A few minutes east of the centre in Klein Windhoek, the Stellenbosch Wine Bar is the obvious alternative to Joe's Beerhouse — quieter, more grown-up, and built around an excellent South African wine list. The food is straightforward grill: dry-aged steak, line fish, lamb chops, a few game dishes for travellers who still haven't tried oryx.
The vibe is a wood-and-leather wine cellar with a small open terrace. A glass-fronted humidor sits in one corner for cigar smokers. Service is calm and competent. Lunch is quieter and a good way to enjoy the place without the booking pressure of dinner.