Make a day of it
GAUTENG
Bellgables Country Restaurant (Muldersdrift)
Large portion alert! Which, in our opinion, just makes the drive even more worthwhile. This place is a feast for more than just the taste buds.
Roots at Forum Homini (Krugersdorp)
A whole lot of wow – from the location (the Cradle of Humankind, for goodness’ sake!) to the menu, to the impressive wine cellar. Warm up beside the fireplace in the amphitheatre.
The Main Conservatory at De Hoek Country Hotel (Magaliesburg)
We love that no cellphones are allowed at the dinner table here – and also, the generous portions. Thankfully the surroundings make for idyllic post-feast strolling.
WESTERN CAPE
Wolfgat (Paternoster)
Take your taste buds on a seaside ride with Wolfgat’s incredible tasting menu. There’s a crackling fire inside and a superb sea view outside. Book online (bookings essential).
Faber (Paarl)
Located on Avondale wine estate, this place is worth the extra mileage for the bread course alone… always a good start.
Hook, Line and Sinker (Pringle Bay)
Brace yourself for chef Stephan Kruger’s larger-than-life personality – in fact, make the trip especially for it (and for the prawns).
KWAZULU-NATAL
Hartford House (Mooi River)
It might be off the beaten track, but Hartford House is in fact located close to some of the best produce and producers in the country – and it shows in the food.
La Lampara (Midlands)
It’s hard not to fall for this little piece of Tuscany in the heart of the KZN Midlands… the menu is even written on a blackboard in Italian. Buon appetito!