RESTAURANT GUIDE

SPRINGSIDE CAFÉ

For six years, Springside Café has been successfully serving the Upper Highway community as a destination coffee shop. Uniquely situated in a stand-alone environment, the café boasts a calm atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of a mall, whilst remaining easily accessible from the Hillcrest Old Main Road. There is plenty of parking, and the café serves a variety of purposes.

A day out for mom: On Thursdays, all the soft play toys are carefully laid out, ideal for children up to the age of four. Moms needing to get out of the house can enjoy a peaceful environment where children can play, and perhaps also connect with other moms. There is also a play area at the back with two swings and a slide.

A night off: Springside Café is also great for the busy family that is short of time, and needs a wholesome meal. Generously portioned take-away dinners are available to give yourself a night off, or as a practical gift for a friend who has recently had a baby. This take-away facility also extends to catering for outside functions – such as dinner parties.

Business: Springside Café ticks all the boxes; a central place that is easy to find, but just far away enough from the hustle and bustle to be a calm, peaceful environment in which to close deals. Professional staff will unobtrusively keep your coffees topped up.

Conferences: With capacity for up to 100 people cinema-style, your conference can be hosted locally with a large screen for presentations. After the conference, delegates can stretch their legs and take a short walk across the courtyard for lunch or breakaway sessions.

Cakes: We take pride in our freshly baked cakes. Enjoy a slice, or complement an occasion with our whole cakes, such as baked cheese cake, carrot cake, threetier chocolate cake, lemon meringue and freshly baked scones.

FOR MORE INFO: 20 Springside Road, Hillcrest; 063 650 4098

MILLFLOUR BAKING CO

Millflour is situated on Fig Tree Farm, and is a family destination with plenty to do, including a golf driving range, kids’ jungle gyms, mini golf, retail shops and crafts.

The Coffee Bar offers a quick snack, including specialty drinks, coffees, toasted sandwiches, grab & go wraps, burgers and quiches.

Millflour Café & Restaurant has a varied menu with options for health-orientated as well as vegan customers, numerous hearty favorites, and tasty choices for kids. Our pizzas have become a bit of a Hillcrest institution, with their thin crispy bases and unique topping options. We also have a make-your-own kids pizza bar.

There is a delicious selection of tasty bakes made at the Millflour Bakery, including cakes, croissants, tartlets, lemon meringues, and cheesecakes. You can also pick up a loaf of amazing sourdough bread, yummy biscuits, and nibbles, not to mention the delicious luxury granola and variety of rusks to satisfy any craving.

With the beautiful country setting, we have tables outside along our veranda area as well as in the main café seating area. We are currently unlicensed and encourage our guests to bring in their own liquor. We also specialise in turnkey small functions and events.

FOR MORE INFO: 57 Inanda Road, Hillcrest; 082 853 8485

PLATZZ GASTROPUB

Platzz, created in April 2018, is a restaurant pub situated at the back of Hillcrest Centre, alongside the railroad with an outside area and play area for the kids. Here you’ll find good food, great service and lots of fun.

We have an extensive menu catering for most, from grills to pizza, gourmet burgers, panko-crumbed pork chops, beer-battered fish, calamari sticks and world class Eisbein.

Platzz is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with various promotions; Special Lunch menu Mon-Fri, Date Night every Friday, BYO no corkage fee Mon-Fri, and live music on Saturdays and Sundays.

We cater for all private functions up to 150 people. All major sporting events are televised on our big screens, and we also have a private room for business meetings or small gatherings for televised sporting events.

FOR MORE INFO: 40 Old Main Road, Hillcrest; 031 110 0575

LA VERDURE CAFÉ

La Verdure Café, situated in Gillitts Corner, is all about real food.

We serve breakfasts all day, and simple light lunches and delicious meals. Almost everything is prepared fresh and contains no preservatives or bad oils. We cater for banting, keto, vegetarian and vegan – as well as those that enjoy good wholesome food.

We are open from 7am till 3pm Monday through to Saturday, and 8am to 2pm on Sundays.

We welcome pets and anyone who feels they need a break from the chaos!

FOR MORE INFO: 7 Old Main Road, Clifton Park, Gillits; 031 764 1118

STRETTA CAFE

Stretta Cafe is a local Hillcrest familyowned business that offers fresh Italianinspired dining including delectable pizzas, pastas and grills.

We are open from 7am weekdays and 8am on weekends, and serve a range of delicious breakfast and coffee options, following through to lunch and dinner with the kitchen closing for orders at 9pm. We are also available on the MrD app for those who would prefer takeaways.

FOR MORE INFO: The Colony Centre, 50 Old Main Rd, Hillcrest; 031 765 8862 or 072 050 2252

STONEHOUSE

Located in Botha’s Hill near Kearsney College, Stonehouse boasts a stunning view with a wonderful Midlands feel. The café offers an extensive menu, using only the freshest ingredients and award-winning Lineage coffee. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are available all day. Sit back with a glass of wine or craft beer and relax, on the deck or inside, while kids explore the fabulous play area.

Also at Stonehouse is The Garden Shop – “all things gardening” – which is a full plant nursery offering an extensive range of plants, garden accessories, pots, and paving. The Gift Shop – “all things gifting” – stocks specially sourced gifting products, most of which are locally sourced.

At Stonehouse there is a little something for everyone, and service with a smile.

Stonehouse is owner-run by Lee’s SupaScapes, which was established in 2002 – 20 years ago! The café is managed by Greg Clelland.

FOR MORE INFO: 36 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill; www.leessupascapes.co.za The Café: 031 001 1040 or 064 949 8866 The Garden Shop: 066 0500 501 or 076 412 4586

FUNNELL CAFÉ

Funnell Cars has a hidden gem – a welcoming, family-run café open to the public, serving excellent coffee and homestyle food made from scratch. Visit a while and you’ll likely fi nd yourself part of the family.

This cosy spot welcomes business meetings, relaxed catchups, and quick cuppas with wifi . The family-run team are continually making improvements, and invite input from their clientele to help make a visit to this café feel like they’ve called in at a friend’s.

Join Sue, Lauren, Nelly, Fikile and Dee for breakfast, lunch, or a freshly baked treat – from a divine butter chicken curry to a slice of heavenly carrot cake. And watch out for their superb weekly specials.

FOR MORE INFO: 51A Old Main Road, St Helier Rd, Hillcrest; 066 588 3054

PECK-EISH

You might think; how can a kitchen that is only open on Saturdays and the last Sunday of every month at the Shongweni Farmers Market advertise in the restaurant section of The Crest magazine?

What could they possibly have to say about their menu of smashed avo, omelettes, breakfasts, burgers, grilled chicken strips, thin crust pizzas and rustic cut chips that will use up all the words that they paid for?

On show in the main kitchen at The Shongweni Farmers Market, Greg Clelland heads up his rock star team.

On the till we have Mary Zwane, on the grill we have McD Marimba. Up front together on the pans and pass, out of KwaNuswa KZN, the Mkhize sisters: Nthombi and Hlengiwe.

Please, no flash photography. And autographs will only be available after the show!

FOR MORE INFO: Located in the main hall @ The Shongweni Farmers Market

OSCAR’S CAFÉ

Located at Lillies Quarter, Oscars Café has been a community favourite ever since it opened its doors – and been voted Best Restaurant in the Upper Highway by Readers Choice. Enjoy a welcoming laid back dining experience – relax indoors or enjoy a light meal or cocktail on the covered veranda. Our menu caters for all tastes, including a wide selection of vegan dishes, mixed in with our home spun comfort food classics. We are famous for our coffee and cakes! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit www.oscarscafehillcrest.co.za for online reservations.

FOR MORE INFO: 12 Old Main Road, Hillcrest; 031 765 7322

1904 BISTRO AMÉRICAIN

We offer a modern American diner experience, with an eclectic menu of classic family comfort foods. Smoke house meats, traditional Texan barbecue and mad skills making Freak Shakes. We cater for all appetites and events. Relax in our glam Art Deco-style vaulted space, beneath lush French panoramic murals, tropical foliage and signature custom hand crafted pink tiles. Whether you’re having birthday cocktails, a quick coffee with clients or a big family get together, we have the perfect place for you. Visit www.1904.co.za for online reservations.

FOR MORE INFO: 12 Village Road, Kloof; 031 035 0105

MADELEINES

Suppliers of delectable cakes, breakfasts and lunches made with the fi nest ingredients. We also have a restaurant, specialised catering and home meal services on offer

Madeleines is the perfect spot for a baby/bridal shower high tea, seated on the balcony overlooking the dam and greenbelt.

Chat to us about a memorable food experience – either in our restaurant or in the comfort of your own home.

Open Monday to Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday 7am-3pm.

FOR MORE INFO: Shop 214i, Oxford Village Centre, 9 Old Main Road, Hillcrest; 082 712 5812