It can be tough choosing where to go for a meal, as you can never be certain how intimate the setting will be or if they will provide seasonal items. If you’re tired of dining at large chain restaurants that don’t cater to your refined senses, keep reading to discover 3 intimate and wholesome restaurants which will satisfy even the most finicky eater!
- Modo Mio, Gauteng
Though this little Italian gem may not have the most beautiful outlook, located in the parking lot of the Sheppard Market complex in Sandton, it certainly makes up for the lack of a view, by the courteous service and fresh food options available.
Almost every visitor notes that Modo Mio offers the best Italian experience outside of Italy and their sturdy outdoor tables are perfect for warm summer night. Menu items (which include imported ingredients) range from Zucchini fries and freshly made pizzas to a good variety of risottos and pastas. Their wine selection is rather limited, but is host to several established wine estates.
- Firefly Eating House, Knysna
Set along Old Cape Road, in the picturesque coastal town of Knysna, Firefly Eating House is something very, very special – a fact attested to by myself (read my review of Firefly) as well as numerous national magazines such as Wine, Taste, Top Billing, and Country Life. You are sure to be as intrigued as I was to experience Firefly’s motto of “exploring, barks, berries, seeds, and leaves”.
Their service is friendly and the seasonal menu is filled with dishes infused with flavours from Morocco, Asia, Africa, and South Africa. Top menu items include their Cape Malay Bobotie Spring Rolls, 3-Pepper Fish Lollypops, TomKha Soup, and heavenly homemade ice creams. As Firefly has limited seating, they’re perfect for romantic dinners, impressing a co-worker, or introducing a friend to the foodie world. Keep your eye out for their pre-designed drink pairing with each dish, to ensure you get the best culinary experience possible.
- Fresh at Paul Cluver, Western Cape
With farm fresh ingredients used in every dish, a meal at Fresh at Paul Cluver is not to be missed! They are set within Grabouw, at the De Rust Estate which produces the renowned Paul Cluver wines, and visitors will have gorgeous views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. The term “farm fresh” isn’t just a marketing ploy, as all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown on-site, leading to their aptly earned local nickname, the “Garden of Elgin”.
Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and also wheelchair-friendly, they cater to guests from all walks of life, though it should be noted that they are closed during winter (June – August). Menu items include crisp salads, gourmet burgers, scones, estate wines, caprese-style sandwiches, and daily specials. Please note they are only open Tuesday – Saturdays.
What are your thoughts on the above foodie spots, and which other restaurants would you recommend?
Main image credited to anitahart (Flickr)
