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Hours
Tue
18:30 - 22:00
Wed
18:30 - 22:00
Thu
18:30 - 22:00
Fri
18:30 - 22:00
Sat
18:30 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
€32.00 – €42.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this a Mediterranean restaurant?
Details
About
La Sosta is a FINE DINING Restaurant. A modern and contemporary Italian Restaurant working with 3 Different Tasting Menus . EatOut Award 2014 BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN SOUTH AFRICA Reservations are essential.
PRICE RANGE
€32.00 – €42.00
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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5.0
715 reviews
Excellent
644
Very good
42
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
3
georgeclooney38
Ashburton24 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The highlight of our overnight stop in Swellendam. A warm, friendly welcome was followed by a perfectly executed tasting menu, as beautiful to the eye as it was to eat. I was concerned that I would not manage everything, but the pace of the meal was as relaxing as the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Our only tiny niggle was that having each asked for a glass of wine, rather than a bottle, because of driving, the amount poured was tiny compared to a glass at most other restaurants we have visited, which was a pity... because the wine was delicious!
A definite MUST if you are looking for a top class meal in Swellendam.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penelope S
Bath14 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We have stayed in Swellendam and eaten there several times before but this was a new and very memorable experience and we are very grateful.
Imagine defining a place where you would like to stay and eat - not big, comfortable, relaxing, quiet but in a small town that was itself interesting and, most important, that it should be family owned and run by people who really do know what they are doing.
Happily for us, La Sosta fulfils all those requirements and then some. Owned and run by a delightful South African/European family where son and daughter are both European trained chefs.
The food was outstandingly good - imaginative, interesting, absolutely delicious, fresh, lovingly prepared and proudly presented by friendly, helpful and charming staff - and NO, I do not exaggerate.
Afterwards we slept most comfortably in quiet rooms just along the verandah from the dining room.
Regretably, we had to leave the next day to continue our journey but they have surely put La Sosta at Swellendam on the map as a destination in its own right whether from Europe or Cape Town or anywhere else.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jan r
Knysna118 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Uncomplicated. Clean. Honest flavours. The philosophy of the cooking at La Sosta. With seasonal ingredients, paying homage to their Italian heritage.
The 5 course menu has three eating experiences; Sea, Land and Garden, and as you are allowed to choose dishes from any of the menu’s, the choice is fabulous. Particularly for my diabetic restrictions.
The wine list has recommendations for each menu and offers great value.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole N
Cape Town48 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
What an amazing place with absolutely exquisite food. Highly recommend making a trip to La Sosta if you enjoy having a culinary experience. Definitely on the same level than some of the best restaurants in Cape Town. We celebrated a birthday and the owners made the experience quite memorable with excellent service and fresh delicious dishes.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
247LiveLife
South Africa1101 contributions
May 2021 • none
I was disappointed with my experience at La Sosta.
I felt that I did not get value for money at all, and I really don't mind paying high prices if the food is worth it. Very expensive for 2 courses with tiny portions. The porcini mushrooms did not have the strong flavour of porcini.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Dear 247LiveLife
We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your dining experience at La Sosta.
We are particularly surprised that you feel our portion sizes are too small for the prices paid.
To the best of my recollection the only complaint we receive about the portion sizes is not that they are too small but that they are a bit too big.
On the issue of price, diners often compliment us on how reasonable are prices are when compared with similar fine dining restaurants in Cape Town.
Also, almost every diner compliments us on how flavourful and tasty our food is.
If you had mentioned either the small portion sizes or your view about the porcini mushrooms lacking flavour, when asked whether you had enjoyed the food, we would gladly have dealt with the issues immediately.
Our sole objective is to try to ensure all diners enjoy their time at La Sosta.
Kind regards
Chris
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff L
Cape Town4 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Decor is simplistic and pleasing to the eye. Background music was very much to my liking....sundowner jazz type. Service was sadly indifferent especially when it came to explaining the meal costs. I was offered a refund of amount I was overcharged which is noble, but my argument about flawed menu was not bought by owner. If I walked in on my own and ordered a 4 course meal, I would be paying less than if two people ordered exactly the same food. Strange but true. Kind of says you aren't paying for the food, but for the chair.
Risotto (primi) was not exceptional but braised beef (secondi) was very good.
Just to say, it was beginning of the month, a Saturday night, and only 10 customers at the tables. I would imagine that if the menu pricing was appropriate, it would be a popular place to eat, even for locals.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antoinette B
Cape Town Central10 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Even on a limited lockdown menu we were spoilt for choice and the food was fresh and delicious.
Chris our host(father of daughter and son-in-law that own La Sosta) was the perfect host, so attentive and a true gentleman.
We only wish La Sosta was closer to Cape Town...
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
462ChrisM
Dear Antoinette
Thank you very much for the lovely review and compliments about me. The real credit goes to Nina and Salvatore who prepare the delicious food, supported by our wonderful staff.
We aren’t too far from Cape Town, so please take a drive through the beautiful Overberg and come and enjoy La Sosta and all that Swelledam has to offer.
Best regards
Chris & La Sosta Team
Written 18 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clive T
Knysna31 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
The guest-house is most comfortable, well appointed & we were made to feel very welcome by Salvatore. We stayed overnight because we had wanted to dine at the La Sosta restaurant for so long.
What an amazing meal - truly tasty & clever cooking with a touch of class. We had to look at the menu again a couple of times to remember the ingredients that constituted the wonderful taste sensations.
We will definitely be back - this time with some of our “foodie” family & friends.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petesaund
United Kingdom4325 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Obviously this restaurant has had a longstanding outstanding reputation and in these circumstances you question whether this consistency is sustainable in a town off the beaten track.It does help that the husband wife team in the kitchen are from Italy and Ticino ( italian canton of Switzerland )
The restaurant is in beautiful grounds and is an extension of an historic manor house.The interior is modern and tables are well spaced and seating only for 18.It is a modern interior full of light.
Cheese creme brulee was very innovative and surprisingly very subtle in taste.Tuna tartare on a bed of lemon infused risotto was an unusual combination
Tiramisu is the signature dish of Unitarian restaurant and defines it.It was exceptional here with they way it was uniquely presented and most importantly with the right balance of coffee creme and biscuit.It was accompanied by a coffee cream
We were fortunate to be attended by the engaging entertaining yet professional Gareth Khanyile whose attentiveness enhanced our dining experience.We were most impressed how he involves himself with young boys at adjoining local school and sets goals for them in their school work with incentives such as training skills for sport.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray K
Dublin6 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
La Sosta is a Boutique hotel is every sense of the word without the price tag of a hotel. This accomodation is a gem, in the town of Swellendam and within walking distance of it's lovely shops, cafes and historic areas.
With beautiful maintained grounds and lovely rooms and some of the most friendly welcoming staff we have met .
Do not miss the opportunity to dine in their onsite restaurant as you won't be disappointed they have amazing talented chefs who cook with pure passion and innovation to deliver Michelin star quality food at local prices, And what a meal!!!.
The food, presention and service is just incredible (so if you don’t stay here, make sure you eat here) as you'll be blown away by the standard and quality.
we are so thankful to the team for one of the most memorable stays we’ve had on this trip to Swellendam and SA.
A truly wonderful experience, thank you all 😁😁We hope to get back for a third visit in the near future.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quest13592637122
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • couples
One of those places where in the end you wish it wasn't just a simple "sosta" (i.e., a quick stop during a long trip).
Because peace, quiet, friendliness and delicious dishes (I am still dreaming that free range beef tender roast…) pamper you and take care of you, from evening to morning.
It's one of those places where you really feel at home, away from home.
Thanks to Salvatore and Nina.
We'll see you again soon.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JABDover
Dover57 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
I am late submitting this review, but better late than never! What can I say? Still as good as ever. This visit was shortly after the ‘opening up’ post Covid, and Nina was apologetic that the menu was smaller than previously. She need not have worried; it was all delicious. This time we were a party of four, one of whom has dietary intolerances, and Nina was so helpful in ensuring that she had as good an experience as the rest of us by creating a menu specifically. Now that’s what I call service! At the end of our four week trip to South Africa, we all agreed that it was the best meal we had; and at half the price of several!
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mistymoo14
West Yorkshire374 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
WOW … Thank goodness we managed to get a table here as they get pretty busy snd we can see why !
Having been to a Michelin star restaurant recently in the UK this was definitely on a par .
The food was perfect and flavours pretty awesome . The Parmesan crème brûlée was perfect, accompanied by a focaccia and apple snd Merlot relish and seemed to be a big hit in the restaurant however, for me the citrus infused risotto with calamari was tantalising on the taste buds and again perfectly cooked. My husband still had room for the dry aged beef fillet as the portions were just right, the beef again cooked to perfection with seasonal and very tasty vegetables.
Gareth was the perfect host from the moment we arrived , very friendly and attentive, we met both the chefs to compliment them on their skills who were so humble and explained there culinary journey. A Michelin star most deserved and a must to visit .
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony T
34 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
We were a group of 14 and arrived for an early dinner. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel incredibly welcome by the hostess, the staff and the Italian chef. The dinner was one of the best meals I can recall and we all left feeling like we had discovered something very special. There is accommodation (some of us stayed over) which was impeccably clean and well maintained. Definitely worth a visit and a meal if you are anywhere near Swellendam.
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biba6
Overstrand75 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Having heard so many good reviews of la Sosta we planned a special visit and stay over at la Sosta to eat at this highly acclaimed establishment. How disappointing. The venue is smal and and was fully booked with 3 tables of 2 people and a large table of a party of 10/12 people. The noise from the large table was so overwhelming that us or our waitress struggled to hear each other. The food was average but the experience disappointing. An evening waisted. I will suggest if such a large table is booked in such a small venue management advised other diners so that they have the have the choice to cancel.
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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