Though our mighty Dragon Mountain spans several South African provinces as well as Swaziland and Lesotho, it doesn’t quite compare to the fictional dragons of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO Game of Thrones series. And yet, these immense and immovable stone giants are a very impressive sight to behold.
If you’ll be heading to any of the spread out regions of the Drakensberg, here are some top restaurant recommendations by town:
- Lemon Tree Bistro – Underberg
Set behind the tourism office of Underberg is the surprisingly classy Lemon Tree Bistro which offers a wide range of well-portioned international cuisines. The owners, Elsabe and Buck are definitely people-orientated and should you have any dietary restrictions, they’ll whip up a fantastic alternative for you, along with a smile. Buck’s collection of photographs at the back of the shop, are also worth peeking at, and the attached bookstore is great to browse through. Expect to see items like their famous cappuccinos, apple crumble, hamburgers, steaks, and crepes. To secure a spot, contact 033-701-1589.
Stay at: Cedar Garden is aptly named, as this bed and breakfast is in the middle of a gorgeous garden that seems to go on for ever. The friendly owners can organise 4×4 trips up to Sani Pass, and the bedrooms on offer are well appointed with country décor and period pieces.
- Himeville Arms Hotel, Pub, and Restaurant – Himeville
This beautiful hotel, pub, and restaurant, provides wonderfully good cheer to anyone who steps through the door. The wooden interior of the Arms Country Pub recalls the charm and atmosphere of yesteryear English pubs, and it attracts the local fisher folk who are all very friendly. So much so, that they will happily regale visitors with tales of the one that got away, if you should ask. The Torridon Restaurant provides hearty country fare which includes locally caught trout and succulent steaks; and the attached lounge has a roaring fireplace that’s fully stocked in winter so guests can warm their chilly bones. To book a table, contact 033-702-1305.
- Corner Post – Howick
The Corner Post Bar & Dining Room is set within the town of Howick, known for its impressive waterfall which is the same height as Victoria Falls. This family-friendly restaurant offers delicious fare at very reasonable prices, and their themed nights are a hit with the locals (so join in!). Popular menu items are their hamburger and chips, pizzas, and smoked chicken salad. They have a decent wine list with established brands like Fat Bastard Shiraz, Villiera Traditional Rose Brut, and Haut Cabriere Chardonnay Pinot Noir. As they’re quite popular, you will need to book in advance. Contact: 033-330-7636.
Stay at: The 150 year old Stocklands Farm, situated just outside of Howick, is surrounded by a magical 10 acre garden and meadow. The accommodation on offer consists of en-suite B&B rooms, as well as 3 self-catering cottages.
- Saporé – Nottingham Road
Saporé, translated from Italian, stands for flavour and the chefs here certainly deliver on that! The atmosphere you can expect is casual with touches of the eclectic, and the ambiance perfectly matches the contemporary cuisines on offer. You can choose between sushi and smoked ribs, pizzas and pastas, and the childrens menu also offers a wonderful variety. They have numerous tempting starters such as bruschetta, tempura prawns, and deep fried brie with cranberry sauce, as well as a selectin of desserts that change daily. Don’t forget to book your seat by contacting 033-266-6921.
- Hartford House – Mooi River
This colonial-esque hotel, apart from having beautiful décor, has a top-notch restaurant that supplies a 3-course menu to those who drop in for a bite (5-course menu for those overnighting here). The food is mainly classical French fare with select vegetables and herbs picked from the on-site garden, ensuring quality and phenomenal flavours. Chef Jackie Cameron serves traditional items such as coq au vin, duck confit, ostrich tartar, and chicken liver parfait – with a great selection of wines available to complement each meal. As they cater first for their on-site accommodation guests, booking a table in advance is essential. Call 033-263-2713.
Stay at: The 100 year Old Rearsby Farm is a firm favourite with visitors to the area, and it’s not hard to see why when you set foot inside one of their cosy self-catering en-suite cottages. Each cottage accommodates 4 guests and come complete with log fireplaces and private patios.
Let us know which eateries you’d recommend for those heading into the Drakensberg.
