Owned by a Swiss-and-Italian couple, Olivier and Delenia, Terra Mare offers up European-style cuisine – largely Italian – in a classy second-story restaurant on Paarl’s main road. The owners are very much part of the restaurant’s appeal. Chances are good that Olivier will be there to welcome you when you walk into the restaurant and you can expect him to swing by your table at least once during your meal for a chat. If you are looking for explanations of any of the dishes, he – rather than any of the waiters – is the man to speak to.
As the name, which roughly translates as ‘earth sea,’ suggests, the menu includes a number of seafood dishes, such as grilled tiger prawns with lemon butter sauce, and black mussels from Saldanha Bay served in a creamy white wine sauce. For meat lovers, there is a selection of carpaccio starters, and beef or ostrich fillets for mains. Of course, given the restaurant’s Italian heritage, the menu also has its fair share of risotto and pasta dishes. The comprehensive wine list, which veers towards pricey, offers a few choices for each varietal and some blends. Most of the wines on the list are from the region, but there are also a few imported bottles.
Although the restaurant is located on the town’s main street – admittedly, very quiet as far as main streets go – the deck at the back of the restaurant, which looks out over nearby vineyards, creates the impression that you are somewhere far more scenic. The restaurant itself has a refined ambiance. The décor is simple, but elegant, with a few large original paintings giving the room character. Although the waiters are friendly and competent, their knowledge of the menu could be improved slightly.
Paarl has a lot to offer when it comes to farm-based restaurants – Harvest at Laborie and Bosman’s Restaurant at Grande Roche, to name but two – but, if you happen to be in the area, don’t overlook this town-based gem.
Expert Review
Owned by a Swiss-and-Italian couple, Olivier and Delenia, Terra Mare offers up European-style cuisine – largely Italian – in a...
Owned by a Swiss-and-Italian couple, Olivier and Delenia, Terra Mare offers up European-style cuisine – largely Italian – in a classy second-story restaurant on Paarl’s main road. The owners are very much part of the restaurant’s appeal. Chances are good that Olivier will be there to welcome you when you walk into the restaurant and you can expect him to swing by your table at least once during your meal for a chat. If you are looking for explanations of any of the dishes, he – rather than any of the waiters – is the man to speak to.
As the name, which roughly translates as ‘earth sea,’ suggests, the menu includes a number of seafood dishes, such as grilled tiger prawns with lemon butter sauce, and black mussels from Saldanha Bay served in a creamy white wine sauce. For meat lovers, there is a selection of carpaccio starters, and beef or ostrich fillets for mains. Of course, given the restaurant’s Italian heritage, the menu also has its fair share of risotto and pasta dishes. The comprehensive wine list, which veers towards pricey, offers a few choices for each varietal and some blends. Most of the wines on the list are from the region, but there are also a few imported bottles.
Although the restaurant is located on the town’s main street – admittedly, very quiet as far as main streets go – the deck at the back of the restaurant, which looks out over nearby vineyards, creates the impression that you are somewhere far more scenic. The restaurant itself has a refined ambiance. The décor is simple, but elegant, with a few large original paintings giving the room character. Although the waiters are friendly and competent, their knowledge of the menu could be improved slightly.
Paarl has a lot to offer when it comes to farm-based restaurants – Harvest at Laborie and Bosman’s Restaurant at Grande Roche, to name but two – but, if you happen to be in the area, don’t overlook this town-based gem.