Pinelands Restaurants

Original paintings adorn olive coloured walls, heightened by a bamboo ceiling and iron candelabras. The roaring fireplace adds warmth and homely ambiance during winter and the outdoor leafy setting embraces summer and spring. The menu touches upon Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, Thai and South African fusion. Think lamb shank and chicken pie, tom yum soup and Moroccan couscous salad. A standard wine list and boutique wines compliment the flavours and ambiance at this delightful eatery in Mowbray.

Imagine thin crust, perfectly balanced cheese ratio topped with fresh, well-matched ingredients, cooked to crispy perfection! The latest creations spill off the blackboard accompanied by a standard wine list and various other choices alongside pizza.

The emphasis is on health with additive and MSG free meals brimming with fresh, seasonal produce. The interior is cosy and warm, muted lighting and homely ambiance add to the warm and sublime dining experience. Unique tables imported directly from Korea come in the form of stovetop tables. Guests can select and cook their own meals, a fantastic experience for family and friends. The Stove Top Meals include various options such as the Kimchi-Jeongol - a spicy stew consisting of pork, kimchi and tofu, Mix-Jeongol - a spicy stew consisting of ham, bacon, red beans, tofu and vegetables in a beef stock or the Bulgogi - thin succulent slices of beef, mushrooms and vegetables marinated in soy sauce and served with fresh vegetables and steamed rice. Alternatively diners can choose form the menu with a great selection of starters such as the steamed and fried dumplings, followed by a hearty main meal of seafood-pa-jun (a Korean style, kneaded, pancake topped with spring onions, carrots, onions, prawns, calamari, mussels and crabstick). Park’s Menu Korean Restaurant is an exciting and healthy alternative to traditional dining and is a must try experience for all the friends and family.

Experience the warmest welcome from friendly, attentive staff that instantly makes you feel like a regular at The Fat Cactus, Mowbray. Mexican and American fare in hearty portions is the order of the day. The burgers are a must. Other options include burritos, enchiladas, nachos and quesadillas – all served with beans, salsa and sour cream on the side. The beverages are an event by themselves, with a great selection of tequila-based drinks and the best frozen margaritas around, available by the glass or jug. A truly friendly place with staff and regulars making new patrons feel at home and welcomed, the Fat Cactus is the place to be for great food, great people and a superb atmosphere.

Just awarded ‘Best Pub Lunch’ in the Western Cape, diners visit Players Café to soak up the views, play golf or just relax and indulge in a wide range of dishes. The breakfast menu proffers variety and the famous Golfers Breakfast; a full-bodied buffet and bucket with 100 balls. Lunch caters with famous burgers and draught beers on tap, enjoyed alfresco under shady parasols. Main courses vary from pasta, steaks, seafood and delicious deserts – all enjoyed within the picturesque surrounds of River club.

Nurtured through painstaking restoration in a building dating back to 1902, the character breathers throughout the space, leading into several inter leading rooms, heightened by high ceilings and parquet flooring to create a statement that exudes elegant grandeur. The jaw dropping surrounds and sophisticated menu is aimed at the more refined palate offering choices such as cheese soufflé served with herbs and mustard cream, Duck served with a traditional orange sauce. The restaurant shares space with a bookshop and art gallery showcasing the most exquisite art. Browse masterpieces before indulging in fine cuisine at 6 Spin Street and experience fine dining at its best.

Grab your friends and head straight to A Touch of Madness for a tasty meal and a great bottle of wine. This unique restaurant in 'Obs' offers a blend of South African Fusion with a little madness. It caters for most tastes with falafal dinners and filled butternuts to delicious beef and venison steaks. On Monday evenings you can listen to Off The Wall poetry readings from 8pm. Thursday nights are Irish music sessions from 9pm and every alternate Sunday night at 8pm you can hear the tunes of Blacksmith, a Bluegrass band. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon until late (Monday to Saturday) and 5pm until late on Sunday.

The menu caters for a wide variety of palates, with a festive and lively take on alfresco dining and delicious cuisine. Expect live bands on Thursdays and Fridays and a popular beach setting enjoyed by all to compliment your visit. Ideal for birthdays, festive celebrations or intimate celebrations, Trenchtown is a popular spot for locals and foreigners alike.

A theatrical display compliments the dining experience as the palate moves from one scene to the next, sampling a delicious array of starters, mains then desert. Drenched in atmosphere and warm bohemian touches, Diva Caffee Ristorante invites lingering lunches and lazy dinners infused with romantic Italian flavour. Dine at tables draped in red rosebud table clothes softened by delicate lighting or the European patio enjoying thin-based pizzas and mouthwatering pastas.

Mimi is a family run business that offers an extensive menu and early bird breakfasts, cooked to perfection with a nice cup of coffee, enjoyed at leisure before work. A reputable haven for many locals who visit to entice their senses with the delights on offer and expertly prepared coffee by trained barista in a cosy and relaxed setting.

This laid back and chilled eatery serves only fresh organic ingredients in all their meals whether it be breakfast, light meal or lunch. The interior extends this philosophy with soft green décor and wooden tables that balance the senses and create an ambiance that is both fresh and rustic. Lose yourself in the aroma of organic freshly ground coffee while perusing the menu filled with wholesome delights at Quensh in Lower Main Road, Observatory.

Situated in the heart of bustling Observatory, the newly refurbished Obz Café is the perfect place to experience the urban vibe and have a great meal. With a New York-type feel, restaurant décor is upmarket, yet relaxed. Exposed brick work and red and white check tablecloths add to the bistro’s ambience, while friendly staff and a terrific vibe all make for a great dining experience. For those preferring to dine al fresco, there is also sidewalk seating and an outside courtyard area. The menu is uncomplicated and caters to all tastes. Especially recommended is the wing rib steak, 500g of pure pleasure on a bone! The porcini mushroom pasta is also highly recommended, as well as the prawn and cannellini bean starter, bursting with all kinds of delicious flavors. Our thin crust pizzas are very popular and some have called our burgers ‘the best in town!’ Wheat and gluten free pastas and pizzas are also available. In the day time a deli menu is on offer, serving up tasty sandwiches on their in-house baked breads. Try the renowned Monster Sandwich – a triple decker of corned beef, pastrami and salad on rye. Restaurant owner Gavin Hagger is no newcomer to the industry, having put legendary Durban hotspot Joe Kool’s on the gastronomic map. It’s the perfect spot for a casual business lunch or dinner, birthday party, romantic dinner or long boozy Sunday lunch. A place to cater for all seasons, the wood burning pizza oven ensures it’s always warm and cozy on those winter days and nights and air conditioning unit keeps it cool in the summer. The venue also has free Wi-Fi. Experienced bar staff make great coffees and cocktails and an adjoining bar and theatre can make for a whole night of entertainment!

Located in Observatory, Mango Ginger’s philosophy on food is about health, nutrition and flavour. Enjoy intimate and professional baked goods, wheat free organic pies, wholesome breakfasts and lunches that change daily. For lunch try the Potato Rosti with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese and salad, Parmesan Chicken Strips on crostini with a cooked tomato salsa, pesto and garnished with rocket and olives. For wheat intolerance diners, try the Wheat Free Crepes filled with lemon, artichoke chicken and garnished with freshly blanched asparagus. Winter warms the palate with hearty Lamb, Almond and Ginger Casserole with a side serving of short-grain organic brown rice. Mango Ginger takes care of all palates and caters for all appetites that enjoy healthy, hearty and nutritious food.

As with all Mexican eateries, it’s all about sizzling palates, frozen margaritas and fiery tequilas, enjoyed in an authentic and vibey setting. The menu boasts generous portions and a wide variety of choice, with option of heat levels tailored to suit your palate. Visit Pancho’s for great Mexican food and ice-cold margaritas in Observatory.

Located in Observatory, Sticky Fingers proffers ribs, burgers, light meals, grills and international flavours in a contemporary and relaxed ambiance. Indulge in all you can eat, with your fingers, washed down by a cool beer at Sticky Fingers in Station Road, Observatory.

A little bit of Paris hopped into Obs just like the White Rabbit! Inspired by the pattiseries of the City of Love, the Queen of Tarts menu changes regularly, however the favourites are always available. Essential fare like custard tarts, chocolate tarts and fairy cakes can always be found along with several savoury options. Guests can choose between various salads and sandwiches with ingredients like grilled aubergine, pesto, red pepper and cheeses. During the winter months Queen of Tarts also serves thick soups and hearty stews.Need to know? Open Tuesday to Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm.

Boasting over 40 different crepes, the menu entices and tempts with chocolate chilli, apple cinnamon and cream and savoury crepes filled with fresh ingredients. Although sparsely decorated, Crespella does not entertain through décor, but pampers through tantalizing crepes as discovered and indulged by guests who have adorned the walls with their gastronomic comments. Visit Crespella in Lower Main Road, Observatory for some delicious indulgent crepes – a must try visit at least once.

The décor invites relaxation and informality; the modern interior working seamlessly with the stainless steal chandeliers. The well-balanced menu brims with food expertly prepared, using the highest quality food. Try the brown mushroom baked with roasted vegetables, parmesan and basil pesto or the half a free-range, deboned duck slow-roasted with a Van der Hum orange sauce and the delicious crème brûlee with a fruit base. Al’s Place enjoys catering for all palates and offers something to be enjoyed by everyone.

A place for gentle conversation, indulgence and relaxation, this hidden gem in Rondebosch delivers uncompromising food. Small and intimate dining spaces lean toward cosy comfort with walls dressed in curios art collections and a relaxed ambiance. Utterly superb cuisine with excellent wine list compliments dishes such as the Chateaubriand or tempting duck. Starters remain elegant and simple such as asparagus or pan-fried mushroom with rich, delicate, and dominated by chocolate deserts.

A very popular spot for superb steak in a classically elegant setting, try Hussar Grill. The wine list offers a good selection by the bottle and a smaller selection by the glass. The service is professional and very attentive. The interior is filled with leather and wood for a distinguished feel and contributes to a great ambience throughout. Steaks grilled to perfection and impeccable service make Hussar Grill a great choice for a sumptuous meal.