De Vier: Redefining Casual Dining in Stellenbosch
Behind the façade of a traditional Stellenbosch building lies a charming, intimate restaurant. The elegant décor and soft lighting suggest a fine dining experience, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed and welcoming.
Owner Candice Bester emphasises that despite its sophisticated look, De Vier is all about casual dining and making guests feel at home. She encourages patrons to drop by as often as they like, even if it’s just for a drink on the stoep. The restaurant has even become a favourite spot for a group of cyclists who, after a day of adventure, stop by to enjoy a hearty meal – lycra and all!
A Dream Realised
Candice’s passion for the restaurant business took root during her university days, waiting tables in a high-end Cape Town eatery. Although she adored the industry, she hadn’t imagined herself as a future restaurant owner. That vision only began to take shape when she met her husband, Werner, who shared her love of food and the dining culture. Together, they spent much of their married life nurturing the idea of someday opening a place of their own.
Last year, after hitting a point of frustration with their careers, Candice and Werner decided to make that dream a reality. Just a few months later, De Vier opened its doors to an enthusiastic reception. During Hello Lifestyle’s visit – on a Monday night and long before tourist season – the restaurant buzzed with happy diners, a clear testament to its rapidly growing popularity.
The Concept of 'De Vier'
The concept is based on the idea of a simple menu that covers the basics – beef, chicken, seafood and vegan options. The menu consists of just one carefully crafted main dish in each category. Each main is then paired with a choice of four sides. This is also how it came to be named “De Vier” (The Four). The culinary journey extends to small plates in each category for appetisers and a selection of four thoughtfully crafted desserts.
Also on offer are Stoep Snacks. The culture of sitting on a veranda (or stoep in Afrikaans), enjoying something to nibble on while sipping on a glass of fine wine is a very common Stellenbosch activity, especially in the warmer months. And, De Vier with its charming outdoor seating area accommodates this tradition.
The menu was refined by private chef Wynand Van Rooyen, while sommelier and wine industry expert Charles Pohl curated the impressive wine selection, rounding off a thoughtful dining experience.
Our Experience
We sampled the Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto from the ‘De Vier Favourites’ menu, which features seasonal specials in each category. The risotto’s rich, velvety texture paired wonderfully with tender chicken and crispy skin. Meanwhile, the tangy capers and pickled onions provided a vibrant burst of flavour with every bite.
For dessert, we tried the Deconstructed Cheesecake, a creative twist on Candice’s mother’s recipe. Candice drew inspiration from her own childhood, recalling her love for sneaking in spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture straight from the bowl. This version captured the nostalgia with a light, tangy filling and a crunchy crumble, making for an irresistible combination.
Making Waves in the Culinary Scene
In its first year, De Vier’s reputation has soared, earning a nomination among Africa’s Best New Restaurants for the 2024 World Culinary Awards, alongside celebrated venues like Nikkei, MERTIA, The Red Room, Kōzo Kigali (Rwanda) and the winner, Salon.
De Vier also ranked an impressive 44th out of 1,360 South African restaurants in Dineplan’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards 2024.
For a casual dining spot, De Vier is truly making waves and building a name among some of Cape Town’s most respected fine dining restaurants.
