Cato Ridge Restaurants

Dine in the spectacular thatched surrounds flanked by an age old tree inviting the bare natural elements of life draped in fairy lights and starry skies. The dining room graces the senses with a roaring rock fireplace heightened by a grand marble and thatch bar. Begin a magical journey through Africa sampling the exclusive menu designed by executive chef catering a delicately balanced fusion of flavours and platinum award Diners Club wine list. Alfresco dining on the terrace invites the outdoors overlooking the bush and resident game that graze within close proximity. Le Tala Restaurant secures a fine African dining experience in spectacular surrounds over breakfast, lunch or dinner at Tala Game Reserve, Pietermaritzburg.

The Pot and Kettle in Hillcrest has over 15 years of experience and it shows. Known amongst the locals for the tastiest home-style cooking and gorgeous views of the Valley of 1000 Hills, this modest but well-designed eatery boasts a menu full of sumptuous options for breakfast, light bites and lunches. The cakes are a must-try and all home-baked and the kids haven’t been forgotten about with a menu all to themselves. A superb family spot, The Pot and Kettle is a great place for whiling away a lazy afternoon.

The Chanteclar Hotel offers a choice of two well appointed dining rooms, each providing a unique setting and ambiance for idle chat and delicious food. The gourmet Zebra and Leopard Room entices with fine fare and excellent service, warmed by a roaring winter fire, perfect for secluded dinners and romantic meals. Enjoy legendary Sunday lunches, which draw regular visitors from all around, an excellent day of fine food and wine. The extensive kiddies play area invites relaxation for parents with an outdoor paved terrace securing a lingering lunch in the solitude and beauty of 1000 Hills. Soak up the balmy summer dining alfresco or enjoy a leisurely meal at the bar. The ladies bar calls for an intimate dining affair shaded by original stonework and crackling winter fire. The Chantecler Hotel is the perfect place to linger and indulge in the beauty of Madwala Conservancy and tantalising fare.

The Olive Garden is situated in one of KZN premier nursery settings wrapped in tranquil ambience and idyllic surroundings. Soak up the surrounds on the deck surrounded by fauna and flora while pampering the palate with homemade cakes, freshly baked scones, muffins and almost everything else that will tempt your hearts desire. Light lunches compliment a home-style country cuisine boasting exceptional food and relaxed environment. Tempt your taste buds with heavenly fare and idyllic surrounds at The Olive Garden Restaurant.

A truly unique and festive night out awaits you at Greensleeves, Hillcrest. Wenches and lackeys tend to your every whim and won’t be the least bit offended if you refer to them by their role in shouting ‘wench!’ should you need a refill. After you have dined to your heart’s content, the medieval theme continues with dancing til late. Be truly entertained at this one of a kind eatery.

Enjoy an extensive Mediterranean menu in a laid back spot at Olive and Oil. Though focusing on superb seafood, Olive and Oil boasts delicious offerings to suit every taste. A very children-friendly eatery, parents can take a load off and relax as the children-friendly area occupies the kids. Superb food and a relaxing environment make Olive and Oil an excellent venue for casual and satisfying dining.

Serving traditional Italian fare in an elegant setting, La Strada Ristorante is the perfect venue for intimate lunches or alfresco dining. The menu boasts extensive Italian food combined with quality local and imported ingredients. Pastas are handmade on the premises with pizzas known as the best in Durban. Boasting a traditional mosaic tiled wood-fired pizza-burning oven using old age Italian techniques, pizzas cook to crispy-layered perfection. Venture off with a daring combination or stay safe with a traditional quattro stagioni or branch out and try one of the unusual gourmet pizzas. For carnivores, there are aged steaks and a wide variety of fish and chicken dishes. La Strada Ristorante embraces Italy with rustic elegance and warms the palate with hearty Italian fare.

This fine bistro restaurant boasts rare classic dishes reflecting various influences from around the globe. Gracing an elegant ambience bursting with a fusion of flavours, Aubergine and Andreotti’s offer bistro dining at its best. The décor embraces a contemporary setting perfect for languid lunches and decadently elegant dinners.

Rockafellas Theatre of Food invites diners to relish in a bygone era of the 30’s and 40’s brimming with nostalgic atmosphere and grand buffet dining. The décor is elegant, classic and bold following the steps of jazz flanked by unsurpassed views of Scottville racecourse and the city. Enjoy a variety of mouth watering meals and glamorous surrounds at Rockafellas Theatre of Food at the Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg.

This bohemian restaurant delights with roaring log fires and African inspired cuisine that makes for an evening of good food and welcoming ambiance. Dine within the intimate surrounds or enchanted garden or view the city lights onboard the rustic deck. The menu tantalises with an array of dishes such as traditional German Eisbeins, Thai, Moroccan, Venison potjies and delightful African dishes. Enjoy bohemian dining at its best at Little Moravia.

The Stagecoach embraces a pub and grill ambiance with delightful varieties of pizza, jumbo burgers, seafood, ribs, combos and kiddies meals on offer. Dine in cool air conditioned surrounds or on the covered veranda enjoying a delicious lunch menu, famous all day breakfasts in an old west setting. The mood beacons casual and relaxed with friendly faces and the best steaks and biggest burgers in town.

Zest Restaurant delights the palate with fresh seasonal produce and ingredients enrobed into daily specials and signature dishes. Funky and comfortable, diners can enjoy casual dining, lunches and special occasions in a contemporary setting complimented by an ever-changing menu and exceptional wine list.

Madlula’s Place invites with elegant ambiance and bistro dining brimming with South African and African cuisine. This upmarket restaurant cum lounge further enhances the dining experience with live jazz over lunch or dinner.

Located in Boom Street, Rosehurst offers café style dining with lazy lunches and therapeutic shopping to compliment the menu. This gem of Pietermaritzburg caters for all senses with decadent cuisine, chocolates galore and gifts that embody all that is rosy. The décor is whimsical and elegant with roses peeking from nooks and crannies traversing delicate artwork and makes for a memorable day out indulging and shopping.

Enjoy hearty breakfasts, languid lunches and enticing dinners indoors or alfresco warmed by snugly winter heaters and summery fans on the weatherproof veranda. Good food, value for money and generous portions make Quincy’s Café the place to be in Pietermaritzburg.

Boasting a rotating sushi bar and oriental sushi chefs, Saki Pacific Grill caters a fusion of Pacific, Thai, Indonesian and Japanese delights. The décor is relaxed and contemporary with funky touches complimenting the a la Carte menu brimming with Thai curries, Indonesian satays, Samoan and Maori dishes. Flatter the meal with a Japanese beer and saki to round off this authentic dining experience.

Piatto Restaurant Grill welcomes with trendy and comfortable surrounds and modern styled interior that embraces the art of Mediterranean living. The menu entices with delicious Italian pasta dishes, authentic Portuguese cooking with a nostalgic hint of traditional LM flavour, Greek Moussaka and Lamb, tender, loose on the bone and seasoned with spices and wine. Enjoy the best of traditional Italian, Greek and Portuguese cuisine in the heart of the Garden Food Court.

Driven by passion for food and love for feeding people, Sprigs seduces the palate with delicious seasonal creations. Indulge in healthy buffet style lunches or linger over a creamy cup of coffee or tea sampling an array of decadent cakes and tempting tarts. Savour the islands of sexy salads before rounding off your meal with one of their devilish deserts. Sprigs in Kloof delights the palate with fresh, mood enhancing food perfect for lazing the day away enjoying nature’s delights.

Drawing patrons from near and far, Stoker’s Arms is housed quite appropriately in what was originally the Kloof Railway Station. An original log fireplace crackles during chilly winter nights and an old fashioned steam carriage resides permanently as part of the Stoker's pub.  Step into Stoker’s Arms old world charm and tuck into hearty English Pub fare washed down with one of their extensive range of beers on tap. It's a wonderful place for kids and is known for excellent pub grub. Stoker's is also a great place to catch the 70 year-old Steam Train that stops to fetch patrons for a trip to the 1000 Hills area.

Located in Roberts Street, Pesto depicts nostalgic scenes of Italy. Red satin underpants and tea towels hang in captured elegance, flapping in the Italian breeze over the bustling and chatter of cobbled alleyways. This impressive yet unpretentious eatery boasts Italian dishes that brim with taste and flavour. From pizzas, pastas and steaks over lunch or dinner to decadent deserts and flowing wine served in original ceramic containers. Pesto is a little slice of Italy in Roberts Road, Pietermaritzburg.