Swellendam is a popular lunch stop for those driving along the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route and Drostdy is very conveniently located just off the national road at the eastern entrance of town.
The building, with its thick, whitewashed walls and thatched roof, is among Swellendam’s oldest and actually forms part of the town’s historical museum complex. So the last thing you expect to see when you step inside this mid-18th-century homestead is a comprehensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia. The owner started collecting 30 years ago and it’s cool to have something to look at while you wait for your lunch.
Food-wise, Drostdy is a curious place whose menu lacks focus, featuring everything from a South African play on tapas to toasted sandwiches, salads, steaks and pasta. I shunned all of the above in favour of some traditional South African food, which features quite prominently on the menu. The usual dishes are represented, including bobotie (a Cape Malay dish comprising of minced lamb with spices, topped with a savoury egg custard and served with a range of chutneys),lamb bredie (stew), Malva pudding (a syrupy sponge cake) and a range of game meats such as ostrich and kudu. But what stands out is the ‘African Trio’ – three small portions of typical South African dishes (bobotie, lamb bredie and Cape Malay chicken curry). The bobotie in particular was tasty and a fine example of a much-loved local dish.
Service is friendly if not entirely competent all the time and if the weather is nice, there are splendid views of the Langeberg mountains from the restaurant’s pretty garden. It’s not Swellendam’s finest eatery, but you do get a slice of history with your lunch, making it a two-in-one stop that’s ideal for someone just passing through.
Expert Review
Swellendam is a popular lunch stop for those driving along the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route and...
Swellendam is a popular lunch stop for those driving along the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route and Drostdy is very conveniently located just off the national road at the eastern entrance of town.
The building, with its thick, whitewashed walls and thatched roof, is among Swellendam’s oldest and actually forms part of the town’s historical museum complex. So the last thing you expect to see when you step inside this mid-18th-century homestead is a comprehensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia. The owner started collecting 30 years ago and it’s cool to have something to look at while you wait for your lunch.
Food-wise, Drostdy is a curious place whose menu lacks focus, featuring everything from a South African play on tapas to toasted sandwiches, salads, steaks and pasta. I shunned all of the above in favour of some traditional South African food, which features quite prominently on the menu. The usual dishes are represented, including bobotie (a Cape Malay dish comprising of minced lamb with spices, topped with a savoury egg custard and served with a range of chutneys),lamb bredie (stew), Malva pudding (a syrupy sponge cake) and a range of game meats such as ostrich and kudu. But what stands out is the ‘African Trio’ – three small portions of typical South African dishes (bobotie, lamb bredie and Cape Malay chicken curry). The bobotie in particular was tasty and a fine example of a much-loved local dish.
Service is friendly if not entirely competent all the time and if the weather is nice, there are splendid views of the Langeberg mountains from the restaurant’s pretty garden. It’s not Swellendam’s finest eatery, but you do get a slice of history with your lunch, making it a two-in-one stop that’s ideal for someone just passing through.