Nothing says summer like a lazy lunch outdoors and since the holidays are fast approaching, what better way to spend the afternoon, than wining and dining at one of Gauteng’s top countryside restaurants. So, grab your family and friends and take a drive out of Joburg to escape the city chaos. Here’s our list of the best restaurants to visit in the countryside:
Black Horse Brewery
Situated on the edge of the Magalies River, in Magaliesburg, with lush green fields and majestic black horses, this gastro-style pub has become a favourite hangout spot. Black Horse Brewery features an urban alehouse menu that includes simple ingredients, prepared in an unpretentious way. Choose from a selection of salads or wood-fired pizzas or their famous Black Horse Smoked Ribs and sip on craft beers as you relax under their towering Pecan nut trees. www.blackhorse.co.za
Die Ou Pastorie
Located nearby Hartbeespoort Dam, the Cradle of Humankind and the UNESCO Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve, Die Ou Pastorie is a cute and quaint country-style restaurant and a perfect retreat for a long, lazy lunch under the trees. Signature dishes include the homemade duck pie, the sirloin and their famous baked cheesecake. Guests will also be entertained by the sweet sounds of resident musician and singer, Phillipe Abalovi, who hails from Benin. www.dieoupastorie.com
Irene Dairy Farm
Irene Dairy Farm in Irene has been around since 1895 and is still one of the most popular weekend destinations for families. Not only is it child-friendly, but guests can indulge in their a la carte menu or Sunday lunch buffet sitting under the old oak trees at the Barn restaurant. Parents can rest assured there is plenty of entertainment for the kids, as the farm also includes jungle gyms, antique tractors for exploring and lots of adorable farm animals. www.irenefarm.co.za
Silver Orange Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Hartbeespoort among citrus orchards is Silver Orange Bistro – a true hidden gem. Established in 2004, the bistro follows strong European influences with a hint of African flair. Each dish is created using fresh, bold and appetizing ingredients that compliment one another. Popular dishes include the duo Carpaccio, duck and fig samoosas for starters, gorgonzola fillet or the mustard chicken for mains and the rooibos and honey malva pudding for dessert. www.silverorangebistro.co.za
De Hoek
De Hoek country hotel in Magaliesburg features two restaurants – The Bridge Bistro and The Conservatory. The Bridge Bistro is a modern and contemporary glass enclosed dining room with gorgeous views of the riverine bush and includes a lighter menu, while The Conservatory offers a five-course dining menu in a dining room that leads out onto their beautiful, plush gardens. Starters include handmade tagliolini with mixed mushrooms in a cream sauce and a tempura prawn salad. Mains include roast herb rubbed rack of lamb or pan-fried Norwegian salmon fillet served with a lemon thyme beurre blanc sauce. www.dehoek.com
Casalinga
Casalinga is a firm favourite amongst food lovers, and for obvious reasons too. Situated in the beautiful countryside of Muldersdrift, Casalinga has, for 29 years, offered a tranquil, peaceful and secluded setting away from the buzzing city as well as delicious Italian cuisine. Some of the dishes include their slow roasted pork belly prepared in a sherry sauce and their famous handmade gnocchi served with either a creamy four cheese, Napolitana or basil pesto sauce. www.casalinga.co.za
Roots
Roots restaurant, located at the Forum Homini Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind, offers a fine dining experience like no other. Set within a private game estate, this five-star restaurant features an ever-changing menu of delightful dishes that will tantalise your taste-buds. They serve contemporary, modern cuisine with a South African twist, fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offer a fancy wine selection from the top wine estates in the country. They also cater for dietary requirements and offer high tea from 09:30am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm on Mondays to Saturdays. Bookings are essential. www.forumhomini.com
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