Eating out in the Elgin Valley

Here is a one‑stop‑Elgin‑shop for fresh, artisanal food and produce from hearty curries to gourmet sandwiches and ribs and chips and of course, local wine. The Elgin Railway Market is the brainchild of businessman Roger Orpen. He converted the old apple warehouse into a bustling steampunk station market boasting local vendors and live music. Inspired by the barn's railway‑side setting, Orpen took his creative cues from the invention of steam and the industrial age, milestones accompanied by the rapid development of rail networks across the world. Creating a beautiful space where art deco meets Victorian, the Market is unlike any other in South Africa.

In partnership with the Ceres Rail Company, the arriving train's whistle and steam is a must‑see.

Wine‑and‑cheese pairing is presented with artisan cheeses by Kasselshoop of Stilbaai, and the tasting room offers a menu of cheese and snack platters, light meals of quiches and salads and a selection of pizzas baked in the wood‑fired oven. Picnic boxes filled with locally produced treats and seasonal fruit can be booked in advance to enjoy on the deck or the lawns.

Elgin Vintners wines can be bought by the glass or bottle to enjoy with a meal and are available for sale from the tasting room.

The Melting Pot is a summer pop‑up headed by Chef John van Zyl. John was previously Head Chef at Thali and Chef’s Warehouse before starting up The Melting Pot Cafeteria in Cape Town. It’s a flavour-packed global food experience. We’re bringing the world to Oak Valley since we can’t take ourselves to the world. We’re open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00‑16h00 and then picnics in the garden from January. Our tables are mostly outside overlooking the pool, which lends itself to safe outdoor dining. Bookings can be made through our website using Dineplan

Picnics: The Melting Pot offers garden picnics under the trees. Menu and bookings are available on the website. These have to be booked 24 hours in advance and one picnic box serves two people.

Established in the sixties, Peregrine has been serving generations of travellers seeking honest homemade fare and warm country hospitality. Situated in the beautiful and fertile Elgin Valley, Peregrine offers an abundance of locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce.

The South Hill Tasting Room restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast from 08h00, lunches until 16h00 and wine tastings until 17h00.

Striving to create the quintessential neighbourhood restaurant, somewhere to kick back and relax – enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a generous country-style lunch or to celebrate special times – a romantic meal, wedding, birthday lunch or make merry with a glass of your favourite South Hill vintage. They advise calling ahead to make a reservation.

Open daily from 08h00‑22h00. Day visitors are welcome too. Please call in advance as they may be closed for private functions.

The Hickory Shack is an authentic Texas style BBQ restaurant located on a scenic apple farm in Elgin, Grabouw with awesome mountain and forest views. They serve a variety of slow-cooked meats such as pork ribs, brisket and free-range chicken along with some unique homemade sides.

Although they specialize in smoking meats, vegetarians will also find something to enjoy from their menu. You can expect some of the best Texas-style BBQ in SA combined with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.