Buitenverwachting is Beyond Expectations
~Buitenverwachting Wine Estate, Constantia, Cape Town~
Lunch at Buitenverwachting is definitely a 5 star experience I would recommend if you find yourself to be wandering around the Constantia wine valley. The restaurant is part of Buitenverwachting wine estate which brings you back to the old colonial times with its very well preserved classic entrance and numerous horses on the property. The wonderful open field at the entrance of the restaurant itself is the perfect setting for couples and families to have a picnic and enjoy the luscious green grass and African sunshine.
We were seated right by a window which looked out on spectacular views of the Constantia winelands, the surrounding mountains and of course a dramatic blue sky.
The interior of the restaurant is elegant and sophisticated but doesn’t have that pretentious feeling you would often get in very high class places like this, which makes it feel comfortable and allows you to enjoy the beauty, literally all around you. The service was on point, all the waiters were extremely efficient and friendly, making for such an enjoyable experience.
Our drinks’ order was taken quickly, but in now way making us feel pressured, and before we knew it, we were presented with a display of amazing fresh artisanal bread baked right there and then. Additionally, we were also brought an accompaniment of three different dips to tease our taste buds in the anticipation of our mains.
The menu, which changes daily, is a Cape celebration, a blend of local and seasonal cuisine. Additionally, Buitenverwachtings’ internationally acclaimed wines are handcrafted, boasting of great complexity and unique aromatic profiles.
– As I had been cycling and wine tasting during the morning, I opted for the gourmet burger to satisfy my demanding stomach.
The burger was definitely a fantastic choice: quality over quantity, it was packed with flavour and the meat was cooked to perfection. The patty was home-made and filled with an assortment of herbs and thinly sliced sweet peppers, creating what I like to call a “Foodgasm”. The bun was wonderfully soft and fresh, just how I like it. On the side was a serving of scrumptious home made french fries, a must to have with any burger…
After lunch I ordered a flat white coffee and to my surprise and delight it was accompanied by a duo of beautifully presented chocolates- apparently just the norm when serving coffees.
On another occasion I remember having beautiful dessert samples… Something my mind, stomach and sense of taste will not forget any time soon… 
What a special place this was. It felt like the staff had really gone out of their way to give us a magical experience.
And to add on to all this, even the pricing was not too over the top where you almost feel like it should have been.
loveatfirsthike 