Keeping ourselves cosy when gallivanting the Western Cape, South Africa.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful…time to gather around the fireplace. Either in the comfort of your own exclusive villa in Noordhoek, at NIMANO Hillside, or at a lovely cosy eatery, just a scenic drive away.

Winter has well and truly arrived in the Cape. Oh baby it’s cold outside! We’re all singing the notorious tunes that signify that time of the year, when the fireplace beckons. Burning and flickering away in sync with those wintry songs. Affectionately setting the scene for you and your travelling companions to gather together. Ensconced in the romance and vitality that a crackling fire brings to the space it occupies. The feasting, the chats, the games and the marshmallow toastings that ensue once the fire has been lit. Its flames dancing along to the chitter chatter, bringing warmth and woody aromas to the ambience. It unwittingly becomes the life and soul of the party, keeping the holiday banter going, the merriment flowing and the rosey cheeks glowing, when the cold sets in.

At NIMANO Hillside - We love what a fireplace does to a moment when vacations traverse the changing seasons. This is our Cape Town, South Africa.

There is an element of seasonal bliss that comes with the cold. Fortunately for those residing at NIMANO Hillside, you have the luxury of toasting yourselves beside a number of open fireplaces and fire-pits, with additional indoor heating and considered spaces intended to keep the Cape chill at bay. For those moments when you wish to leave the front doors of your own private retreat in Noordhoek, and head to the neighbouring seaside villages, into the city centre or beyond, for a feasting beside a fireplace, we have compiled a lovely list of suggestions. Flock towards the fire and warm the holiday cockles of your heart.

Here’s a list of some fabulous fireside eateries to dine at in Cape Town…

The Foodbarn Café and Tapas – Less than a 5-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside, located in the heart of the village of Noordhoek, Chef Franck Dangereux dishes up his culinary masterpieces around a laidback country barn with its gas fireplace burning throughout your dining experience.
Chapman’s Peak Hotel – An iconic hotel restaurant with great views over Hout Bay where their famous calamari dishes are served. When the weather is frosty, head indoors to their crackling fireplace. Enjoy the beautiful journey to the restaurant, along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Only a 20-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside.
Harbour House Kalk Bay – Settled above the fishing pier of Kalk Bay, overlooking the harbour and the vast ocean – where its waves crash up against the windows – this restaurant has a cosy fireplace to seat yourself around, while savouring seafood dishes.
Tryn at Steenberg – A lovely spot to retreat to in the Constantia Winelands, where the oak trees mark the avenues that lead to the old Cape Dutch homesteads, housing cosy restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Enjoy the banquettes served beside the roaring fire.
Kloof Street House – An enchanting restaurant in a Victorian House in the CBD of Cape Town. Furnished in antiques and curious collectables all centred around crackling fireplaces, this romantic restaurant is a cosy space to retreat to when venturing into town. Only a 45-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside.
Ëlgr. – With the chef’s Swedish heritage being evident in every aspect of the restaurant, this sophisticated spot on Kloof Street in Cape Town serves an ever-changing feast of a globally-inspired cuisine, all around the open fireplace.
The Strangers Club – Settled within the city’s vibrant suburb of Green Point, this family-run restaurant is a glorious spot to enjoy fine food in a heritage home that oozes character and warmth. Only a 45-minute drive from NIMANO Hillside.
Grub & Vine Norval – For that fancy feast, seduced by the environment of art, inspiration and decadence, this glass-walled restaurant at the Norval Foundation is something of a novelty. The menu is refined yet hearty. Plenty of fireplaces burning to your hearts’ content.