The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro

The Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro is a steak and wine bistro with a strong reputation among Windhoek residents. It occupies a tiled courtyard in the Bougain Villas centre on Sam Nujoma Drive, set around a central fountain, and Travel News Namibia has described it as part of the Windhoek Collection group. The World's 50 Best Discovery guide also lists it, which says something about its standing in the city.

Steak is the main event. The restaurant serves Namibian beef, which the 50 Best guide notes comes from the restaurant's own nature reserve, in sirloin, rump, ribeye and fillet cuts, wet- or dry-aged and grilled over open flames. Steaks come with a small salad and kapana-spiced potato crisps, and you choose a side such as sweet potato fries, mashed potato, spinach, onion rings or mixed vegetables, plus a sauce. Lighter dishes have included a warm vegetable salad and smoked game charcuterie, and desserts such as chocolate fondant with honeycomb, vanilla crème brûlée and a deconstructed banoffee pie.

As the name suggests, wine matters as much as the food. The cellar covers Africa's main wine regions with a particular focus on Stellenbosch, and the list, which shares the premises with The Stellenbosch Tasting Room, is divided into The Stellenbosch Collection, wines by the glass, sparkling, white and red. Being able to try several wines by the glass makes it a good place to explore South African labels without committing to a bottle. Staff can suggest pairings for your cut of meat.

According to its website, the restaurant is open from 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. Evenings are busy, especially at the end of the week, so phone ahead on +264 61 309 141 to reserve a table, and ask for the courtyard on a warm night. It works well for couples, business dinners and small groups, and prices sit in the upper middle range for Windhoek.

Bougain Villas is easiest to reach by taxi or car from the city centre. Gift vouchers can be bought through the website. Vegetarians will find choices limited compared with meat eaters, so check the menu before you go.