Snug Life: Cosy Restaurants With Fireplaces

Baby, it’s cold outside… stay toasty with fireside drinking and dining

Winter is officially here, but that just means it’s the season for comfort food and red wine alongside a crackling fire. From the City Bowl to the ‘burbs to the Winelands, these fireplace-included spots will get you out and about this winter.

ELEGANT DINING IN A GLAM GRANDE DAME

Both of Palm House’s elegant dining destinations have fireplaces. Palm Terrace serves family-friendly favourites with a twist (the house burger is made with a patty of hand-ground short-rib on a housemade brioche bun); de Tafel offers a six-course menu of indigenous ingredients that are sustainably sourced. Plus you can stay over at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Palm Terrace hours: Daily. 7am to 10am (breakfast); 12pm to 3pm (lunch); 6pm to 9.30pm (dinner)

de Tafel hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 9.30pm

10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | Cape Town | @palmhousehotel | Image: Palm House

HEAD TO FRANSCHHOEK FOR A COSY MEAL

The lovely La Motte Restaurant has a relaxed, farm-style menu that pays homage to South African cuisine. The chef is Eric Bulpitt, who changes the menu often so there are always new dishes to discover. The focus is on hearty comfort foods, but with an innovative touch, such as pork and boerenkaas sausage, with cider-braised sour cabbage, pickles and celeriac. The elegant dining area is a lovely space to be in on colder days with a seat close to the wood-fired fireplace, in the restaurant on La Motte wine farm.

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 15.30pm

R45 Main Road | Franschhoek Valley | pierneef@la-motte.co.za  |+27(0)21 876 8800

COSY, CASUAL BEACHFRONT EATERY

End a bracing stroll on the beach at Dutchies, in Hermanus, with a warming drink and a bite to eat. This laid-back beachside eatery is a stone’s throw from Grotto Beach and is surrounded by nature. It has an extensive menu with breakfasts, light meals, mains, sushi, tapas, desserts and an impressive wine list. The fireplace keeps things cosy in the casual inside section and on the stoep, the clear window blinds can be drawn to keep the wind and the cold out at Dutchies in Hermanus.

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 9am–9pm

Grotto Street, Grotto Beach, Hermanus, info@dutchies.co.za, +27(0)28 314 1392, Dutchies website

DELECTABLE STEAKS AND TOP-SHELF WINE

The Hussar Grill is famous for its speciality steaks and its award-winning wine list. Several of their 13 Western Cape locations, including Camps Bay and Franschhoek, have fireplaces to keep things toasty and cosy on those wintry nights. A highlight on the menu is the Hussar Carpetbagger – a fillet mignon stuffed with smoked oysters and cheddar cheese and topped off with a brandy and wholegrain mustard sauce. Pair it with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chenin Blanc from their award-winning wine list, or bring along your own. There is no corkage fee at The Hussar Grill.

Hours: 12pm – 11pm (hours may vary at each location)

Various locations in the Western Cape | book online

WARMTH IN THE WINELANDS

La Paris Estate is reason enough for a drive to Franschhoek, but La Paris Bistro makes it even better. You’ll find the fireplace in the corner of this modern eatery, set against solid French Oak flooring that adds to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. La Paris Bistro’s farm-to-table philosophy means seasonal, wholesome meals and their selection of more than 70 locally sourced wines means you’ll be warm on the inside too. If wine isn't your thing, choose from craft beer on tap or a cocktail. Plus, there’s live music on Friday nights to warm the soul.

R301 | Franschhoek | +27 (0)21 867 0171 | restaurant@laparis.co.za

BEACH VIEWS IN WINTER

Who says the beach can’t be appreciated when it’s cold? Take in the views of Camps Bay beach from the warmth of The 41’s fireplace. The 41 is pretty glam, with a waterfall feature behind the bar… but the fireplace makes winter dining cosy and comfy. Chef Aristotle Ragavelas has worked around the world, from London to Athens and Mykonos, so you’re in for a treat. And if you’re feeling bold, order the Deep Throat cocktail (or something else from the cocktail menu if you’re feeling shy).

41 Victoria Road | Camps Bay | +27 (0)21 437 0558 | info@the41.co.za

STELLENBOSCH SECRET

We’re already fans of Haskell Vineyards, and the Longtable Restaurant adds to our list of reasons to visit. The snug space is made even snugger by a classic matte black fireplace. Grab a seat at the table on Friday and Saturday evenings and enjoy authentic meals made with produce grown in their very own garden and created by head chef, Cornelle Minie. You can expect fine wine and excellent conversation, too.

Haskell Vineyards | Annandale Road | Stellenbosch | 021 881 3746 | longtable@haskellvineyards.co.za

STOP AND STARE

If you need to get away from it all without going too far, Devonvale golf and wine estate in Stellenbosch (just 30 minutes from the city centre) is the place to go to get your peace-and-quiet fix. Gazing out over vineyards, wining, dining and breakfast-buffeting (there are also deer grazing in the pastures) is a recipe for relaxation. There’s a large, crackling fireplace and a menu of award-winning wines, to add to your zen. Oh, and a spa, in case you needed more convincing.  

Bottelary Road | Stellenbosch | 021 865 2080 | info@devonvale.co.za   

FEELING FAT

With wholesome meals and live entertainment over the weekend, Fat Harry’s in Kenilworth offers a homely vibe and is a great local spot for getting together. It also has a fairly fat, old-school fireplace in the seating area of the pub and restaurant, surrounded by images of classic cars and music legends, and is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood for keeping warm during winter.

 

166 2nd Ave | Kenilworth | +27 (0)21 671 7433 | fatharrygm@gmail.com

FOR A SPECIAL DATE

Intimate, inviting and conveniently located for city dwellers, Societi Bistro offers classic fine dining complete with classic fireplace. Built into the face-brick wall of this charming Georgian house, the fireplace adds to the cosiness of candlelight and comfy interiors. The French-style menu is adapted seasonally to create exceptional dishes.

BEER ‘N’ PIZZA IN THE ‘BURBS

There are a few things cosier than a classic pub, and you’ll find that vibe at The Toad sports bar in Noordhoek. A fireplace completes the picture, with logs stacked up high beneath a framed picture of a toad in a suit drinking a beer. This lively spot is loved by locals and offers a comforting menu of woodfired pizzas, burgers, steaks and salads. They keep things authentic, with freshly baked buns every morning.

 Village Ln & Noordhoek Main Road | Noordhoek | +27 (0)21 789 2973

HELDERBERG HERO

Bacon-and-Brie muffins, gluten-free banana cake, chicken ramen and other heavenly creations are what you can expect at Pajamas + Jam eatery in Strand. This old warehouse has been redecorated with an antique, vintage feel and has a very toasty fireplace for snuggling up to as you try to decide which cakes and pastries to indulge in.

23 Van Zyl Street | Strand | 021 854 6408 | hello@pajamasandjam.com

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