Make that Dining Experience Count with Steenberg

When it comes to dining out in South Africa, Kerry Kilpin, Executive Chef at Steenberg in Constantia, has noted that although locals may be eating out less often, when they do dine out, they want the experience to count. What’s interesting is that according to Dineplan’s 2024 Restaurant Report, “value for money” and “meaningful experiences” are the biggest drivers behind where diners choose to spend their time and money.

“People are more intentional about where they go and what they spend,” she explains. “Luxury is no longer about formality or fine dining for the sake of it—it’s about experiences that feel thoughtful and considered.”

At Steenberg, that means layering every element of the experience: from the estate’s rich history and award-winning wines to the quality of the food and the warmth of the service. “It’s not just a meal, it’s something memorable,” says Kilpin.

The Two Dining Experiences at Steenberg

Steenberg Estate offers two very different, yet complementary, dining experiences:

1. Tryn Restaurant
Named after Catharina “Tryn” Ras, Steenberg’s fearless founder, Tryn is the flagship restaurant of the estate. Here, Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin serves up contemporary dishes with bold flavours and artistic flair. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards and gardens. Perfect for fine dining with a relaxed edge, Tryn is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully plated dishes.

2. Bistro Sixteen82
For a more casual yet refined experience, Bistro Sixteen82 has become a Constantia favourite since opening in 2009. Known for its tapas-style dining, bistro classics, and award-winning breakfasts, it’s a lively, laid-back space ideal for sharing plates and enjoying a glass of Steenberg wine. With its sleek design, water features, and sunny terrace, the bistro is a go-to spot for daytime dining and after-work unwinds.

Experiences Over Extravagance

This approach reflects a global trend. The National Restaurant Association’s 2024 report highlights that consumers increasingly crave “experiences over extravagance.”

Even in leaner times, indulgence has its place. As Kilpin notes:

“We still want to spoil ourselves, but it must feel worthwhile. It’s about good food, warm service, a beautiful space, and something memorable—more than just a meal.”

Storytelling Adds Value

Both Steenberg and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve believe that storytelling is what transforms dining from ordinary to extraordinary.

At Steenberg, the legacy of founder Catharina Ras, a woman of resilience and reinvention, flows through every touchpoint. Whether it’s the estate’s partnerships with Abalobi fishermen or the way waiters introduce the wines, the story adds depth.

Sean Ingles, General Manager at Grootbos, agrees: “When diners are given the background of a dish or why certain ingredients were chosen, it immediately enhances appreciation. Without storytelling, they don’t see the thought that’s gone into it.”

It’s all in the Detail

From botanical-inspired menus that echo the Grootbos fynbos and coastline, to Steenberg’s attention to sauces that carry depth and emotion, it’s the little details that elevate the experience.

“Dinner might start with coastal canapés at sunset and then move into the wine cellar with botanically inspired courses. Even the crockery and music are chosen to enhance the experience subconsciously,” says Ingles.

Kilpin adds:

“For me, it’s all about the sauces. They add richness without excess. Those layers create moments that stick with you.”

Authentic Service Matters

A meal can only be as good as the people serving it. That’s why Kilpin invests in training her team to understand the “why” behind every dish and wine.

“When the team shares stories with heart, guests pick up on that authenticity,” she says. “Connection makes the experience memorable.”

Fine Dining into the Future

Both Kilpin and Ingles agree that luxury dining has shifted. It’s no longer about excess or perfection, but about honesty, connection, and authenticity.

“Offering something unique, unexpected, and special is what will set restaurants apart,” says Ingles.

Kilpin sums it up perfectly:

“Luxury is less about extravagance and more about meaning. People want thoughtful, honest experiences that respect their time and money. For me, it’s not about being the best, it’s about being someone’s favourite—a place they’ll return to because it feels real.”

In today’s economy, dining out may be less frequent, but when done with intention, storytelling, and care, it becomes more valuable than ever.

Make a Booking

Here are the current contact details and booking options for Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg:

Tryn at Steenberg

WEBSITE: https://steenbergfarm.com/tryn-cape-town-contemporary-restaurant/

Online booking available via Dineplan.

BREAKFAST: MON - SUN: 08H00 - 11H00
LUNCH: MON - SUN: 12H00 - 15H00
DINNER: MON - SUN: 18H00 - 22H00 

TEL: +27 21 713 7178

E-MAIL: info@tryn.co.za 

They are wheelchair friendly.

Bistro Sizteen82

WEBSITE: https://steenbergfarm.com/bistro1682-cape-town-contemporary-restaurant/

Online booking available via Dineplan.

BREAKFAST: MON - SUN: 09H00 - 11H00
LUNCH:MON - SUN: 12H00 - 15H00
TAPAS:MON - SUN: 17H00 - 22H00 

TEL:+27 21 205 3866

E-MAIL:reservations@bistro1682.co.za 

They are wheelchair friendly.