GREATER GAUTENG, FREE STATE AND THE NORTH
Smoking
Wi-Fi
Take-Aways
Kid-Friendly
Winner: Best Everyday Eateries
Bookable on the Eat Out app
Gauteng
BUDMARSH COUNTRY LODGE
BEST FOR Fine dining. FOOD For Sunday lunch, Chef Vincent Bals translates his classic French-meets modern recipes into an elaborate four-course set menu. For starters, imagine perfectly pan-fried Norwegian salmon with creamy avocado purée, pickled cucumber, squid-ink tuile, caviar and roast ginger. Mains might be slow-braised lamb rib paired with creamy black-truffle beurre blanc, juicy lamb loin, button mushrooms, parmesan, truffle pearls and shiitake dust or seared ostrich fillet with carrot gnocchi, baby onion, spiced butternut purée, beetroot and spicy speculaas crumble. Dessert is a heavenly spread of poached pear, a lightly salted caramel espuma and black cherry and brandy gelato. All in all, a meal here is an indulgent adventure well worth the drive. DRINKS Extensive wines. SERVICE Friendly and knowledgeable. AMBIENCE Elegant country-style epitomised. From the terrace, you’re spoilt by magnificent views of lush green lawns, trees and ducks swimming in the river. (MT)
T1 Magalies Meander Road, Magaliesburg; 011 328 1800; avg main meal R500 breakfast: Mon to Sun lunch: Mon to Sun dinner: Mon to Sun
CARNIVORE RESTAURANT
BEST FOR Work celebrations. FOOD The 500-seater offers only a set menu. You’ll be welcomed with a cocktail, before getting to try everything on offer. The menu starts with soup, and then salads and sauces complement the selection of grilled game meats, chicken, pork and beef, served hot as soon as they come off the grill. The venison is tender and juicy and served in a breyani, and the white crocodile meat is surprisingly succulent. The chicken is served yakitori-style, jokingly refer to as Nando’s, and the pork ribs are deliciously crispy. Carnivore is a meat-eaters’ paradise, but vegetarian meals are available on request. If you still have enough room following the buffet, desserts include malva pudding, cheesecake and ice cream. DRINKS Vast wine and beverages list. SERVICE Friendly and efficient. AMBIENCE Festive and family-oriented entertainment on Muldersdrift’s wedding mile. (ZKV)
Muldersdrift Estate, 69 Drift Boulevard, Muldersdrift; 011 950 6000; avg main meal R295; lunch: Mon to Sun dinner: Mon to Sun
CASALINGA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Light meals and family gatherings. Expect classic Italian food with a South African twist. To start with, consider the pan-fried chicken livers with cream and a hint of chilli, or the seafood soup with prawn, shrimp and calamari. For mains, try the popular An extensive offering, including an impressive list of Italian wines. Attentive and friendly, even when seating up to 450 people over Sunday lunch. Old-fashioned, to match the cuisine. Take a stroll before lunch to explore the vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant.
