5 South African Restaurant Destinations
Think about the last time you enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant. It has probably been a while, right? Now that travelling and eating out again is allowed (adhering to safety guidelines, of course), we’ve got a few South African restaurant destinations you have to visit. If travelling is on your bucket list this year, visit some of these restaurant destinations known to serve good food and great ambience:
1. The Test Kitchen (Cape Town)
The Test Kitchen boasts one of the most distinctive contemporary spaces in Cape Town. British-born Chef Luke Dale Roberts’s brainchild is a culmination of efforts to re-imagine and acknowledge the dining experience that restaurant guests want. For the main course, be sure to try the Grass-Fed Beef Tartare and Smoked Scallops. For something sweet, try the delicious Strawberry Mille-Feuille or La TROPICA desserts. Why not try your hand at whipping up exquisite desserts with Stork’s baking recipes and baking ingredients.
2. Marble (Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Situated in the heart of the Johannesburg art scene is the Marble restaurant. Specialising in local, contemporary food and an excellent wine selection, this sophisticated restaurant destination promises an incredible dining experience. Marble boasts an array of fresh ingredients cooked on perfectly prepared coals, including fish, poultry, vegetables and bread. For a decadent dessert moment, try their Crème Brûlée which consists of white chocolate and fennel brûlée, lemon sponge, minted melon and tuille. Whenever you feel inspired, play around with variations of crème brûlée at home. Try baking with margarine for extra flavour and texture.
3. Ginger the Restaurant (Port Elizabeth)
Ginger the Restaurant offers an array of dishes to enjoy amidst the elegant seaside setting. The restaurant’s winning trifecta includes combining fresh local ingredients, modern cooking techniques and some classic favourites. Ginger boasts a spectacular view of Nelson Mandela Bay, where dolphins frolic during the day! Tuck into desserts like their scrumptious Crêpes Suzette, Summer Eton Mess or if you’re a chocolate lover, the Dark chocolate & Salted Caramel Fondant promises not to disappoint.
4. La Rosa (Marine Parade, Durban)
La Rosa is famously known in Durban for its exploding flavours, electric atmosphere, and vibrant colours. Capturing the magic of Mexico, La Rosa Mexican Grille offers an unforgettable dining experience. Apart from the Antojitos y Aperitivos inspired by the traditional street food of Mexico, let’s focus on their dessert menu instead. We’re talking Churros (fried Mexican pastry, cinnamon sugar and salted caramel with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream). For a comforting dessert, tuck into Arroz Con Leche, a traditional rice pudding served cold or warm. If you need to update your social media feed with great content, snap a picture of the Sopapillas, a fried puff pastry with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream!
5. Tin Roof Café (Mooiplaats)
If you require an escape to the country with a keen desire to dine on fresh produce crafted into unique wholesome dishes, this is the spot for you. Chef Pellie Grobler leads a dedicated team to ensure the product meets demand and expectations are met and, in many instances, exceeded. For a sweet fix, try their lime & lemon pie, passion pavlova, pistachio crème brûlée or chocolate crémeux.
The next time you’re on a road trip, stop at these restaurant destinations that are sure to take your tastebuds to another level.