About De Vagebond Restaurant

Let me introduce you to De Vagebond Restaurant, a spot that quietly wins people over the moment they step inside. Tucked away at 132 Voortrek St in Swellendam, this restaurant feels like a local secret you’re happy to stumble upon, even though it’s well known among those who appreciate good food served without pretension. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it just as suitable for a laid-back lunch as it is for an unhurried evening meal with friends. I always describe De Vagebond Restaurant as the kind of place where time slows down naturally, helped along by friendly service and a space that encourages you to stay a little longer than planned. There’s outdoor seating for days when the weather begs you to eat outside, while the indoor area keeps things cozy and comfortable, creating an easy balance between casual and considered. If you’re short on time, takeaway and delivery options make it simple to enjoy their food wherever you are, and dine-in remains a favorite for those who want the full experience at the table. The menu is thoughtfully put together, offering everything from quality coffee to late-night food that hits the spot after a long day, with flavors that feel familiar yet carefully prepared. You’ll find halal food alongside vegetarian options, organic dishes, and small plates that are perfect for sharing or sampling across the table. For those who enjoy a drink with their meal, there’s a solid selection of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, which pairs well with the relaxed atmosphere. What really stands out to me is how effortlessly the restaurant balances variety and consistency, giving regulars something to rely on while still appealing to first-time visitors who want a genuine taste of Swellendam’s local dining scene and everyday rhythm in town life there.

Icon
Icon

Business Info

Service options

Service options

+ Outdoor seating

+ Takeaway

+ Dine-in

+ Delivery

Highlights

Highlights

+ Fireplace

+ Great beer selection

+ Great coffee

+ Great dessert

+ Great tea selection

+ Great wine list

Popular for

Popular for

+ Dinner

+ Solo dining

Offerings

Offerings

+ Alcohol

+ Beer

+ Coffee

+ Halal food

+ Late-night food

+ Organic dishes

+ Small plates

+ Spirits

+ Vegetarian options

+ Wine

Dining options

Dining options

+ Dinner

+ Dessert

+ Seating

+ Table service

Amenities

Amenities

+ Bar on site

+ Toilet

+ Wi-Fi

+ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

+ Casual

+ Cosy

+ Historic

+ Quiet

+ Romantic

+ Trendy

+ Upmarket

Crowd

Crowd

+ Family friendly

+ Groups

+ Tourists

Planning

Planning

+ Reservations required

+ Dinner reservations recommended

+ Accepts reservations

Payments

Payments

+ Credit cards

+ Debit cards

+ NFC mobile payments

+ Credit cards

Children

Children

+ Kids' menu

Parking

Parking

+ Free of charge street parking

+ Free parking lot

+ Parking

Pets

Pets

+ Dogs allowed

+ Dogs allowed outside

Hour time open

Right Now :

  • Monday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Thursday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Friday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Saturday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Sunday: 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Icon
Order Now

+27 82 494 9933

132 Voortrek St, Swellendam, 6740, South Africa

Reviews

Icon

Excellent restaurant. The food was delicious and the presentation was beautiful. The service was great, they were so kind to give us a table even though we arrived late, just before they closed the kitchen. Everybody was welcoming and friendly and we had a lovely time there. Thank you very much!

- Koosha Paridel -

Icon

After some research we came across De Vagebond Restaurant. Owner Rolf made sure we were able to make a reservation despite our last minute address. The ambience was beautiful: old Hollands Kaap architecture with an inside that resembles an old Dutch farm. Felt like a slice of home. Service and food were also very good: the ostrich filet steak is a local specialty. First time that I’ve ate it in South Africa and I was not disappointed. Would recommend visiting when you are in Swellendam. P.S. - the restaurants serves great wines from Olivedale Private Vineyards which can also be visited just outside Swellendam.

- Max Leuftink -

Icon

Great food, honestly the beef and ostrich are one of the best i tried in south africa, lovely and calm vibes.

- Mohammad Alamro -

Icon

The food is amazing! We have had the Ostrich Filet, Pizza with Ostrich Sausage and the Ostrich Stroganoff. Everything has been very delicious! The atmosphere is also very nice with all the details from Ostrich eggs to lamps with Ostrich feathers.

- Jürgen Braun -

Icon

What are you fantastic restaurant. In 25 trips to South Africa I have found the softest, nicest fillet steak I’ve ever eaten. A big thank you to Rolf and his team. The service was also excellent!

- Adrian Stokes -

Icon

We stayed one night in Swellendam and were looking for an authentic and cozy place for dinner. There were quite a few options, but luckily we ended up at De Vagebond — and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm hospitality, excellent service, and outstanding food. We had ostrich before, but never prepared with this level of quality — it was absolutely delicious. To our surprise, the owner personally came to each table to ask how everything was — genuinely friendly and down to earth. You can tell he cares deeply about quality, especially when it comes to the meat, which he prepares over an open fire. Special requests and changes to our order were no problem at all — everything was handled with ease and a smile. There was great music playing at the back entrance, just the right volume to create a relaxed vibe. We were told that during winter it’s usually quieter. We’ll definitely be back soon! :)

- Annabelle S. -

Icon

We had the oestrich carpaccio and the oestrich steak and it was so great! Better, more delicate, full of flavour of any Steak I had before. And the setvice was very friendly.

- Christian Schmitz -

Try these next time!

Chef's Delight
  • Cafe
Chef's Delight

179-180 Windmill St, Gravesend DA12 1AH, United Kingdom

De Honourables Restaurant
  • West African restaurant
De Honourables Restaurant

10 High St, Gillingham ME7 1BB, United Kingdom

Welcome 786 Pakistani Restaurant
  • Restaurant
Welcome 786 Pakistani Restaurant

128, Jln Sultan Azlan Shah, Chow Kit, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bayou Cafe
  • Restaurant
Bayou Cafe

1255 N Major Dr, Beaumont, TX 77706, United States

T-Bones Records & Cafe
  • Cafe
T-Bones Records & Cafe

2101 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, United States

Ringer Hut Hoya Honcho
  • Champon noodle restaurant
Ringer Hut Hoya Honcho

6 Chome-14-11 Hoyacho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 202-0015, Japan