Sarah Kingdom eats at Wilde Vy Bistro not that far from Cape Town on the Durbanville Wine Route.
Just 20 minutes north of Cape Town’s city centre, the Durbanville Wine Route feels like a different world, one that’s quieter, greener, refreshingly unpretentious and definitely under-the-radar. It’s here, on the historic Hooggelegen Farm, that Wilde Vy Bistro has quickly established itself as one of the area’s best dining destinations, making it well worth the short drive beyond the city.
Set among the vineyards of Signal Gun Wines, Wilde Vy Bistro feels like an escape from the frenetic pace of town and the sometimes rather pretentious Cape Town restaurant scene. Relaxed, rooted in heritage but unmistakably modern, this is a place that will reward those diners who are happy to venture just beyond the city limits.
Durbanville: An Easy Winelands Escape
Durbanville has long been one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. Its rolling hills, family-run wine farms and laid-back atmosphere make it ideal for a leisurely lunch or weekend escape. Unlike the cape’s busier Stellenbosch or Franschhoek wine areas, Durbanville retains a laid-back, almost village-like charm. Rolling hills, family-owned wine estates, and expansive views all create the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or an early dinner. Wilde Vy Bistro’s location on a six-generation farm adds an extra sense of place.
An African-Rooted, International Story
The restaurant is a collaboration between co-owners Kwasi Osei-Kusi and Charles Bucknor, Ghanaian entrepreneurs based in Accra, along with acclaimed South African chef Jürgen Snyman.
Kwasi and Charles are no strangers to hospitality. In Accra, they operate a successful portfolio of restaurants and lifestyle venues, and are also the founders of Jamestown Coffee Company, a Ghanaian coffee brand with its own roastery and a growing café presence in Accra, that recently featured on CNN for its role in reshaping African coffee culture.
Their partnership with Snyman began in Cape Town, where he previously led kitchens at well-known establishments, including the popular Kloof Street House. United by a shared belief in people-first hospitality, skills development and long-term mentorship, the trio brought their collective experience to Durbanville in early 2025, opening Wilde Vy Bistro in January.
The result is a restaurant that feels globally informed but deeply grounded, something that’s reflected in both the food and the warm, confident service.
Design: Heritage Meets Contemporary Calm
The interiors, designed by Design Build Collective, honours the heritage of Hooggelegen Farm while introducing modern refinements. Organic textures, including wood, rustic brick and concrete, are softened with brass and marble accents. Large windows frame views of the vineyards, and the space flows easily between indoors and out, making it equally appealing for a sunny afternoon or a cosy winter evening.
The Menu: Confident, Seasonal and Share-Friendly
Wilde Vy’s menu was conceived to be shared, explored and enjoyed without pretence. It’s broad without being overwhelming. It’s designed to suit different tastes and dining styles, and spans small plates, raw dishes, seafood, fire-grilled meats, vegetarian options, sides and desserts, along with a well-considered kids’ menu.
Standout dishes include the rich and beautifully balanced Duck Liver Parfait with brioche and cherry granola, the fresh and precise Citrus-Cured Salmon with ajo blanco, apple and cucumber, and the Beef Tartare with spiced tomato and black garlic. For my husband, a steak and chips man at heart, the Chargrilled Flank Steak with beef fat chimichurri and beef fat triple-cooked chips, took one of his favourite dishes to quite another level! Favourite deserts were Chocolate, with miso and caramel, and the Espresso Crème Brûlée with apricot and biscotti.
The wine list naturally champions Signal Gun Wines and other Durbanville producers, alongside a broader South African selection. There’s an impressive cocktail and mocktail list and the coffee, unsurprisingly excellent, given the owners’ background, is excellent and rounds out the offering.
More Than a Meal
Wilde Vy Bistro offers more than just dining. Weekly highlights include live music evenings, romantic Date Night dinners and leisurely Sunday roasts, making it as appealing to locals as it is to visitors. There’s also a great breakfast menu which includes a ‘Farmers Breakfast’ with all the trimmings and Land & Sea eggs Benedict, that comes with bacon or snoek – ideal for a weekend treat.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
Wilde Vy Bistro succeeds because it offers more than just good food and great value. For visitors to Cape Town, it’s a chance to explore a lesser-known wine route and discover a restaurant that feels both grounded and forward-thinking. For locals, it’s already becoming a favourite escape from the city. This is the kind of restaurant you come to for a long lunch, a special celebration or simply as an excuse to escape the city for a few hours. Wilde Vy Bistro proves that sometimes the most rewarding dining experiences begin with a short drive and end with plans to return.
Tell me more about Wilde Vy Bistro in Durbanville.
Wilde Vy Bistro, Signal Gun Wines, Hooggelegen Farm, Durbanville, Cape Town
E: reservations@wildevybistro.com T: +27 (64) 643-9766
Three-course meal, without drinks, would average around $25/£18.50 Small Plates: $6/£4.50, Cured, Raw and Salads: $7.50/£5.50, Main courses: $12/£9 – $19/£13 Desert: $7/£5
