Epic culinary journeys: The restaurants that go the distance

These are our favourite restaurants that are worth the mileage.

By Lynda Ingham-Brown

There’s no doubt that South Africa has many excellent restaurants, but there are some that are worth the effort of hitting the road and making a day of it. The anticipation begins from the moment you make the booking, builds as you start planning the trip, and only grows as you realise an overnight stay might also be in order.

Read on for the spots we’d happily plan a whole day around.

AA Badenhorst Family Wines, Malmesbury

This diamond in the rough is well worth the trip to its location at the end of a farm road just outside Malmesbury. It’s not a traditional restaurant; it feels more like you’re having lunch with the extended Badenhorst family. Farm lunches are on offer on Wednesdays and Thursdays, along with wine-tastings, if you fancy one. Their famed pizza nights also take place on Thursdays and on the first Friday of almost every month (mostly in spring and summer), and live music adds to the party. Check their website and social media for details – booking is essential. 

La Lampara, Lidgetton, KZN Midlands

La Lampara is an unexpected slice of Italy deep in the KZN Midlands, and well worth a day (or overnight) trip to this picturesque part of the country. It’s open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday, and for lunch on Sundays, so be sure to co-ordinate your dates. Owners Pino and Caroline offer a seasonal menu, as well as wood-fired pizzas that are always available. Afterwards, take a stroll around the tranquil gardens.

De Oude Kraal, Bloemfontein, Free State

This might just be one of the fanciest pit stops ever! Situated on a working Merino sheep farm just off the N1, De Oude Kraal is more than just a place to break your journey. You’ll find a fine-dining restaurant in the original 1855 farmhouse, plus a more relaxed bistro on the property. The Sunday lunches are worth planning a road trip around.

Fynboshoek Cheese Farm, Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape

This one takes a bit of planning, as it’s open by appointment only, which makes it even more special. Everything is freshly prepared by the owner and is centred around the cheese he makes himself on the property using sheep’s, goat’s and cow’s milk. There’s no menu, salad ingredients are freshly picked from the garden, and the meal ends with a home-made cake or tart made using fruit from the farm. You can also participate in a cheese-making demonstration and take home the cheese you make. It doesn’t get more idyllic than this.

Mosaic Pizzeria, Clarens, Free State

This small town near the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a popular stopover, and a destination in itself, and this cosy pizzeria will make your stay even more memorable. With stunning views of the Maluti Mountains, a patio strung with fairy lights, and a kids’ play area, it ticks all the boxes. Pizzas, pastas, grills, beer and gin on tap and live music will have you booking another night’s stay.