Are you planning to visit the Cape Winelands in the near future? Wondering where to go for a relaxed meal after a busy day of wine touring? We're giving you the scoop one of our favourite local hang outs, Fishmonger restaurant in Stellenbosch.

Situated in a historic tree-lined street in the quaint town of Stellenbosch, this intimate, yet bustling Mediterranean seafood restaurant is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike.

Guests can dine al fresco underneath Stellenbosch's iconic oak trees and watch the locals stroll by. Gas heaters will keep the occasional evening breeze at bay.

Inside the restaurant, the walls are adorned with picturesque paintings of fishing- boats and villages; with fishermen's nets draped across the ceiling. The wooden chairs are painted a serene sea blue, and hand painted table cloths and oil lamps adorn the tables. Relaxed Mediterranean music sets the mood.

Many a diner has commented on the lingering trace of romance that permeates the air at Fishmonger. The candlelight and intimate atmosphere makes the restaurant the ideal first date choice for many a Stellenbosch local. When telling the tale of Fishmonger, quite a few romantic yarns come to mind. One couple had their first date here; got engaged here a few years later; had dinner at the restaurant the night before their wedding and comes back every year on their anniversary.

Fishmonger is also a favourite amongst families and offers a separate children's menu and activity packs. One local family has been coming here every Friday for a couple of years. The family has become such regulars (always booking the same table for the same time) that when one day, they didn't phone to book, the owner phoned them to ask if something was wrong. Luckily they were still planning to come, but had forgotten to book. These days the family has a standing reservation and only phones on nights when they can't make dinner.

Fishmonger dishes up only the freshest seafood. Order the house speciality, the line fish pan - consisting of calamari, prawns and line fish dished up in a large tin pan. Or try the seafood curry (a CapeTownMagazine.com favourite) served up in a traditional South African ‘potjiekos' pot.

Fishmonger's classically trained sushi chef doesn't serve up "McDonald's sushi". Expect traditional Japanese sushi prepared with time and care and creatively garnished with quirky props to set the stage - like cucumber ‘swans', cucumber ‘hedges' and cucumber ‘squids'.

Feeling ballsy? Brace your taste-buds for a kung fu kick and sample the homemade chilli chutney. And don't forget to order the crème brulee for dessert. In our opinion, this Fishmonger favourite evokes shivers of pure, tongue-twisting bliss.

And last, but not least: Capetownmagazine.com has to make a special mention to Fishmonger's service staff. The waiters are enthusiastic; attentive; well clued-up and deliver service fit to serve royalty. A special mention has to go out to Abré, who served us on our last visit.

Fishmonger's warm ambience and fresh fare is bound to please many a seafood lover. So, next time you're feeling like an evening out, go fishing for Mediterranean flavours at Fishmonger restaurant in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Molo says: "Why not enjoy an after-dinner drink at Binelli's Event Bar in Dorp Street? Read more about the historic town of Stellenbosch and other Winelands restaurants on CapeTownMagazine.com.

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