By Jeff Silverstein
When you ever end up in Cape City, South Africa – one of many world’s most extraordinary cities – with a couple of days to spare, there’s a hidden gem of a spot lower than an hour and a half away known as Paternoster that’s now turning heads.
Most guests to Cape City who’ve the posh and time of including a couple of days to their Cape City journey have a tendency to move east alongside the Backyard Route with its lush forests, mountains, and fairly coastal roads, however if you happen to head west and drive alongside South Africa’s fascinating West Coast, you’ll arrive at Paternoster, one of many quaintest fisherman’s villages there’s.
Clusters of white-washed, thatch roofed fisherman cottages dot the Atlantic Ocean’s shoreline giving it the looks at first look of a fishing village in Greece, full with expansive white seashores, azure blue waters, aromatic fynbos, and a pure magnificence and serenity that takes your breath away.
Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic beachfront escape, some high quality household time, or a tranquil retreat beside the ocean for some a lot wanted R&R, this quirky little seaside village blends serenity with small-town comforts. Add to this a legendary meals scene and you’ve got the makings of an ideal escape.
With its breathtaking shoreline and wonderful seashores, there’s a simplicity and idyllic coastal appeal that possesses your soul the second you arrive.
After we broached the concept of going there with our pals from Cape City, they didn’t know what to make of our plan. With no scarcity of beautiful locations to go to in South Africa, they weren’t positive what we have been after. However we have been prepared for one thing a bit off the overwhelmed path. And in some ways, with its West Coast appeal, laid again environment and straightforward sense of fashion, Paternoster is the consummate boho stylish vacation spot.
Well-known to South Africans and a preferred weekend bolthole for these fortunate sufficient to dwell in Cape City, the city made headlines world wide in 2019 when Wolfgat, a tiny rustic restaurant nestled on the seashore, was named Finest Restaurant within the World within the internationally acclaimed World Restaurant Awards.
Held within the French capital yearly, the World Restaurant Awards have a good time eating places for his or her cultural worth, and every restaurant is judged by a panel of consultants within the business from the world over.
The 130-year-old fisherman cottage that homes the restaurant is unassuming, however the eating expertise is completely distinctive. Headed up and managed by Chef Kobus van der Merwe, the restaurant is dedicated to utilizing indigenous substances, lots of that are foraged from the ocean and its environment. And getting a desk at this coveted restaurant takes some severe planning. Give your self no less than three months if you wish to safe a spot. However consider me, it’s price it.
The restaurant can solely accommodate as much as 20 diners, one thing that helps preserve issues sustainable but in addition makes the entire expertise that rather more intimate. Not surprisingly, the seven course menu is made up of a sequence of native dishes – issues like sustainable seafood and native lamb and venison together with wild herbs from the backyard and seaweeds from the native rock swimming pools.
In case you are not in a position to snag a desk at Wolfgat, you’ll be able to at all times attempt their sister restaurant known as Oep ve Koep, a backyard bistro that’s tucked in subsequent to the enduring Die Winkel op Paternoster, a basic retailer that feels frozen in time, however when you step into the backyard you’re handled to a 4-course set menu that options a wide range of native seafood and wild pickings, with the menu altering day by day in keeping with seasonality and availability. Consider it as trendy nation cooking, impressed and pioneered by Chef Kobus at Wolfgat however simpler to get a reservation at.
The opposite present stopper of a restaurant on this postcard fairly city is Leeto Restaurant. Located on the finish of the city’s predominant seashore and situated within the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Lodge, this intimate shoreside restaurant embodies up to date West Coast delicacies with fabulous ocean views. With its huge glass doorways that accordion to permit the seashore and seascape in, the restaurant showcases a few of the best recent native delicacies.
One other well-liked spot is The Noisy Oyster Restaurant. This quirky, unpretentious restaurant has some nice meals and a very enjoyable, eclectic vibe. Lit up at evening by fairy lights and lanterns, the menu leans extra towards conventional South African delicacies than up to date, but it surely’s an area favorite that by no means disappoints.
De See Kat is one other fabulous beachfront restaurant serving recent seafood and sushi, full with beautiful views of the primary seashore.
Tourism will be the city’s financial driver, however fishing continues to be very a lot a lifestyle, and has been for over a century. Each morning you’ll be able to see the colorful picket boats pull up on the seashore and unload their catch. And if you wish to attempt your hand at some fishing from the seashore or ebook a deep-sea fishing tour, there are a variety of native operators.
Lobster, oysters and abalone are all plentiful. And the world round Paternoster is teeming with wildlife. There are stated to be over 225 chicken species together with whales, dolphins, seals and penguins.
And about 5km from the city, anchored by the final manually-operated lighthouse in all of South Africa, is the Columbine Nature Reserve. With its massive expanse of shoreline and nice climbing trails that wind by way of the fynbos vegetation and supply beautiful views of the shoreline, it’s an ideal spot to picnic and even BBQ.
And if you’re feeling actually adventurous, sea kayaking is a good way to discover the shoreline and take a look at the unimaginable rock formations, sea caves and wildlife within the space. You can too lease bikes from native operators and take a look at the backroads, seashores and rolling dunes and fynbos which burst right into a carpet of flowers that stretch throughout South Africa’s West Coast throughout late winter.
With its sheltered bay, Paternoster has additionally develop into a little bit of mecca for surfers and kiteboarders. After we visited, our favorite seashore was Bekbaai seashore. In contrast to the primary seashore, it was usually abandoned, and was the proper spot for sunbathing within the shade of giant boulders, going for morning strolls, and catching the legendary sunsets that Paternoster is so well-known for.
Can’t Miss Eating places:
Wolgat www.wolfgat.co.za
Oep ve Koep www.wolfgat.co.za/oepvekoep
Leeto Restaurant www.leetorestaurant.com
The Noisy Oyster Restaurant +27 22 752 2196
De See Kat Restaurant +27 72 343 9793
The Hobnoberry (a unusual café nice for breakfast or brunch) +27 84 240 0630
Finest Lodging:
Strandloper Ocean Boutique Lodge
A fusion of seashore model and up to date luxurious, this boutique lodge sits on the finish of the seashore and could be very unique and personal. All 16 rooms and suites have their very own courtyard or terrace with broad doorways that open out onto breathtaking views of sky, sand and sea.
Excellent Hideaways
A handpicked, curated portfolio of over 400 houses all through Africa and now Europe recognized for his or her excellent structure, attractive interiors and unimaginable places. Select from cozy fisherman’s cottages to household seashore homes, some stylishly easy and others deceptively luxurious.
Paternoster Leases
An awesome useful resource for renting considered one of over 65 properties, together with every part from luxurious seashore entrance cottages to budget-friendly household lodgings.
Gonana www.gonanaguesthouse.com
