Lunch at Gåte Restaurant, Quoin Rock

A few weeks ago I was invited to visit Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock on the Knorhoek Road outside Stellenbosch. I’ve heard quite a bit about this upmarket, modern estate – the Ukranian Gayduk family bought the property in 2012, and reopened it in 2018 after 6 years of careful renovation and restoration. The estate now boasts a very modern wine lounge, function venue, restaurant and revamped manor house accommodation facilities.

Gåte Restaurant is headed by chef Nicole Loubser who gained experience at JAN Restaurant in Nice, France. We sat down for lunch in their impressive space, and what followed can be described as a premium culinary adventure filled with surprises, paired with fabulous wines. The 6-course set lunch experience is called “Journey around the world” (R800, or R1100 with wine pairing – pairing highly recommended). Take a look at the menu:

Italy – Caffe Macchiato with Gate Cigar

South Africa – Gate`s signature Saldanha Bay Oysters

(served with QR MCC Festive Series, 2014)

Italy – Gate`s signature Caprese Salad

(served with Namysto Sauvignon Blanc, 2017)

Austria – Lamb, cranberry and smoked cheese tuile

(served with Namysto Red Blend, 2015)

Namibia – Game – Oryx meat with smoked potato pure and veggies

(served with QR Shiraz, 2015)

Caribbean – Pina Colada dessert with coconut

(served with QR MCC Black Series, 2013)

Here’s our experience in pictures. Chef Nicole and her team certainly lives up to the “dialogue between art, tradition and technical craft” that they’ve set out to deliver. Service is efficient, smooth and friendly and diners can be sure of an all round luxurious, premium experience. This is certainly not an everyday eatery, but for special occasions and those in search of the best new offerings it will impress and delight.