Potluck Boskombuis

This hidden gem is all about the magnificent setting: between looming boulders and a stream in the middle of nowhere. The food is homely Boerekos, mostly prepared on an open flame, with sides such as pap and sheba. Vegetarians are also catered for. Your hosts are creative duo Mareli and Francois Laubscher, who are as laid-back as their restaurant. Bring cash, switch your phone off (there’s no signal anyway), and plan to stay for a while.

Open daily
Outside Graskop
071 539 6773
Potluck-Boskombuis-Bush-Kitchen

The Food Fundi

Very few places live up to their menus, but this award-winning, day-time coffee café does just that, showcasing local ingredients on a seasonal menu. Choose a base of wraps, herb salads, open sandwiches, or a salad of grains, herbs, and Lydenburg yoghurt, then add your combination: try the pulled lamb tagine with lemon labneh, or spiced chicken with macadamia mayo. All-day breakfasts include a killer eggs Benedict. Smoothies are made from fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, and coconut milk.

Open daily; closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Pick n Pay Centre, Citrus Crescent, off the R40
076 730 9808 or 013 755 1091
thefoodfundi.co.za

Image: Hennie Homann

64 Coolmore

This brand-new eatery is run by hosts and restaurateurs Carl and Meg van de Merwe. It’s set amid a shady avocado orchard, surrounded by veggie gardens, and Carl will happily cook you an artichoke plucked straight from the soil, followed by a Lowveld game staple. Expect hearty, rustic cooking, such as springbok, guinea fowl, and lamb, cooked in the wood-fired oven. Phone ahead for the access code.

Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
64 Coolmore Road
082 896 4646
64coolmore

Image: Hennie Homann

Meraki

Lowveld youngster Alden Boerifijn’s first restaurant is a small and intimate affair, so be sure to book a table over the silly season. His food is a blend of his 5-star bush lodge experience, home favourites, and influence from his time at GT Lundie’s Zest Restaurant. His signature starter of bone marrow, beef tartar, crispy tongue, sweet mustard, and fresh radish is a taste sensation.   

Open daily, closed on New Year’s Day. Bagdad Centre, R40, White River
072 824 4926
Merakiwr

Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria

Picasso’s has adopted a winning formula from its sister restaurant on the Greek island of Naxos. The flour tortillas are handmade; the food is tasty and plentiful; and what would a Mexican-themed joint be without tequila? Picasso’s has 36 varieties. Try the fajita, served still sizzling. Wash it down with Gold craft beer infused with tequila, brewed by the Sabie Brewing Company.

Open daily
Bagdad Centre, R40, White River
031 750 0300 or 082 648 1019
picassoismexican.co.za

Image: Hennie Homann

Kombu Sushi and Oyster Bar

Fresh oysters in Mbombela may seem out of place, but Kombu’s attached retail fishery, Roelof’s, ensures the freshest fare makes its way from Knysna and Mozambique. The sushi is a blend of traditional and innovative: try the volcano rolls. There is also a non-sushi menu, including a deconstructed beef wellington and an excellent pork belly. The barmen are superbly trained, and cocktails include an impressive whisky and burnt citrus performance.

Open daily
Shop 77, Crossing Centre, Samora Machel Drive;
013 752 2721
roelofsfreshfishco

Image: Hennie Homann
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