Make the most of this annual culinary celebration by trying some of these hidden gems
There are two things that are guaranteed to put a smile on my face: hearing the celebratory pop of a chilled bottle of bubbles, and making restaurant reservations. From 1 April – 1 May, have the opportunity to do both yourself because Restaurant Week is back!
How does it work?
It’s simple. Hundreds of restaurants all across the country are curating 3-7 course menus for avid foodies to enjoy at reasonable prices. If you’ve been looking for a reason to try out the new eatery down the road from your gym, this is it. Grab your friend, lover, mother or crush and enjoy some of the finest flavours this wonderful country has to offer.
Durban
Ordinarily the Chef’s Table is the best seat in the house. Not only do you get to watch an artist work, but the meal will probably be the best you’ve ever had.
This aptly named restaurant commits to delivering a similar experience to all of its guests. Dinner in the heart of Umhlanga Village is a meal you won’t soon forget. Adventurous diners can look forward to beef tongue starter; tough a hearty prawn risotto and delicious duck dumplings are on the menu too. 32-day aged beef, pork, and a couple of vegan/vegetarian mains follow and inventive desserts will give you the sweet finish you’re hoping for.
R395 for 3-course | 031 001 0200
If you don’t have your own story about bar-hopping in Morningside story, are you even South African? Ask any local where to go and they’ll tell you that Florida road, specifically Wish on Florida, should be your first port of call. Not only is the vibe fantastic, but the food is mouthwatering too.
Do a few things well. A simple menu doesn’t equate to simple flavours. The attentive seasoning of the chef – dinner
R265 for 3-course | 031 205 9135
Joburg and surrounds
I’ve always told anyone willing to listen that lamb is horrible. Since trying lamb kofta at Vixi Social in Cape Town, I haven’t tried a kofta I didn’t like. Choo Choo Junction doesn’t disappoint either. I could eat my weight in their flavourful koftas with herb yogurt. If you’re up for a meaty meal, follow your started with the grilled harissa bowl. Their mushroom linguine is delicious too, but there are no wrong choices at this contemporary restaurant.
R245 for 3-course | 072 910 3000
I’ll put my personal feelings about Pretoria aside, because the peanut coconut parfait at De Kloof is faultless. But I’m starting with end in mind.
For those who are still a little apprehensive about travelling, fret not. Taste the best of The Mediterranean or experience authentic Asian flavours from the comfort of this stylish restaurant. Expect conceptual dishes like ostrich with blueberry and chocolate sauce, tofu ‘salmon’ and shiitake mushroom broth.
R325 for 3-course | 073 092 8562
You’ll probably have to get someone to roll you out of Chaplin’s Grill because the food is so moreish and the portions are generous. For starters, you cant go wrong with the tomatoa tartlet. I’d suggest the porcini tortellini as a main dish, topped off with their delicate mille fouille to finish.
The daily chef’s specials might catch your attention though, so let yourself be led by your appetite.
R345 for 3-course | 076 564 5979
The Mad Giant Taproom has a mad awesome vibe and a mad diverse menu. Expect everything from pulled pork and sriracha risotto balls to brisket and beer doughnuts. The three course meal includes a beer tasting too, so save your lunch reservation for the weekend.
R295 for 3-course and beer tasting | 079 283 7380
Pate is another no brainer because it’s a sure way to showcase how skilful the kitchen staff are. When done right, pate is delicious. Make one mistake, though, and it’ll taste horrendous. Believe’s duck liver pate starter hits the mark every single time. The rest of the micro-menu details a restaurant that focuses its efforts on perfecting the handful of dishes they offer.
*Diners tip: when making your reservation, mention that you were referred by “The Scullery Blog” and you’ll get a special surprise on arrival.
R345 for 3-course | 082 465 3625
Cape Town and surrounds
This is a perfectly located and elegantly styled restaurant. Grand Pavilion prioritised seafood dishes; which might make sense considering their proximity to the ocean.
The basic menu offers traditional dishes you’ll love. Stretch your lunch out and the nightlife might persuade you to work off your meal on the dance floor.
R450 for 3-course | 021 206 6360
How curious do snoek churros sound? Cavalli is a restaurant that continues to push boundaries in the kitchen it’ll be a bit of a drive to get to this gorgeous family-owned but you’ll be glad you made the effort. Make your dinner booking for the early evening so you can watch the sun setting below the on-site lake.
*Diner Note: a deposit of R100pp is required for tables of 6 or more**
R450 for 3-course | 021 855 3218
Smoked watermelon sound like a curious way to start a meal, mainly because the fruit tends to be so sweet, and the almond milk that accompanies the dish would make it sweeter. Leave yourself in the skilful hands of the kitchen staff at Grande Roche. With only 4 items on their curated menu, they’ve had ample opportunity to perfect their dished – here is another restaurant that is a little further afield. Since Paarl is within the Cape Wine Country, I’d suggest making a weekend of your visit.
R345 for 3-course | 021 863 5100
Coming from a big meat-eating family has made me appreciate vegan/egetarian dishes because they don’t have a slab of steak to lean to satisfy the hungry. There needs to be an intentional development of flavour to achieve happiness. Faber’s heirloom ox tomato dish does so effortlessly. The rest of the menu is a feast for your eyes and palate – If you’re making my advice and making a weekend of exploring Paarl, Faber a great play to go for
Don’t be fooled by the humble look of the restaurant – it has heart.
R395 for 3-course | 021 202 1219
Kloof Street House – I had my first two-fingers of Lagavulin at KSH, and now it’s my favourite whisky. I held my niece for the first time at KSH and now she, and her parents have relocated to Germany. My last meal before lockdown was at KSH – the bohemian watering hole holds a special best enjoyed during the day.
The gorgonzola arancini are my go-to starter but the beetroot carpaccio is always such a lovely light start to the meal. The hake goujons are a great follow up, Bread and butter pudding makes me feel incredibly nostalgic, though I can appreciate that it’s not for everyone
R223 for 3-course | 021 423 4413
Stellenbosh is another city lousy with some of the best wineries in the country. Gate deserves a visit if you're in the area for an afternoon of wine tasting. If a quail stuffed with leeks, picked pepper seeds and grapes sounds as fragrant to you as it does to me, you’re definitely going to want to try the succulent dish.
R600 for 3-course | 021 888 4750
Diners are split into two groups: family-style eaters and those who abhor it. My best friend loves to pick and mix, nothing infuriates me more. The Farm Eatery prepares some of the most beautiful and equally finger-licking goof food that I would happily split my plate just so I have the excuse to pick off someone else's. The Korean chicken pops t the restaurant are inspired! The same can be said for the prawns, the risotto and the gnocchi so be sure to come hungry. It includes canapés on arrival and a sharing dessert.
R395 for 3-course meal | 021 976 1810
Special Mentions
There are a few restaurants that I am yet to check off my bucket list – and with new cafes and canteens popping up every week, the list is never ending. Clico has had me starry eye-d for years. I’ve only ever heard great things about their
If you’re looking for a place that delivers on the charm, but not necessarily fine dining, Tuk Tuk Brewery is the perfect place for you. The staff at this microbrewery are incredibly friendly and make you feel at home. Enjoy a double pint of craft beer (that you can only enjoy on site) while watching the game and you’ll find yourself staying until closing time.
Have you even dined out if you haven’t sat for a meal at Flames Westcliff? The Four Seasons’ flagship restaurant is a must-do for any foodie worth their… well, salt. And the view from your table is truly a sight for sore eyes. On the right day, you can see Joburg’s iconic jacaranda trees stretching as far as the horizon.
I’d like to think that you keep returning to The Scullery because the reviews are honest. While it is my responsibility to mention the restaurants I’ve had atrocious experiences at, the hospitality industry is still recovering from the effects of C19. Here’s hoping the eateries in question used the restaurant ban to tighten up their service and quality control.
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Let’s all learn from each other. Share the good, the bad, and the ugly in the comment section below so we know which restaurants to pile into and which ones to avoid.