Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate is hardly a new kid on the block. A rich olive and wine farm that dates to 1711, it sits at the gateway to the Western Cape wine-growing region and is a mere 35 minutes from Cape Town, nestled in the landscape of Somerset West.

But now, in addition to The Estate’s well-known winery, olive cellar and tasting room, is 95 at Morgenster, a new restaurant led by renowned chef Georgio Nava in which the essence of Italy permeates both the interiors and the menu. Led by Creative Director Aidan Hart and Senior Designer Annelise Botes of Inhouse Brand Architects, the light, bright space was designed with its idyllic surroundings in mind, giving full view to the lakes and clear mountain vistas that frame the restaurant. Green vines snake around an outer deck and bar area, adding a rustic vibe to the pale tiled herringbone flooring, pale wood bar stools and floor-to-ceiling patio glass walls. Elsewhere, monochromatic art from South African artists including Norman Catherine, Diane Victor and Andrew Verster is subtly illuminated, while the predominantly white space is offered a shot colour thanks to a series of dark blue upholstered booths. 

The menu is a comprehensive overview of authentic Milanese cuisine, and covers everything from cotolette di pollo to light seasonal salads, often dressed with Morgenster Estate’s own olive oil. It’s all complemented by an extensive wine list filled with Bordeaux-style offerings from what other than the Morgenster and Lourens River Valley label.