebokskloof, 5 Flies Restaurant, Aubergine, Blaauwklippen, Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and La Brasserie in Franschhoek. He is passionate about his career and his cooking style includes a mix of fine dining with French /South African influences and home or pub style food. He considers his greatest teachers, influencers and inspiration in the cooking industry to be Chefs Harald Bresselschmidt and Chef Alicia Giliomee.

With a large play area for children The Stone Kitchen is obviously a favourite destination for families on a weekend, especially Sundays where frazzled parents can safely leave their children to play in the well-appointed indoor and outdoor areas while they relax over a leisurely lunch in the charming countryside, forgetting life’s worries for a short hiatus in time and enjoying the tranquility and peace at Dunstone. Including a soft play area, Lego table, climbing wall, kids kitchens, jungle gym, mini golf, mini soccer pitch, swings, slides, sandpits and more! All with beautiful mountain views! The restaurant is laid out in such a way that couples who want to enjoy a quiet meal without the noise are seated away from the play area.The playground, surrounded by shady trees as well as heavily laden guava orchards, also has seating so parents can keep a watchful eye on young adventurers.

The Stone Kitchen is offering, to subscribers of the monthly Winelands Kitchen Newsletter, a special of ONE free children’s meal (from the Kiddies Menu) with every family booking, running in conjunction with this review from 15 June to 15 July 2018. See the latest newsletter on how to book and claim this special.

Front of house is represented by very friendly and competent staff Rowen and Linda. Service is excellent, their knowledge of the cellar wines and food is good, they are attentive but keep their distance. Adding to the homely, family atmosphere are regular restaurant guests Merlot and Rosé, the affectionate Dunstone Weimaraner dogs.

The food is local, seasonal Bistro style and consists of a changing chalk board menu as well as a printed menu. Burgers feature heavily on their menu and their Dunstone Lamb Burger is their pride and joy. They serve wines from their cellar which include their award winning Shiraz, Merlot, Mouvèrdre, Granache, Viognier, a perky Rosé pressed from Shiraz grapes, and a Chenin Blanc. Wine tasting is also available both in The Stone Kitchen Restaurant and up at the Winery.

Dunstone Estate also has superb accommodation, aimed more at couples than families, for those wanting a little time away from the rat race.

The Dunstone Country house offers 6 en suite Bed and Breakfast rooms based in converted stables.

Self catering options include Acorn 1 bedroomed cottage, Guava a 2 bedroomed cottage and The Manor a 3 bedroomed house.

In house chef services are available on request.

Dunstone Estate is currently offering an amazing Winter Special on accommodation. See their website for details.

Opening Hours for Breakfast and Lunch:

Summer (Nov – April) – DAILY from 08:30 to 16:00 .

Winter ( May – Oct ) – Wed – Sunday 08:30 – 16:00.

Booking strongly advisable at weekends

Dinner:

Friday and Saturdays till 22:00 – booking essential – please note if we have no bookings the kitchen will close early

Prior arrangements can be made for booked special evenings and The Stone Kitchen caters for kids birthday parties, baby showers, kitchen teas and other events.

Bistro reservations, events & enquiries

+27(0)21 873 6770
food@dunstone.co.za

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