Pair 5 artisan cheeses with wines from the Stanford Hills estate next door. R135pp. The Gruyere with their Pinotage is an unlikely combination that works perfectly. Book at the cheese shop.
Arrive at 09:00, grab a coffee from the roastery stall, a pastry from the French baker, and a biltong roll from the butcher. Eat on the village green with the Klein River in the background. Budget R80.
Kayak 5km down the Klein River from the village to the estuary (R180pp, 2 hours), then drive back for lunch in the village. The river is flat, the bird life is extraordinary, and you will have the water to yourself.
Farm-to-table restaurant in a converted Victorian cottage. The menu changes weekly based on what the surrounding farms deliver. The lamb shank (R195) uses Klein River valley lamb, slow-cooked for 8 hours. Homemade bread, local cheese on every table. The courtyard garden is the best seat in Stanford. Book for Saturday lunch.
Not just a cheese shop -- a full tasting room and deli serving cheese platters (R135 for a board of 8 cheeses), toasted sandwiches, and picnic hampers. Free cheese tasting at the counter. Their Gruyere, Colby, and Danbo have won multiple SA Dairy Awards. Buy a wheel to take home -- prices are 30% below Cape Town retail.
The village's fine-dining option, set in a restored 1890s trading store. The 5-course tasting menu (R450) showcases Overberg ingredients with modern technique. Wine pairing (R250 extra) draws from Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde estates. Intimate -- only 30 covers. Open Thu-Sun for dinner, Sat-Sun for lunch.