Categories: Venues

Rykaart’s: Simple, Contemporary Flavors in Stellenbosch

Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, Rykaart’s is a welcoming everyday eatery and a culmination of Alex and Ella Rykaart’s journeys so far.

Warm & Colorful Interior

The restaurant has a warm and colorful interior, with an air of approachability and flexibility that is both satisfying and unfussy. Upon arrival, you will be met with the incredible aroma from the open kitchen while surrounded by the vibrant art pieces of Arabella Caccia, Ella’s mother, who is a supportive force behind the couple’s decision to open their restaurant.

Worldwide Influences at Rykaart’s

The menu is designed to suit any occasion and has worldwide influences, from contemporary global and Japanese flavors to Alex’s solid French background. The seasonal menu is flexible, with elements of all those influences. Snacks of light-as-air cheese gougeres, earthy Mediterranean pan con tomate, homemade biltong, and nori nuts can be pre-meal appetizers or starters.

Something for Everyone

The lunch crowd might go for a beef-cheek roll with Vietnamese pickles and a Caesar salad from the small plates section. There is always a substantial steak and triple-cooked chips, the grass-fed meat sourced from a small farm in the Eastern Cape, and a vegetarian dish, such as a sumptuous homemade lemon-scented ricotta agnolotti in a profoundly savory caponata sauce, chocolate its secret ingredient.

Must-Try Desserts at Rykaart’s

The dessert menu is a must-try, with something creamy, fresh, and chocolate. Alex’s decadent chocolate marquise in cardamom crème anglaise with sesame nougatine is a standout, with the crème brulée with raspberry and orange coming in a close second.

European Feel

Rykaart’s epitomizes the Stellenbosch pavement dining scene, with six outside tables along its street frontage, couples wander between neighboring wine bars, gin bars, and restaurants checking displayed menus. The restaurant has a European feel, but the view over Dorp Street’s historic houses, and oak trees with a slice of a mountain rising above them, restores your sense of place.

Go-To Local Eatery

Stellenbosch residents are already making Rykaart’s their go-to local eatery since it opened in November 2021, and it’s also on the Stellenbosch map for foreign visitors. There’s a well-chosen wine list, but you can also bring one bottle of your wine per table with no corkage fee charged.