Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch’s historic winelands, Mill St Bistro is quietly making waves in South Africa’s dining scene. Founded by acclaimed Welsh Chef Phil Carmichael, this new bistro combines the essence of French bistronomy with a dedication to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Located near the iconic Mill Street Monument, the bistro offers an unpretentious, flavour-focused experience that reflects Carmichael’s culinary journey and respect for tradition.
A Passion for Local, Sustainable Ingredients
Chef Carmichael’s approach to cooking at Mill St Bistro emphasizes simplicity, seasonality, and sustainability. Each dish is crafted from ingredients sourced directly from local farmers, community gardens, and the South African boat-to-table initiative Abalobi, which supplies fresh fish while supporting small-scale fisheries. With a commitment to using what is fresh and readily available, Carmichael creates dishes that are classic in technique yet full of local character. The result is an authentic dining experience that celebrates South Africa’s natural bounty.
Key dishes include the Mushroom Parfait, topped with marinated mushrooms, pickled mustard seeds, and shallots, as well as the Day Boat Market Fish, served with sweetcorn, mussel and ginger succotash, baby marrow, and a nasturtium pesto made from ingredients grown in Carmichael’s own garden. These dishes reflect his commitment to farm-to-table sourcing, simplicity, and the sustainable values that have shaped his vision for Mill St Bistro.
A Wine Deck for South Africa’s Best
Mill St Bistro’s wine deck offers a curated selection of South Africa’s finest wines, with a focus on rare and unconventional labels that showcase the diversity of local viticulture. Thanks to a state-of-the-art Coravin system, guests can enjoy top-tier wines by the glass, allowing both locals and visitors to explore the country’s best offerings without committing to a full bottle. Carmichael’s goal is to create a wine experience that celebrates the best of South Africa while offering something unique to Stellenbosch’s wine culture.
The deck, a relaxed yet refined space perfect for unwinding, welcomes guests for a glass of wine paired with a light snack, offering a taste of Mill St Bistro’s ethos without the formality of a full meal. By highlighting lesser-known winemakers and innovative labels, the wine deck brings an exciting twist to the Stellenbosch dining scene.
Mill St Bistro embodies Chef Carmichael’s commitment to refined simplicity and local flavour, creating an experience that marries tradition with a touch of creativity. In his words, “I want to create a connection between what we do in the restaurant and what the farmers do in the fields, the fishermen who catch the fish, and share their stories.” Mill St Bistro offers a dining experience that is heartfelt, flavourful, and deeply rooted in South African soil.
For more information or bookings, visit www.millstbistro.co.za or email [email protected].
