La Bonté opened at Neethlingshof on 2 November, bringing a new restaurant led by head chef Drikus Brink to the Stellenbosch wine estate.
The setting is the estate’s Cape Dutch manor house, completed in 1814. Neethlingshof has more than three centuries of winemaking history, giving the new restaurant a home with plenty of its own story.
The estate describes La Bonté as a “boere brasserie”, combining French cooking with South African food traditions. Its seasonal à la carte menu gives Brink room to work with produce as it changes through the year.
In his video introducing the restaurant, Basson also mentions a cheese service and an assortment of French wines. Those sit alongside the estate’s own wines and selections from other producers.
For Basson, the project follows the September opening of Basson & Co in Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street. That restaurant took its cue from the family steakhouse; La Bonté brings a different food concept into a wine-estate setting.
Basson also makes a point of inviting families to bring the kids. There’s an outdoor play area, along with separate sweet and savoury children’s menus, giving younger diners an offering of their own.
Additional reporting: Inside Guide.
