ALL-NEW RESTAURANTS

AFRO-BOER

| Pretoria, Gauteng

The best of both worlds – African meets Afrikaner. From breakfast to baked goods and new takes on traditional classics, diners are sure to have their taste buds tantalised and teased. A filling breakfast favourite is the stuffed croissant, or try the morogo omelette. The butternut flirt with koeksister sauce is diabolically divine and the gorgonzola rump is rich and filling and for a suitably sweet finale, try the chocolate crêpe. The wine list is tight, but perfectly adequate. Busy and buzzy, the farmhouse-style interiors open onto a gorgeous garden where patrons can linger, or even enjoy their meal as a picnic. Heerlik! 1 Meerlust Avenue, Corner of Lynnwood Road and Meerlust Avenue, Die Wilgers, Pretoria, Gauteng. Open Monday to Saturday from 07h00 to 17h00. Sunday from 08h00 to 15h30. Public holidays from 08h30 to 16h00. Tel: (012) 807-3099 www.afroboer.co.za

URBANOLOGI

| Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg

Über cool with food to match, this is one restaurant you have to visit. Urbanologi is located in the oldest part of town and the heart of Johannesburg. Based inside the Mad Giant Brewery, the chefs work side by side with the brewery team brainstorming and testing new ideas in search of new flavours, ingredients, processes and techniques. Only the best quality local produce is used and there is a focus on Asian produce. Inspired dishes fuse street food with avant-garde preparation and plating. In order to sample a variety of the delectable creations, order from the tapas menu. The menu is divided into six categories: raw, fried, kushiyaki (grilled), steamed, cured and frozen. The drinks list is comprehensive, but you won’t go wrong ordering some of the brewery’s finest offerings. Safe parking is provided. 1 Fox Street, Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 22h00. Sundays from 12h00 to 17h00. Tel: (011) 492-1399 www.urbanologi.co.za

GEET INDIAN RESTAURANT | Brooklyn, Pretoria

Consistency is rare in run of the mill Indian restaurants, but Geet is anything but run of the mill. The owners are passionate foodies. The menu features a few traditional standards, but also modern reinterpretations of classic dishes. Take your palate on a journey spanning India, from Rajasthan to Kerala, from royal favourites to meals enjoyed by everyday people. Spicing is flavourful and simply perfect. And, as is to be expected, other than meat dishes fit for a maharajah or maharani, the vegetarian and vegan offerings will please even the most ardent carnivores. No Indian meal is complete without dessert and if you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. It’s often daunting to match Indian food with the right tipple, so when it comes to wine paring, Geet has you covered. 541 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Gauteng. Open Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 22h00. Sundays from 10h00 to 16h00. Tel: (012) 460-3199 www.geetindianrestaurant.com

KREAM

| Brooklyn, Pretoria

For a venue offering fine special occasion dining, look no further. The entrance through the wine cellar sets a tone of sophistication. There is something for everyone on the comprehensive menu – from seafood, to meat and poultry and a good selection of sushi. Freshly baked bread with a selection of flavoured butters pave the way for sumptuous starters like crumbed crocodile tail or scallops served with vanilla pea purée. Salad lovers will enjoy the poached pear and goat’s cheese salad. Vegetarian and vegan options are available but are a tad on the lacklustre side. Among the meat offerings, the bone marrow fillet is a star. CHILLIPLUM BISTRO | Hillcrest, KZN Chilliplum embodies the owners’ love of food and passion for ethical, locally sourced, organic produce. This was South Africa’s first fine dining, vegan restaurant, but has since grown to incorporate organic, free range and hormone free meats as well. Simplicity and quality underscores the creation of each dish. Visitors can stock up from their range of deli delights and baked goods. Starters such as the Penang ravioli, or the stuffed black mushroom are recommended. For a filling main, opt for the chilli no con carne, a cassoulet of black beans, sofrito, mushrooms and sour cream. Fresh fish is brought in daily and the chef works his magic to suit what is available. Try the chocolate mousse made with organic avos and Kahlua. Shop 9, Richden’s Village Centre, Phase 2, 57 St Margarets Road. Open Tuesday to Friday from 12h00 to 15h00, then from 17h00 to 21h00. Saturdays from 12h00 to 21h00 and Sundays from 11h00 to 14h00. Closed on Mondays. Tel: (031) 765-2590 www.chilliplum.co.za

Sirloin served with blue cheese and a biltong sauce is a surefire hit, and the oxtail with risotto is a winter treat. There is also a good selection of venison dishes to order from. For dessert, there is a good selection, with the frozen honey and almond nougat parfait being among the most memorable. A drinks menu that reads like a who’s who will keep even non-wine lovers enthralled. Kream also has a restaurant at Mall of Africa. 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Open for lunch 7 days a week from 12h00 to 17h00 and dinner from Monday to Friday from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (012) 346-4642/4

www.kream.co.za

STEF’S TABLE

| Hartbeespoort, North-West

There is nothing quite like dining at the home of a talented, passionate cook, and guests at Stef’s home-based restaurant are treated to some of the best food to be had anywhere. Service is as personal as it gets, with the hosts paying a lot of attention to their customers. The à la carte menu offers about six starters, six mains and two desserts, ensuring attention to detail and the best seasonal ingredients. Culinary influences range from South African and French, to Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Stef is a master of the soufflé, so do bear that in mind when placing your order. The setting is lush and green with an outdoor and two indoor areas, and a cosy fireplace for chilly winter evenings. 73 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort. Open by reservation only for lunch from Friday to Sunday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Tel: (012) 253-2384 Email: stefstable@myconnection.co.za 109

OVERHEX WINERY & BISTRO | Between Worcester and Robertson, Western Cape

The perfect excuse for a quick detour when exploring the scenic Breede River Valley, Overhex Bistro is a popular eatery serving some of the best (and most beautiful) food in the area. Relaxed and decidedly unfussy, this is a restaurant you will want to return to time and time again. On the menu are a range of homemade dishes from artisanal pizzas and designer burgers, to fragrant curries and gorgeous pastas – all with a suggestion of which of the winery’s vintages as accompaniment. The newest addition to the Overhex Winery facilities is a high-class conference centre, with the latest technology that can cater for up to 30 delegates. Situated on the R60 between Worcester and Robertson, Western Cape. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09h30 to 15h30. Tel: (023) 347-5012 www.overhexbistro.com

JONKERSHUIS

| Constantia, Cape Town

With a history dating back to 1685, Groot Constantia is the oldest wine-producing estate of South Africa. The historic Manor House where exhibits of furniture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, brass, and copperware, provides an insight into the way of life of a successful 18th to late 19th century Cape farmer. Surrounded by ancient oak trees, Jonkershuis provides more than just good food – the views over the vineyards and Constantia Valley are breathtaking. Ingredients are sustainable and local, and flavours of traditional Cape Malay cooking pay homage to the uniquely South African cuisine. Dine in private, or at the fireside, or the covered courtyard, or on the lawns among the majestic oaks. The extensive menu has something for every taste and prices are surprisingly affordable taking into consideration the historical setting. Enjoy freshly baked breakfast treats, pastas, meat and seafood, and Cape Malay favourites. The wine list is as keenly priced. Groot Constantia Road, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, Cape Town. Summer Hours (September – April): Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 21h00, and Sunday from 09h00 to 17h00. Winter Hours (May – August): Sunday to Thursday from 09h00 to 17h00, and Friday to Saturday from 09h00 to 21h00. Tel: (021) 794-6255 www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

LUCY ETHIOPIAN | City Bowl, Cape Town

What better way to experience another culture than through its food? Especially when you don’t have to travel too far. For those unused to the joy that is Ethiopian food, this is the perfect opportunity to make its acquaintance. The waiting staff are attentive and with their help, you’ll soon come to grips with the slightly foreign ingredients and learn how best to eat with your hands. Order a platter and add to it as you choose. Both carnivores and vegetarians are catered for with dishes ranging from pulses, to cubed fried meats and heavenly traditional bread (injera) to act as food conveyor and help mop up the delicious sauces. There aren’t many desserts on offer, but the baklava is pretty decent. Sadly Lucy Ethiopian has no liquor license, but you can bring your own, or better yet, enjoy the traditional coffee. Traditional décor and music set the tone in this quaint eatery that has its fair share of regulars. 281 Long Street, Cape Town. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 23h00. Tel: (021) 422-1797 Email: reservations@lucyrestaurant.co.za www.facebook.com/pg/LucyEthiopianRestaurantCapeTown

LE COIN FRANÇAIS | Franschhoek

Unofficially known as SA’s food capital, Franschhoek visitors are spoiled for choice when choosing a venue. New kid on the block Le Coin Français is gathering rave reviews. Multiple award-winning chef de cuisine and owner, Darren Badenhorst (previously executive chef of The Restaurant at Grande Provence) leads diners through a unique culinary exploration of flavours, textures and interactive creations. The food is both a visual and culinary delight – truly art on a plate. Lunch is designed as a three-course à la carte menu, while dinner is a six- or eight-course journey either with or without wine pairing. Local produce features prominently and the chef owns a commercial fishing boat, so fish is as fresh as can be. 17 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape. Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday from 12h00 to 14h30 and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 19h00 to 20h30. Tel: 074 126-0022 www.lecoinfrancais.co.za

LA MADELEINE | Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria

Food legend Daniel Leusch has handed the reigns of this iconic eatery to his daughter, Anne, who is proudly following in her father’s footsteps. This is some of the most sublime French-influenced cooking you’ll find anywhere in SA, and at pocket-friendly prices to boot. Food at La Madeleine is all about the joy of cooking and eating. Ingredients are sourced fresh daily, so be prepared to be surprised when you turn up for your booking. Each day’s menu consists of about six starters, six main courses and a couple of desserts. The pre-dessert cheese board is a delight of rare and interesting cheeses, so don’t skip it. Two house favourites are the braised pork cheeks and gossamer light the crème brûlée, but pretty much everything else changes daily. This is the type of establishment where you can safely leave everything up to the chef. The wine list is a marriage of local and French vintages, and prices can be a bit steep, but there is enough on offer for those on a more modest budget. 122 Priory Road, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria. Open for lunch from Sunday from 12h00 to 14h00 and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 19h00 to 21h00. Tel: (012) 361-3667 www.lamadeleine.co.za

ÉPICURE BY CHEF COCO | Morningside, Johannesburg

Chef Coco Reinharz is well-known for his excellent modern African cuisine. Épicure is decidedly high-end and patrons can savour African-influenced dishes incorporating ingredients we rarely see in fine dining restaurants, like cassava and plantain, to name two. There is an à la carte menu, as well as degustation options. Lighter fare can be found on the Afritapas menu. Interestingly, Coco has opted for a rum bar, deftly sidestepping the current gin craze. Wine lovers will find the wine list more than adequate. 3-5 Lower Road, Morningside Central, Sandton, Johannesburg. Open from Monday to Sunday from 08h00 till late. Tel: (010) 594-5336 or 072 268-0353 www.epicurerestaurant.co.za 111

ASH RESTAURANT | City Centre, Cape Town

Chef Ash Heeger already knew she wanted to be a chef at the tender age of ten. Having trained under Luke Dale Roberts for three years before heading off to London where she worked at The Ledbury in Notting Hill followed by two years honing her skills at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Upon her return home, she opened her own restaurant specialising in charcoal-fired cooking to great acclaim. The menu is relatively small and changes constantly. Tapasstyle sharing is encouraged, so start with hay smoked trout or octopus with lemon atchar. The cheese croquettes are a definite must, so don’t forget to add them to your order. Mosey along to mains like excellent dry aged beef served with your choice of sides, or delectable quail pie. Vegetarians will love the parsley and nettle samp. End your meal with something sweet like the incomparable madeleines, or the goat’s cheese platter. The drinks list is affordable with some good wines by the glass. 81 Church Street, Cape Town City Centre. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 18h00 to 22h00 and Saturday from 10h30 to 13h30 and from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (021) 424-7204 www.ashrestaurant.co.za

LOVE ME SO | Melville, Johannesburg

Funky décor, cool music, great service…and the food is ultrayum. This ramen spot is a delight. They serve superb cocktails (half price during happy hour) and there is something for everyone from carnivores, to vegetarians and vegans. The menu is an eclectic assortment of Asian-inspired dishes – from Korean barbeque and Japanese ramen, to izakaya (Japanese pub food), and poke and soba bowls. Take your palate on an adventure and order several dishes to share. Highly recommended are the beef tataki, fluffy korokke (Japanese potato croquettes) and the steamed barramundi is sheer heaven. Finish with the black sesame ice cream – you’ll be back just to have more! 63A 4th Avenue, 2092, Melville. Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 17h00 to 22h00 (Half price cocktails between 17h00 and 19h00). Thursday and Saturday from 12h00 to 22h00 (Half price cocktails between 17h00 and 19h00). Sunday from 12h00 to 18h00 (Half price cocktails between 13h00 to 16h00). Closed on Mondays. Booking is advised. Tel: 060 717-6728 Email: info@lovemeso.co.za www.facebook.com/lovemesojozi

REVERIE SOCIAL TABLE | Observatory, Cape Town

Communal eating is a global trend that’s fast catching on here at home. What better way to enjoy a great meal and meet new people? Chef Julia Hattingh’s 18-seat table d’hôte restaurant serves a five-course dinner displaying skills she gained while working abroad and locally. The menu changes frequently, as do the wine offerings. The food is as beautiful as it is hearty. Expect local beef, the most succulent seafood and masterful desserts. Chef Julia is at hand throughout the experience, greeting her guests personally and taking time to explain the menu and getting to know her guests. There is a friendly informality and convivial atmosphere that adds immeasurably to the experience. Seemingly simple dishes belie the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into the preparation of each dish – dishes worthy of five-star restaurants. As the chef’s choice dinner is a surprise, it is advisable to make any dietary restrictions know when making your booking. 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. Open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday from 12h00 to 14h30, and for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday from 19h30 to 23h00. Tel: (021) 447-3219 or 079 060-6971 www.reverie.capetown

LA CANTINA

| Fancourt Hotel, George

Relaxed and easy-going, this restaurant is vibey and busy, just the way a good Italian restaurant should be. Homemade pastas, steak, poultry and seafood, as well as some of the best wood-fired thin-base pizzas imaginable can be found on the extensive menu. And what is an Italian restaurant without tiramisu? The wine list is just as comprehensive, and many of the wines are available by the glass. Prices vary from pocket pleasing everyday easy drinking wines, to more upmarket offerings. For those out to do some serious celebrating, a few ‘blow the budget’ wines and champagnes are available. Serving as the hotel’s breakfast venue, the morning buffet is

LA BOQUERIA

| Parktown North, Johannesburg

Bright and airy, the interior space is modern retro, complete with pot plants in macramé hangers. With so much space available, the restaurant never feels overfull or too noisy. There is a large outdoor deck that’s just perfect for warm winter days or lazing on in summer. Street food with a contemporary edge is what keeps diners coming back for more. Share a platter of nibbles or tapas. Then move on to a skillet, bowl or barbequed dish. There is also ceviche, fried street food and paellas. Hispanic flavours dance across the plate. There is something for everyone, from the peckish, to the seriously hungry. Vegetarian options are decidedly not boring, and we tip our hats to the chef for that. Service-wise, La Boqueria is top-notch with knowledgeable and friendly waiting staff at hand to explain the more complicated creations. Wines and beers by mostly small boutique-style producers adorn the menu. Allow yourself time to peruse the menu and wine list at a leisurely pace and by all means, be adventurous when placing your order. No. 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Thursday from 07h00 to 22h00, Friday and Saturday from 07h00 to 23h00, and Sunday from 07h00 to 17h00. Tel: (011) 325-0011 www.laboqueria.co.za generous and sure to get your day off to a wholesome start. Diners can choose between indoor or outdoor seating. Service is smart and friendly. Food prices are quite reasonable, so do put La Cantina on your to do list for when you are in George. Fancourt Golf Estate, Montagu Street, Blanco, George. Open for breakfast from Monday to Sunday from 06h30 to 10h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (044) 804-0538 Email: reservations@fancourt.co.za www.fancourt.co.za/eat/la-cantina/

FORTI GRILL & BAR

| Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Fortunato Mazzone is a legend of the South African food world. While many regular patrons were sad to see Ritrovo closing, Forti has moved on to bigger and better things. His new venue is nothing short of spectacular and the food has, if anything, been taken up a notch. Not an easy feat, as the food at Ritrovo was unvaryingly spectacular. Fortunato is in his element at Forti Grill and Bar. Big, bold and beautiful (like the owner), immense attention is paid to every detail, from interior design, to service and food. Masterfully reinterpreted Italian cuisine is served alongside some familiar favourites. A nod to the old Ritrovo, the fillet chateaubriand is still on the menu and, as before, it’s a meal for two. The pasta dishes are inspired, and fish is cooked to perfection. Sides include salad, potato chips cooked in duck

fat and fried polenta. With so many people changing to a vegan diet, it is heartening to see they have an entire section on the menu devoted to guilt-free eating. The Italian nougat is a dessert you’d return for again and again. Forti is the place to celebrate anything from a huge family get-together, to an intimate dinner à deux. It is all about a sheer love of life and good food. Top Floor Sun Time Square Casino, c/o Aramist Avenue and Corobay Street, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. Open from Sunday to Thursday from 11h45 to 22h00 and Friday to Saturday from 11h45 to 24h00. Tel: 08600FORTI(36784) or (012) 003-6181 Cell: 083 467-2588 or 076 260-3025 www.forti.co.za

NCW

| Melville, Johannesburg

Chef Ence Willemse has brought an old white elephant of a building on Melville’s Main Road to vibrant life. Ence, who has worked at award-winning restaurants Roots in Krugersdorp and Overture Stellenbosch, is now the proud owner and chef of this jaw-droppingly elegant fine dining venue. NCW is a multi-use space and ideal for cocktail parties, celebrations, and will also host exhibitions. Chef Ence is a fervent believer in knowing the full history of his produce, thereby ensuring diners of only the finest ingredients. Likewise, each vintage on his wine list has a backstory. Guests are encouraged to stroll about while sipping their wine and enjoying the art. It’s a relaxed, informal way of enjoying fine food in a beautiful space. It’s elegant, but definitely modern and not all stuffy. Saturday sundowners are a great mid-weekend option, while Sunday roasts are popular and highly recommended. The tasting menu available Thursday to Saturday at R525 and Sunday meals cost R325 per person. 46 Main Road, Melville, Johannesburg. Open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday from 12h00 to 16h00 and for dinner from Thursday to Sunday from 16h00 to 23h00. Booking is essential. Tel: (011) 482-1998 www.ncwrestaurant.co.za