Stellenbosch has one of the best restaurant scenes in South Africa outside Cape Town, driven by the steady flow of wine tourists and a prosperous university town population. The best places are generally either on or near Dorp Street or on wine estates a short drive from town.
Overture at Hidden Valley estate is consistently rated among South Africa's top ten restaurants — modern wine-country cuisine with estate-grown produce and an exceptional view. Booking well in advance is essential. Terroir at Kleine Zalze is similarly serious and similarly booked up. For something more casual in town, Wijnhuis on Church Street has a good wine list (the whole point is the selection by the glass) and solid bistro cooking. Mozaiek at Babylonstoren farm, about 20 kilometres from town, is worth the drive for lunch — the gardens are spectacular.
For coffee and cake, the Deli at Spier wine estate is reliable and has good outdoor seating. Schoon on Dorp Street is the spot for sourdough and excellent coffee.