The Social Grill
Situated just outside of town in Pretoriuspark, The Social Grill is a must visit. Grab a drink or sit down for a meal with the family at this tranquil hotspot. Surrounded by nature, you are sure to relax and unwind while the classic food creations (with a modern twist) will most definitely tickle your taste buds. Oh, and then there’s the braai areas…The extensive menu includes yummy options like the Voortrekker salad (mixed greens, dukkah, butternut, biltong, avo slices and feta), Spatchcock (700g chicken flattie marinated in creamy peri-peri sauce, flame grilled), baby beets (pickled baby beetroot topped with feta, mint and balsamic glaze with wholegrain mustard) and tiramisu. On Sundays, they have #SouvlaSundays – a Greek-styled feast so make sure to swing by.
- Trading hours: Tuesday to Thursday 11am till 10pm, Friday to Saturday 11am till 11pm, Sunday 11am till 6pm.
- Details: www.socialgrill.co.za
Fermier
Created with the aim to become completely self-sustainable by creating an entire “ecosystem” – from the fish and vegetables to the livestock used, Fermier creates a dining experience where not only the tender cuts are used, but rather the whole animal (head to tail cooking). Even the building seems to have ‘organically’ grown from the earth as soil from the area has been used to build rammed earth walls, poles as the skeleton and recycled wood for the classing and doors. The overall feel – farm life. To enhance the look and feel the crockery, tables and chairs have all been designed and handmade by the artisans from the Karoo Yard where the restaurant is situated. Their nine-course menu will set you back R650 per person and a wine pairing is R350.
- Trading hours: Tuesday to Saturday set seating time is 7pm.
- Book now: 076-072-5261 or send an email to bookings@fermierrestaurant.com.
- Details: www.fermierrestaurant.com
Central.
Ask any true foodie about Central. and they won’t be able to stop gushing. Located in the heart of the Village, Hazelwood, the restaurant has been 25 years in the making. If you love Mediterranean food, then Central. is the place to be. As the origins of the name suggest, Central. is all about family, food and love, all that is central to owner Dino Retosos’ heart. Their menu is pretty impressive and they have quite the meat selection. Vegetarian? No problem, try the Shiitake Mushroom Moussaka, Spring Rosotto or the Big Green Central. Bowl. Even the drinks menu will have you impressed: non-alcoholic options, beers (local, international and craft), cocktails, gin, wine, whisky and more.
- Trading hours: Monday to Saturday 8am till 4pm
- Book now: 012-340-0123 or send an email to eat@centralrestaurant.co.za
- Details: www.centralrestaurant.co.za
Swartskaap Bistro
Ever felt like you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? What if we told you that you coulddo just that without actually leaving the city’s borders? Yup! Swartskaap Bistro, situated at Sherewood Lodge in Shere is just the place to grab a coffee and somethingto eat when daily life gets too hectic. The team has a simple and fresh homemade food philosophy whilethe relaxing and casual atmosphere that Sherewood
has to offer makes for the perfect backdrop to any event – dinner with your love, coffee with the girls, or birthday celebrations. Choose between the many breakfast options, snacks and sandwiches, freshly made salads, Swartskaap’s homemade pie and sweet treats. Or just fall in for a glass (or two) of wine.
- Trading hours: Tuesday to Friday 07:30am till 5pm, Saturday to Sunday 8am till 12pm. Open for dinner Thursday and Fridays, booking is essential.
- Book now: 012-809-2398.
- Details: www.sherewoodlodge.co.za
Whisk Wine Bar
This laid-back venue offers quality and delicious food and drinks in a relaxed environment. Oh, and this isn’t your typical wine bar either. They have a large outdoor play area, so you can bring the kids along. How cool is that? It’s a firm favourite among Irene residents and the bar boasts one of the widest varieties of spirits in the Pretoria area, so you know you want to swing by for a taste. The menu includes a few family secret recipes and the venue is perfect for all kinds of events and functions, including kids parties. Choose between gourmet sandwiches and wraps, pies, grills, salads, burgers, pizzas, pasta or their hearty meals. And their desserts. Oh, the desserts! Von Pickartz waffles, deep fried Oreo cookies with Nutella sauce and ice-cream (Milk & Cookies), deepfried cheesecake springrolls with cream or ice cream (Cheesarillos) and more. Yum!
- Trading hours: Monday to Thursday 7am till 11pm, Friday 7am till midnight, Saturday 8am till midnight and Sunday 8am till 5pm.
- Details: 012-667-2883 or visit www.whiskwinebar.com
