The reason for recommending this place is not only the food but the setting. If you are going for a wine tour in the winelands region of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, then the combination of view and food here is ideal. It is slightly elevated as it requires a five minute drive up the valley, but this elevation offers beautiful views of the whole valley.

www.dieudonnerestaurant.co.za/
PO Box 94, Franschoek, 7690
+27(0)218762493

Google map: tinyurl.com/yaxwupn

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

One of the best cafes in Pretoria, if not Gauteng. The setting is the urban scruffery of Sunnyside, a suburb with a bad reputation, but thankfully this also means a sight of local life. The menu changes daily with whatever is fresh. The owner, Lientjie, is always friendly and the dishes always fresh but filling. A good sign for me is if a place does a side salad which you actually want to eat and these guys definitely do that. They do delicious cakes, inventive brunch meals and more international fare as well

Paragon Court
Cnr Jorissen & Johnston Streets, Sunnyside, South Africa
012 343 8277

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybk4z2y

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Toni's pizza in Pretoria north have amazing and unique flavour combinations, which are pretty hard to find in the pta generally. The pizzas are stonebaked and the bases deliciously crisp, as they should be. Try the following, one of my favourites:

Prawns with lemon and garlic butter, fennel seeds and rocket.

www.tonipizza.co.za
676 Chamberlain Street
Deerness, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
0123299000

Google map: tinyurl.com/ykv7af5

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Never mind a great restaurant in South Africa, this is one of my favourite restaurants in the world. It's upmarket South African cuisine with Bobotie starters, Ostrich steaks and a superb South African wine list.
Vegetarians - don't worry. They can cater for you as well.
The decor is warm and candlelit in the evening making it a romantic place to go. The staff are efficient yet friendly and really make you feel like you are dining at a friends restaurant. Even the clientelle are set on making you feel welcome - when we retired outside after the meal with our coffees, a regular at the restaurant insisted on buying us an after dinner drink and even invited us the next day to visit his local vineyard. I've eaten in a few swanky places in my time, but none of them are a patch on this place and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

www.jemimas.com
Baron van Reede Street
Oudtshoorn
6625
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 0808

Google map: tinyurl.com/yzb3n6b

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you're staying in Swellendam as a staging post on the Garden Route, I can recommend La Sosta Italian restaurant.
It's run by a former Milanese optician and his ex-banker wife (he's front-of-house, she's the chef) who decided to down-size their lives and move to South Africa.
The peasant-style food is as good as you'll taste in SA or anywhere else. Try the tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, or the pork with apples and prunes.
We took our own wine along and they charged us a nominal sum for corkage.
They have rooms to stay, so you don't have to stagger too far to bed.

145 Voortrek Street, Swellendam
Tel: +27 28 514 14 70

Google map: tinyurl.com/yclt3lz

www.lasostaswellendam.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Aubergine is a fine dining restaurant, regularly rated in Cape Town's top 10. It's in the Gardens area, so walkable if you're staying in Oranjezicht.
We treated ourselves to dinner there on our last night in Cape Town and enjoyed it immensely.
We had a delicious rack of lamb, accompanied by a serious red blend from Springfield Winery ('The Work of Time'), recommended to us by the very friendly (and unintimidating) sommelier, Dom.
It's not cheap - we paid R900 for two courses (for two of us).
Well worth the visit though!

39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Tel: +27 - 021 465 4909
www.aubergine.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/yzkb4g3

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Not sure what it says about a city when its number one tourist attraction is a beer museum. I'm also not sure what it says about Dani and me that we contributed to such a statistic (and had a blast!) The tour is advertised everywhere in Johannesburg - it's a one and a half hour guided tour organized by SAB brewing (partners with Miller-Coors in the USA) complete with a 3D adventure, an IMAX-style movie, real life machinery depicting the beer making process, and lots more. Oh, and did we mention the tasting?

Included as part of the tour: a taste of traditional South African home-brew, a pint of SAB's Castle, and two more pints from any SAB partner at the end (we had European beers Peroni and Pilsner Urquel), all included in the amazing 25 rand price tag (or three USD per person).

Doing a review of South African's Castle beer is a bit of a cop-out (and we hope to visit Zululand where we can choose a more traditional option). With that said, the elaborate SAB museum warrants some praise. The truth is we like the fact that Castle is a good South African union-made, union-bottled, union-delivered brew - that reminded me a lot of its US counterpart - Miller Light. And while Miller may not be the first beer that comes to mind when I list my favorites, it's affordable, it tastes consistently slightly better than average, and the company provides good jobs.

It would feel weird to make this a "must do" when visiting Jozi - for pete's sake spend a day at the Apartheid museum or touring Soweto - but if you're spending a little too much time on the ground, have a free Saturday afternoon, then we promise you it will be a good time. Plan well though, no walk-ins, as the tours book days in advance.

15 President Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2001, South Africa‎
011 836 4900‎
www.worldofbeer.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ydp8q5j

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

We stayed at Bob's Bunkhouse because they are the darling of the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree for hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa. The place was nice enough for a hostel (we even had our own bathroom) - but it's also in the middle of nowhere - and to get anywhere in Jozi expect to pay very hefty taxi fees. Bob and his wife are very nice, and they try hard to provide a safe and social environment - but the reek of cigarettes is everywhere, the place is filthy, and there are no local restaurants, either in walking distance or for delivery (except for very average pizza). With that said, Bob's has quick DSL, a coke machine that dispenses beer, and loads of hot water.

40 Saint Anne Road
Hurlyvale, Lethabong, Gauteng 1609, South Africa
011 453 2294
www.bobsbunkhouse.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybxvhy4

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Brilliant little bakery-cafe run by a passionate baker-couple. Great place for brunch. Most hefty steak sandwich I've had anywhere.

Thesen Island - 044 302 5707
Thesen Harbour Town, 10 The Boatshed,
Knysna
www.iledepain.co.za/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ykmdjh5

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Situated in the NE of South Africa in Limpopo Province near the town of Hoedspruit, Pezulu Tree House Game Lodge can be described as an ecologically friendly escape from urban life in the heart of the African bush.

As the name suggests, seven raised tree house units accommodating up to 16 people have been built around local marula trees (the marula berry is used to make Amarula liqueur) providing excellent panoramas of unspoilt natural surroundings.

Consideration for nature has been paramount. Live tree branches pass through these minimal impact wood, reed and thatch structures which are equipped with modern luxuries including en-suite facilities and private balconies for views of the Drakensberg mountains and early morning wildlife.

Hot air Ballooning and game drives are available as is outdoor outdoor dining in a traditional boma, around an African camp fire. There is a rock swimming pool as well as treetop bar and this retreat is ideal for people wishing to experience Africa without compromising luxury.

The Blyde River Canyon as well as Kruger National Park are nearby as well as Moholoholo rehabilitation centre, an endangered species centre and the opportunity to see the big five.

Web: www.pezulu.co.za/
Info: pezlodge@mweb.co.za
Tel. +27 (0) 15 793 2724
Skype: pezulu.lodge

Address: Guernsey Road. Hoedspruit 1380 South Africa, South Africa‎

Google map: tinyurl.com/ydobp7g

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Set-price lunch of gourmet cheese, bread and salads by award winning cheesemaker, set in an elegant farmhouse with a lovely view of green. Everything in your meal is grown and made on the farm.

Off the N2 Highway across from Tsitsikamma Lodge
Calling ahead for reservations and directions is essential
+27 42 280 3879

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Semi-classy African bush themed restaurant, where you can try game meats such as warthog, crocodile, kudu, ostrich etc.

If you don't want to commit to a large expensive game steak, try the smoked venison platter starter.

267 Long St
(Dinners only)

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylbhnu7

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Try the ostrich burger, washed down with a Jack Daniels and peanut butter milkshake. Hefty and delectable.

Salad portions are generous and colourful

273 Long Street, Cape Town

Google map: tinyurl.com/y8knzjl

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It's an entire historical district in De Waterkant, Cape Town. Number 71 Wale Street is known as the Bo Kaap museum.

71 Wale Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybg8df6

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Bronx has been in existence for eight years and is the best known gay landmark in South Africa.

35 Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town 8005 South Africa
www.bronx.co.za
T. +27 21 419 9216

Google map: tinyurl.com/y96yrqx

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Newly launched Cape Quarter has an abundance of home décor, art and artefacts, fashion, beauty, health, restaurants, bars and lifestyle related stores are all delivered in traditional Cape architecture.

www.capequarter.co.za
72 Waterkant Street, Green Point, 8005
Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: 021 421 1111

Google map: tinyurl.com/yepmk3h

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a really great place to stay, under two hours from Cape Town, close to the most beautiful beaches with warm water. Also close to the southernmost tip of Africa. They have really comfy rooms with a great restaurant that makes the best pizza ever! The kids love it as they can play by in the pool and climbing gym while we sip cocktails and munch pizza. Backpackers vibe with great service. Live music every now and then in the pub as well.

58 Sarel Cilliers Street, Napier, 7270
tel/fax: +27 28 423 3131
www.suntouchedinn.co.za

Google map: tinyurl.com/ycvu3dw

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If destination heaven exists, fulfilling every exacting criteria of the jaded traveller, it would have to be Grootbos Nature Reserve on Walker Bay in South Africa.
I was lucky enough to find it when planning a journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

I’ve stayed before at places claiming to be “luxury,” which were anything but - but this is reassuringly expensive and did in fact prove to be more than worthy of the description. Well, if it was good enough for Brad Pitt and Kate Moss I should never have doubted it …

Bungalows are set in milkwood forest spread out either side of the main building. For two of us we had a huge lounge, outsize bathroom with bath you plod across to find the taps. There is a second shower room, and outside shower (for the brave or exhibitionist perhaps) on our own private decking, a kitchenette, dressing and storage area. The canopied bed was six foot wide. I lay in the bath looking at colourful birds inches away through the floor to ceiling window, surrounded by candles, then we lay in loungers on the decking, looking down across dunes to the sea as the sun went down.

But to recap. On arrival you are greeted with drinks and sat down to plan your stay - they like you to stay at least two nights as there is a full programme of activities, most of them included in the price. I was whisked straight off to go riding from the hotel’s own stables, in the “fynbos” - the local vegetation which is very pretty, very diverse and smells heavenly. Botanists go crazy apparently - David Bellamy has signed the visitors’ book.

The next day we went whale watching and had close-ups of southern right whales, cape fur seals and even a great white shark. There were only seven guests, the boat was comfortable and there was no danger of seasickness. We were there in October which is a great time to see whales, while the weather is still pleasant enough to swim.

We had a private guided jeep tour and walk in the extensive grounds with one of the local guides Silence, who pointed out plants, a mongoose scuttling across our path, birds - and even a highly venomous puff adder which had crept into the hotel’s ornamental pond and was being safely removed by an expert for relocation. Silence introduced us to weaver birds, bou bou, drongo, cape bulbul with their white-painted eyes, colourful sun birds and sugar birds, olive pigeons, yellow rumped widow, and the resident black harrier.

The restaurant was a dream, reached along the little wooded path from our bungalow, past the swimming pool and into the main central building. Five leisurely but elaborate courses with superb wine, attentive and friendly staff.

What I loved about the place was the combination of the feeling of absolute pampering, with touches like the soft white bathrobes, massive towels and full size up-market toiletries; but also a real sense of outdoor adventure, riding, sharks and unexpected wildlife encounters - it’s the real taste of how South Africa could be in an ideal world, where the staff are happy to take your round the local township and show you how they live, and the knowledge that the owners of Grootbos are aware of the fragility of the local ecology, sponsoring locals to visit the Eden Project to advise on the Fynbos, and giving much needed employment in one of the most outstandingly beautiful spots in the world.

www.grootbos.com/
P O Box 148, Gansbaai, 7220, South Africa

Google map: tinyurl.com/yc3psmv

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Cape Town to Knysna, en route, the Western Cape hinterland.

If you wish to get away from everything and relax amidst stunning scenery, or prefer to meet the eccentric characters of local communities, there are miles of undiscovered pleasures to be had when traveling the vast expanses of rural South Africa. The best of the Western Cape's hidden gems are found off the beaten track, with news of them spreading via the local grapevine, but I so loved my stays at two particular guest farms that they deserve to be shouted about here.

Traveling east from Cape Town and then heading inland to the mountains and away from the tourist magnets on the coast, you'll find creative communities and an expansive welcome from waiting hosts. The first recommended stop is 'MaLplaas', (translation: Mad Farm, www.malplaas.co.za) in Botrivier where Lil and Mark, the deeply chilled proprietors who stay out of your way unless you beg them to play, offer an eco-friendly retreat in their beautifully decorated cottages, appointed with stylish objets d'art, and set in a secluded valley in a private nature reserve. Solitude and stillness can envelop you here, or if you'd prefer to get close to the wildlife, or carouse with even wilder locals, partying with the best of the Cape Town underground music industry DJ's, musicians and poets is rustled up for you at the drop of a hat. Lil says: "We are the only guest farm at the end of Africa catering for vagabonding nutters - they travel too!" This is indulgence without guilt as MaLplaas even offers carbon offsetting of travel costs with its indigenous tree-planting scheme.

Further on in the journey toward the Garden route, head inland at Mosselbay to find the Ruiterbos community (www.ruiterbos.com) and Peter and Christine Watt’s Percheron stud farm 'Outeniqua Moon' (www.outeniquamoon.co.za), where indulgence takes a less chilled, more family-oriented form. Here you'll be welcomed into the farmhouse to enjoy Christine's superlative cuisine or taken on coach rides for tea and cake on the hills by huge, gentle workhorses, the endangered Percherons that the Watts are dedicated to protecting. "Their survival is more important to our collective consciousness than we realize. They are our last link to a world that depended on horsepower and not machines to feed people" says Christine, who encourages her guests to cuddle the dozing colts. The views are magnificent, from horseback or from the honeymoon suite, looking out across the valley to the blue mountains, and the rooms are truly unique, with eccentric artwork and quaint decorative touches that feel like home. A contemporary bohemian take on 'ye olde colonial homestead', with the warmth and generosity of the hosts seeming equally otherworldly. In the Outeniqua Mountains the spirit of yesteryear lives on.

www.malplaas.co.za
www.ruiterbos.com
www.outeniquamoon.co.za

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Stay at a lion park in Johannesburg and get a chance to feed the animals, play with a lion cub or take a cheetah for a walk.

Amazing opportunity to actually play with both normal and white lion cubs before they get big enough to bite. Then see the prides up close from your own car or a park tour vehicle, including a completely white pride.

If you volunteer you get to interact with the animals much more than the standard park visitors. You can also stay at the park in some of their on site luxury tents.

Cnr Malibongwe & R114
Lanseria
Johannesburg
South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)11 691 9905
Fax: +27 (0)11 691 9904

www.lion-park.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/y9ug2j5

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends