Mill St Bistro Review: Michelin-Star Chef Launches New Menu with Steak-Frites House Special
Housed in an understated space beneath the Mill Street Monument in Stellenbosch, Mill St Bistro has long been a bistronomy destination restaurant. Now, along with the launch of Mill St Bistro’s new menu, Michelin-starred chef Phil Carmichael has introduced an exciting new L’Entrecôte Experience house special that is sure to further entice diners from across the Cape. Trust me, you will want to plan a day trip to Stellenbosch for this!
The Cape Winelands gem is well known for its innovative use of flavours and locally sourced ingredients but this new steak-frites experience is one for the foodie history books. It’s a dish that’s as generous as it is unforgettable.
With grass-fed rump of beef smothered in mushroom café au lait sauce, bottomless shoestring fries, and a house green salad, this isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration of South African produce, French technique, and the primal allure of fire. This Parisian classic with a local twist is a triumph that’ll have you booking your next visit before you’ve even finished your fries.
But, it’s not just about the food, the setting is just perfection too. The space is equal parts refined and relaxed, with floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors letting in the Stellenbosch breeze and an open kitchen where flames dance as Carmichael and his team work their magic.
Located on a bustling corner in the centre of town, with a relaxed wine deck offering one of the finest by-the-glass wine lists in the region, it’s a great place to sit back and watch small town theater unfold while sipping on a glass of Stellenbosch’s finest.
The L’Entrecôte Experience kicks off with a house green salad, its crisp leaves dressed in a fynbos and honey vinaigrette that’s a subtle nod to the Western Cape’s wild beauty. It’s light, fresh, and the perfect prelude to the main event: a grass-fed rump of beef, flame-seared over woodfire to a smoky, tender perfection.
The steak arrives not once but twice (yes, you get a second serving to prolong the indulgence) —paired with a silken mushroom café au lait sauce that’s so luxurious it deserves an encore. And those bottomless shoestring fries? Crispy, golden, and utterly addictive, they’re the kind of side that could steal the show if the steak weren’t so darn good.
My only regret was not showing up with more space in my stomach, do yourself a kindness and skip breakfast if you’re planning on visiting for the house special. Because there’s no rule you can’t have steak and chips for brunch (trust me, no one is checking).
What sets this experience apart is Carmichael’s commitment to provenance. The beef is sourced from ethical South African farmers, and every element, from the fynbos in the dressing to the wood fueling the fire, tells a story of sustainability and craft.
“Our MSB L’Entrecôte is a love letter to one of the world’s most beloved dishes,” Carmichael says, and you can taste the passion in every bite. The dish is unfussy yet meticulously executed, striking that rare balance between rustic comfort and finesse. At R350 per person, it’s a steal for the quality and generosity.
Mill St Bistro, fresh off its Bistro of the Year win at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, has crafted a dish that’s as soulful as it is sophisticated, blending South African heart with Parisian flair. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or just craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, this is one experience that delivers on every level.
Beyond the MSB L’Entrecôte, the new menu showcases a broadened wood-fired meat offering, including: A 500g Limousin T-bone, 400g sirloin on the bone, Lamb shoulder navarin, and a Côte de Bœuf to share. Each dish is a deliberate expression of Mill St Bistro’s commitment to ethical sourcing and minimal intervention, working only with trusted producers who align with the kitchen’s sustainable, ingredient-driven philosophy.
For those looking for something different, Mill St Bistro isn’t all about fire and meat. The new menu is a well-rounded crowd-pleaser that balances boldness with comfort. Guests can choose from soul-warming dishes such as French onion soup with boerenkaas croutons, slow-cooked lamb shoulder pappardelle with green sauce and pecorino, shiitake and button mushroom gnocchi with spinach pesto and toasted almonds, and classic macaroni and cheese with herb crumble.
Dishes designed for sharing include the grass-fed Côte de Bœuf with dauphinois potatoes, onion rings and béarnaise sauce, and the Lamb Shoulder Navarin with braised root vegetables. A variety of comforting sides round out the offering, beer-battered onion rings, triple-cooked chips, dauphinois potato, and a mixed leaf and mushroom salad.
“Our menu is built on relationships,” says Carmichael. “Whether it’s day-boat fish from Abalobi or vegetables from the Somerset West Community Garden, we work directly with producers who understand quality and care. That’s what this new menu is about, sharing their stories, honouring the craft, and putting the spotlight back on South Africa’s extraordinary food culture.”
The new menu is available for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information and online bookings, visit the Mill St Bistro website or email reservations@millstbistro.co.za.
Mill St Bistro is situated at Cluver Markotter Building, Mill St, Stellenbosch.
