Eike Pauses as Bertus Basson Opens Steakhouse Basson & Co in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch chef Bertus Basson is putting his restaurant Eike on pause after nearly eight years, opening a new concept, Basson & Co, in the same Dorp Street space from 1 September. Basson announced the change directly to guests in a video posted to Facebook.

Eike opened in 2018 as a celebration of South African cuisine, and Basson says the restaurant’s influence has carried through his wider group of Stellenbosch restaurants since. But he describes the decision to pause it as a response to how much has changed in his own life over that time (he now has two young children) and to what he says guests are increasingly asking for: more variety and a more relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Basson & Co will be a meat-centric, à la carte steakhouse built around open-fire cooking and South African beef, with starters, fire-grilled mains, a peppercorn sauce Basson singles out as a highlight, and classic steakhouse desserts to close. Some of Eike’s decorative details will carry over into the new space, including its heritage green accents, which Basson says will also feature in Basson & Co’s branding.

Importantly, Basson was clear that Eike isn’t gone for good: the concept is paused, not retired, and he says he expects it to resurface in some form in the future.

Key dates

• Saturday, 29 August 2026: Eike’s final service in its current form.
• Monday, 1 September 2026: Basson & Co opens for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday, in Eike’s Dorp Street space.

Basson & Co joins Basson’s existing Stellenbosch restaurant group, which includes Chorus at Waterkloof Wine Estate, Spek en Bone, Kantien, and De Vrije Burger.