EAT: For one little country village, there are some great restaurants to keep your tastebuds happy and tummies filled!

Marianas continues to delight diners from across the country. In a recent review in Eat Out, Abigail says: On Sunday I honoured a month-old booking at Mariana’s out in Stanford. It was a glorious day and the kitchen was busy. Zig zag-edged pappardelle – homemade, of course – hung on rods to dry and bundles of bread sticks were piled up high. Later, they found themselves in my bowl, smothered in a light springbok ragù.

Sitting outside, I was amongst the mulberry trees dripping with the first of the season’s crimson fruit, granadillas hiding behind their thick leaves, and tons of gooseberries. Peter, Mariana’s husband, enticed me to have the duck ham: thin slices of duck, ever so gently cured in salt, with a delicious salad of white, flat sandveld beans and a perfectly balanced apricot and raisin chutney. After I nibbled on a few more dishes cooked with such honesty, the garden dessert arrived, made up of their very own freshly picked produce. A scoop of mulberry sorbet was very moreish, as were the little granadilla tart and glass of creamy gooseberry fool. I can still taste the stalks of the mulberry that came through in the icy delight. What a treat! A very special place.

Nominated as one of   “The best restaurants for Sunday lunch” They consistently scoop  ‘Best Country Kitchen’ award from Eat Out magazine. This  quaint  country eatery has homely tables set on the patio overlooking  her herb and vegetable garden, and beyond to the glorious mountains. Enjoy the view while savouring her mouthwatering ‘Skaap en dinges‘ (Lamb and things)  Mariana contributes a monthly column to the Woolworths TASTE magazine, and produces delicious home preserves for the deli. Lunches Thursday to Sunday and booking essential. 028 341 0272

The Art Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with coffees and cakes in between. A perfect meeting and eating place in a conspicuous position on Queen Victoria Street, with cafe tables spilling onto the pavement. The welcoming pizza oven occupies pride of place in the middle of the inspired art gallery, and produces pizzas with yummy  and unusual toppings, Winter nights are warmed by Phil’s Soup Bar six nights a week, offering steaming bowls of delicious soup and home baked bread. Regular Jazz Swing evenings with local talent keeps the fans entertained.

graze Slow Food Cafe is now open on Friday evenings and Saturdays for breakfast and lunch. Tucked in next to the ever impressive and innovative  Stanford Trading Store on Queen Victoria Street, this tiny cafe produces an impressive array of delights. Fresh produce from the garden is transformed into delicious Italian fare. Home baked ciabbata (pane di mare…yum) hand made pasta, cakes and sublime cappuccinos.

Serendipity Square Coffee shop is a great place for Sunday buffet breakfast, while the children play happily in the dedicated safe play area. Excellent milkshakes and chocolate cake!

Madres Kitchen and Country Grocer set on Sir Robert Stanford’s wine estate is just out of the village. This gorgeous restaurant is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks the dam. The menu is inspirational Country Cooking, with fresh breakfast, lunch and tea options. Madre also produces a delicious range of wheat free cakes.  Children are well catered for with a jungle gym and trampoline. 028 341 0647

Hennie’s back in town! Loyal fans of his legendary mouthwatering steaks, Sunday roasts and spitbraais will be happy to hear that he is operating again at the Stanford Pub and Grill.

Oom Steyn’s Pub and Grill offers home cooked meals and specials daily. Kitchen open from 11:00 - 15:00 and 18:00 - 22:00 18 Queen Victoria Street 082 893 7615

Evergrine, at the entrance to the Village in Queen Victoria Street is open from Monday to Sunday 8am - 5pm. They are pleased to welcome Nonnie du Toit and her new range of eats.  Delicious home baked Apple Pie, Quiches and freshly baked Muffins are always available for taking home, or enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch on the patio. Enquiries 028 3410 386

The Klein River Cheese shop is open throughout the winter for delicious coffee, cakes and ever scrumptious cheese. The Picnic Shed will be closed for the season and re-open in November For reservations and further info: 028 341 0693 kleinriver@telkomsa.net

Havercroftsis close to Madres, just out of the village. It is set in a rustic old farm house, and overlooks a horse farm and beyond to the stunning Klein River Mountains. The husband and wife team of Innes and Brydon Havercroft (Good looking cook, rude wife - their quote, not mine!) offer a legendary Sunday lunch, with great Yorkshire pudding. 028 341 0603

1892 Stanford Spookhuis at Mosaic Farm is situated on the edge of the Hermanus Lagoon. Their menu offers a fusion of classic and contemporary South African cuisine, featuring the freshest ingredients of the season. Organic herbs and vegetables are gathered daily from the garden, fresh fish is ordered in from the area harbours, select meats are custom cut at a local butchery and blended into great food sensations. The fantastic wine cellar focus es on the regional wines. Reservations required. 028 313 2814  or 082 825 3211

Panorama Restaurant at Bellavista is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Dinner from 18.30 - 21.30 Saturday and Sunday: Lunch and dinner For 6 or more guests they can provide lunches during the week or make any special arrangements. Booking advisable  Tel. 028 341 01 78 or 082 901 76 50