Karoo Heartland Restaurants

This family restaurant caters fun and fabulous cuisine with an ambiance second to none. Dine in tropical surrounds sampling delicious sliced biltong served with cheese, gherkins potato skins and dip for starters. For mains, entice the palate with Amazons Chicken Cordon - a 300gr chicken fillet filled with cheese and peppadews, wrapped in bacon and covered with a peppadew sauce. For red meat lovers bag yourself a Carpet Bagger - a 200g rump stuffed with cheese, smoked mussels and prawns topped with bacon and smoked mussel sauce. Conclude the Amazon experience with a desert waffle drenched in maple syrup and refreshing ice- cream. Transport the palate through tropical paradise at Amazons Restaurant in Middelburg.

Located in the historic and charming town of Graaff Reinet, the Coldstream Restaurant finds itself ideally set in the shade of Norfolk Pine trees. With the beautiful 130 year old Dutch Reform Church as its neighbour, the restaurant exudes a special ambience of a time gone by. In good weather, lunch on the open terrace is a must to make the most of splendour of the Karoo. The lunch menu has items from the grill as well as lighter meals, cakes and desserts. Dinner at Coldstream leaves patrons spoiled for choice, with the best Karoo Lamb and Ostrich dishes on offer. The menu boasts a host of local specialties as well as dishes that are inspired by International Cuisine. The restaurant also offers a good selection of wines as a compliment to great cuisine. The Coldstream Restaurant is welcomes visitors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make a reservation for dinner to avoid disappointment.

Die Kliphuis offers more than just guest house accommodation, its restaurant has become ever popular as a favourite eatery to locals and visitors of the Karoo town of Graaff Reinet. The restaurant is housed in a building that has been named a national monument that dates back to the mid 1800’s. With more than one dining area as well as a garden for feasting al fresco style in the summer months, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to seating. In winter the antique fireplaces and candle lit tables spell romance in a very cosy atmosphere. Here guests gather with friends and family anytime of the day. The Chocolate Bliss cake served with coffee as a day time treat has patrons driving from near by towns for their chocolate fix. The dinner menu is traditional South African cuisine with Karoo Lamb with a strawberry mint sauce as a feature along with other favourites such as Bobotie and Potjie Kos. For dessert the Cape Brandy pudding is a must. The restaurant is fully licensed.

With an ethos like “Veld to Fork” Gordon’s Restaurant, set in the charming Karoo town of Graaff Reinet, promises the best quality local produce plated up for its patrons. The restaurant is located on the picturesque Andries Stockenström guest farm, which is an accommodation venue as well as home to fine restaurant. Here guests can expect food that is created from ingredients that is sourced regionally if not exclusively grown or hunted on the estate itself. Gordon’s is well known for its dinners that feature the best of Karoo venison and lamb. The menu is tailored to a four course set menu which changes daily to include the freshest seasonal produce available. The restaurant also has a great selection of South African wines to accompany the meal. If a relaxed, unhurried Karoo “kuier” with the best meat dishes is what one craves, then Gordon’s is a must visit eatery.

Embracing the principles of the International Slow Food Movement, Gordon’s Restaurant seduces the appetite with local venison, organic Karoo Lamb and legendary dinners. Located in the heart of Andreas Stockenstrom Guest House, Gordon’s Restaurant invites good honest food spilling off the seasonal menu complimented by fine South African wine. Savour fine Karoo cuisine in a relaxed dining experience immersed in a four course set menu at this culinary oasis in Graaff-Reinet.

Take a break from a long journey or settle down for a relaxing pub lunch. Whatever your calling for Midway Inn may be, the delicious pub grub and a la carte menu will satisfy the craving. Browse the curio shop before or after a relaxing lunch or dinner, Midway Inn is the ideal stopover.

The tantalising menu secures traditional breakfasts, hearty and sumptuous with mouth-watering light meals, basket selections, delicious pastas and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy cheesy pizzas, Italian pastas and opulent signature dishes alongside succulent sirloin and tender chicken breasts served with roasted vegetables and unique Nino’s sauces. Visit Nino’s for a supreme dining experience in Bedford Gardens.

Pioneers restaurant finds itself in the historic Parsonage Street in the “Gem of the Karoo” – town of Graaff Reinet. Parsonage Street boasts the most national monuments than any other street in South Africa. A dream come true for a foodie with an interest in history. The restaurant itself is housed in a national monument that is part of the history of the town. Guests can choose to be seated in any one of the four dining rooms, on the stoep or outside in the garden. Patrons can appreciate the beauty of the landmarks while delving into Pioneers’ a la carte menu. There is good honest food on offer with a few adventurous dishes to satisfy a more demanding palate. Signature dishes include Baby Beef Bombay, Kudu Schnitzel, Rolled Fillet with banana and ham filling covered with an aromatic curry sauce. Pioneers has become synonymous for a good evening out- hosting Karaoke and Jazz evenings. In summer, the shaded beer garden is an oasis in the Karoo.

Savour true Irish spirit and delightful pub fare indulged by traditional drinks such as Guinness, Kilkenny and Irish whiskies. Freshly prepared cuisine graces the menu blended with upbeat music and contented chatter in the background. Try the traditional Irish stew, liver and onions or the whisky and mushroom rump steak followed by a baileys crème brûlée for desert. The Brazon Head invites an authentic Irish experience, superb wine list and traditional fare for a unforgettable taste of Ireland.

Dine alfresco under shady trees or linger the summer away sipping ice-cold Karoo ale. Immerse the palate in smooth cheeses, crunchy salads and decadent Kudu salami platters. Complete your visit to Nieu-Bethesda and stop over at The Brewery and Two Goats Deli.

Nestled in the poster town of Middelburg, The Farmhouse Grill peruses the palate with true country cuisine dusted with a hint of adventure. Enjoy panoramic views of the historical town flanked by scenic mountain views and traditional fare complimented by organic meats and vegetarian delights. Famous for their adventurous twist on traditional dishes, The Farmhouse Grill reunites the palate with good honest cuisine enrobed in Karoo hospitality. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Willow Historical Guest House Restaurant stands proud in history and hospitality in the poster town of Willowmore. Brimming with old-world charm and elegant Victorian furniture, this home away from home setting invites languid lunches and intimate dinners in the well-appointed dining room. Steeped in history and character with unsurpassed hospitality and fine food, The Willow Historical Guest House Restaurant pampers the palate with regional fare such as Karoo Lamb, Ostrich, baboti, Tripe, Trotters and Oxtail. The dining room welcomes with scattered antique furniture and local artefacts depicting the historical background of Willowmore heightened by appetising meals and generous full English breakfasts. Enjoy a culinary journey of the Karoo pampered by old-world charm and elegant dining at Willow Historical Guest House Restaurant, off the scenic Garden Route.