After attending an unforgettable event at VUUR two years ago—where I first tasted their remarkable fire-cooked creations—I’d been longing to return for a full dining experience. As the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait,” and in this case, my wait was two years. But walking back into VUUR, now ranked 87th on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list and crowned the best steak restaurant in Africa, I knew immediately the wait had been worth it.
Set against the sweeping landscape of Remhoogte in the Cape Winelands, just outside Stellenbosch, VUUR is a celebration of fire, flavour, and the beautiful connection between nature and primal cooking. It’s a place where every flame, ember and smoky whisper tells a story.
VUUR’s story began in 2021, when chef-owner Shaun Scrooby approached Remhoogte Wine Estate with a concept that blended fire cooking, storytelling and thoughtful wine pairing. He saw potential in a cluster of old, weathered horse stables under an ancient oak tree—and with vision and heart, VUUR was born.
Originally, VUUR hosted just one table a day in an intimate private dining format. But the team soon recognised a desire to welcome more guests into their world of warmth, hospitality and open-flame cooking. When they discovered a small island on the estate’s dam—affectionately named Goose Island by brothers Chris and Rob from Remhoogte, who played there as children—it felt destined.
Honouring its legacy, the VUUR team slowly transformed the island into a second, equally magical dining space: VUUR Goose Island. And it was here, on this little island surrounded by water and framed by mountains, that I enjoyed my lunch.
VUUR Goose Island offers a Shared Chef’s Table Experience at a long communal table seating 16 guests, inviting diners into a journey of food, wine and fire. For those wanting a closer look at the action, there’s the Chef’s Counter, where two lucky guests can sit right at the heart of the kitchen and watch the chefs at work—flames dancing, sparks flying, and each dish being coaxed into perfection.
Under Shaun Scrooby’s direction, VUUR elevates open-fire cooking into something poetic. Fire isn’t simply a heat source; it’s an ingredient. A philosophy. Every element—embers, smoke, flame—is used to enhance the pure flavours of carefully sourced produce from local farmers, butchers and foragers. Sustainability and respect for nature are woven into every decision, right down to the wood-fired kitchen where everything is cooked to order.
Each plate is paired thoughtfully with wines from Remhoogte Estate, selected from their Reserve, Premium and Free to Be ranges. The pairings feel effortless, yet intentional—complimenting each dish while showcasing the depth and character of the estate’s wines.
Our feast began with a freshly baked bone marrow sourdough roll served with butter, fresh blueberry jam and a side of biltong. I could have eaten seventeen of these without hesitation—warm, airy, indulgent and absolutely addictive.
Next came wood-fired dry-aged fish with cabbage and salad—beautifully prepared and wonderfully flavourful.
In a nod to the beloved South African “braai broodjie,” VUUR’s Aged Beef Tartare on Grilled Leek Toast offered an elevated, elegant interpretation. Topped with grated cheese, it was nostalgic yet refined, and easily one of my favourite plates.
Then came the star of the show—dry-aged prime rib. Cooked with precision, it was tender, juicy, richly flavoured and everything you want a great piece of meat to be. It was served with beef-fat potatoes, carrots, smoky fire-grilled beans (utterly delicious!) and pickled red onion.
Dessert, however, completely stole my heart. Playfully called “Breakfast for Dessert,” it was inspired by the team’s favourite morning meals. The dish featured granola studded with crispy bacon bits (a genius salty-sweet moment), accompanied by a waffle and ice cream. Joyful, unexpected and memorable.
Beyond the food, there’s a deep sense of tranquillity at VUUR Goose Island. With views over the water, wildlife roaming freely and the gentle crackle of fire in the background, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe and just be.
A truly wonderful and soul-filling day out—one I won’t soon forget.
Address: VUUR Restaurant Remhoogte Wine Estate, R44, Stellenbosch, 7600
Book a table at VUUR HERE or call 083 600 4050
