Kantien: A must-see cool, new eatery in Stellies

Tucked away on Papegaai Street in Stellenboach is a brand new restaurant, courtesy of South African chef and restauranteur Bertus Basson. Many of us will recognise Basson’s name in connection to fine dining destinations such as Overture, Eike, CHORUS at Waterkloof Wine Estate and casual eateries Die Vrije Burger and The Deck. In February 2023, Kantien became the latest addition to Basson’s impressive group of restaurants!

This blog writer was lucky enough to grab a spot for lunch on Kantien’s first full day in operation. Read on to find out more about Stellenbosch’s latest must-visit restaurant.

What is Kantien?

Kantien is the newest establishment to join Basson’s growing list of incredible restaurants. While Basson has been at the helm of several fine dining destinations, Kantien is a laid-back, casual eatery - perfect for a relaxed meal in a lovely, chilled-out setting. You can dine in or order takeaway. The casual spot is inspired by biker bars and motorbikes, skull designs and leather accents tastefully come together in the decor to create a cool, vibey atmosphere. It’s laid-back rock n’ roll!

Where is Kantien?

You’ll find Kantien on 6 Papegaai Street in Stellenbosch. Located in a historic building just off Dorp Street, Kantien is situated right next to Eike, one of Basson’s most famous restaurants. This is also the location of Parkeer - Basson’s pop-up pizza stop that sets up shop in the Eike parking lot every Friday and Saturday.

Stellenbosch is a scenic university town in the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and dozens of beautiful wine farms, “Stellies”, as it's known by locals, is a truly picturesque destination. It also boasts an impressive culinary scene and Kantien is the latest must-see foodie spot! Papegaai Street is located near the centre of town - just far away enough from the hustle and bustle that you can genuinely sit back and relax with a cold beer and a pizza hot out of the oven.

What kind of food is on the menu?

While neighbouring Eike is all about elevated, nostalgic and indulgent South African dishes, Kantien spins this approach into everyday eats that pack a punch with flavour. Think pizzas, chicken “sandos”, burgers, crispy squid, salads, tater tots and (drumroll please) smoked provolone cheese that will have your mouth watering. There are also dessert options as well as a variety of local wines and beers on the menu too.

What can I expect from a visit to Kantien?

You can expect a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food! From the moment you walk up the street to Kantien, you immediately feel the vibe.

Arriving at Kantien, motorbikes line the pavement outside the restaurant. Patrons donned sunglasses and sipped cool beers while relaxing on the outside seating, perusing the menus. The waitstaff helpfully fit us in and sat us at a table outside (despite our group not having a lunch booking) and we excitedly checked out the menu.

You can look forward to simple, elevated, wholesome and (obviously) delicious dishes. Staying true to its laid-back vibe, Kantien’s menu is not elaborate or long-winded. You’ll find a couple of snacks, large plates and pizzas listed. Our group ordered a few snacks, sharing plates and a pizza. The grilled chicken sando (burger) and tater tots were incredibly tasty while ‘Die Ouma’ pizza is a unique adventure for the taste buds with toppings made up of pickled ox tongue, slap hakskeentjies (sweet and sour onions) and nasturtium (edible flowers) - this “simple” pizza was nowhere near simple! Finally, the most popular dish of the day was the smoked provolone (Italian cheese) with chilli and honey. Served bubbling hot, straight from the oven in a mini iron skillet, and accompanied by freshly baked bread, this was the unexpected favourite of the day for the group!

Best time to visit and do I need to book?

Kantien is open for lunch and dinner, from Tuesday to Saturday between 12 pm and 8 pm. If you’re looking for a laid-back destination, a relaxed vibe and dishes that are bursting with flavour, Kantien is the place to be. It’s great for everyone; friends, dates, and even families with kids who are keen to try familiar-food-with-a-twist. Booking a table is always a great idea - bookings can be made via email kantien@bertusbasson.com or by phone 071 1383991. If you’re a cheese fan, be sure to add the smoked provolone to your order!

From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek and Paarl, the Cape Winelands is a culinary destination of note with numerous incredible food and wine venues just waiting to be explored. Kantien is the latest must-see in the Cape Winelands so be sure to add it to your foodie bucket list during your next trip to Stellenbosch. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back, delicious meal!