With our recent visit to the area and our stay at the beautiful Light House Boutique Suites, I thought I would compile a list of places to pop into when visiting Paarl.
Where to Eat in Paarl?
We were graciously booked a table at Noop. A once iconic family run business.
Now with new owners (since 2010), the space is just as beautiful with a creative menu and twist of well-known dishes.
The service is friendly however on our visit, food was slow and left very little to remember in terms of creativity and well, taste.
We also left feeling the value for money lacked and we wouldn’t be inclined to return in a hurry.
However, the ambience was great and it possibly the closest most central eatery in the village.
That being said, I suggest rather book a taxi (as Mr. Buckton at the Light House Guest House offered to help with, as Uber’s in the area non-existent) and head to places like Bertus Basson at Spice Route, Faber at Avondale or even venture as “far as” Franschhoek for a spot like BABEL at Babylonstoren or The Restaurant @ Glen Carlou.
The food will be of a higher standard (and possibly price point) but you’ll feel leaving happier and know that it was money well spent.
Where to do Drinks in Paarl?
Paarl is predominantly rustic, farm-inspired cuisine and culture.
Think pubs and local dive bars.
Slug & Lettuce; part of a franchise is a traditional fish chips, bangers and mash and a few beers type of spot with tables perched on the pavement to watch passersby.
Bossa, is incredibly local and always buzzing.
The spot for after work drinks for many of the locals.
Don’t be shy order a Brandy and Coke, it’s the local drink of choice always on special and bound to be a talking point if you’re looking to pick up a farmer or two.
Wineries and more to Visit in Paarl
Some incredible wines come out of the Paarl region.
The Paarl area is best known for the quality of its Shiraz, the climate in particular favouring this varietal. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Viognier and Mourvedre are increasingly well regarded.
Avondale is known for biodiversity and offers a beautiful spread from Methode Classic, white and many award-winning reds.
Fairview is a great all-day winery to visit with the famed goat’s cheese and wine pairing it makes for a great way to try a good array of wines and the locally cultivated cheese.
Beryl Back Tasting Room- R80/PERSON ; includes 8 wines, a selection of cheeses & olive oil. Last tasting vouchers are sold at 16h00
Just a walk away is Spice Route more of a family destination than “just” a winery.
Here, be sure to try wines such as Bloemcool MCC a great MCC with a beautiful label and story to boot.
The Malabar is also an incredible red, a great investment wine. In it’s intirity this wine sees no less than 22 months in French Oak and is blended using only premium quality unfiltered single variatal aged in first fills to create these full bodies fermented vintages.
If you are whining about all the wine tasting, pull into Cape Brewing Company for a beer tasting or even Wilderers for a Gin or Grappa pairing.
There’s no excuse not to visit and also makes for a great one spot all day adventure.
La Borie Estate, I would go so far as to stay is walking distance from The Light House Boutique Suites, a slow 7 km or so.
Here tastings are toured under the trees and is a very laidback experience, also with a good array of wines to taste from the Tillefert Label which includes; Taillefert Crémant De Taillefert Brut (MCC), Taillefert Pinot Noir and Taillefert Chardonnay.
“A carefully curated list of award-winning wines by Cape Wine Merchants.”
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic a few of my favoutite spots include Tea under the Trees.
Yes, that’s what it’s called and Bean in Love, a local on-site coffee roaster with great beans available for purchase.
On the High Street is a great small space called Bread and butter, visit then for a quick cupa and a slice of something sweet.
There’s Fleet at KWV a new discovery for me, great team behind the bar and often quiet-so perfect to catch up on some tweets and social media.
Have we missed out on any of your favourites? Pop us a comment below or tweet us.
Feature Image: BRYNE DE KOCKS PHOTOGRAPHY
“The Taal Monument (Afrikaans Language Monument), is located on the edge of Paarl near the Paarl Nature Reserve and is easily accessible, it provides a great viewpoint of the Paarl and surrounding areas while also offering picnic areas around the monument for those that so desire.”
See More about our stay at The Light House Boutique Suites
