Pretoria gems: Masego Mbonyana’s guide to the Jacaranda City’s hidden hot spots

Though it often plays second fiddle to South Africa’s faster-paced culinary capitals, Pretoria is a haven for foodies.

By Jade Taylor Cooke

Chef, recipe developer, food stylist and content creator Masego Mbonyana – better known online as Meals with Masego – knows a thing or two about making food look as good as it tastes. But when she’s not experimenting in the kitchen or putting the finishing touches to a plate on set, you’ll find her exploring beloved Pretoria gems – places where the experience is as important as what’s on the plate.

“I love the quiet and stillness of Pretoria,” Masego tells us. “It has a slow, relaxed energy that I really appreciate. It’s also incredibly beautiful, with many historical buildings that give the city its character. And when the jacarandas are in bloom, the whole city seems to come alive with colour.”

Though it often plays second fiddle to South Africa’s faster-paced culinary capitals, Pretoria is a haven for foodies. “There’s such a lovely mix of established restaurants, hidden gems and places with real character,” says Masego. “And you don’t have to be in a rush to experience them, which I think is part of the charm.”

Rad Peach Pottery Studio, Riviera

One of Masego’s favourite ways to enjoy a few well-earned hours off is to spend them at Rad Peach Pottery Studio. “I love that it’s a creative outlet I can do entirely on my own, without any expectations or pressure to produce something perfect. I really enjoy taking myself on solo dates, and Rad Peach is perfect for that. I’ll go with some sushi and my canned bubbly, settle in and spend a few hours creating something beautiful. There’s something really special about making something with your own hands and then being able to take it home with you.”

Her favourite piece to date? “I made a beautiful, large ceramic platter, which I’m particularly fond of. I’m already imagining it during my hosting season, filled with a beautiful salad in the middle of a table.”

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Brasserie de Paris, Waterkloof Ridge

When it’s time to sit down and savour a meal, you’ll find Masego at Brasserie de Paris. “I think part of why it’s special to me is because of the company with whom I first experienced it, at a friend’s birthday dinner. We had such a wonderful evening; we’ve been talking about it ever since.”

Of course, even the most nostalgic of settings needs the kitchen credentials to turn one special evening into an enduring favourite. “The food is amazing: simple, unpretentious and delicious, which I really appreciate. My go-to favourites are the pork belly and the crème brûlée. It’s the combination of the food, the atmosphere and the memories I have there that keeps bringing me back.”

Royal Danish Homemade Ice Cream, Colbyn

There’s an indulgent treat other than that Brasserie de Paris crème brûlée that has Masego’s heart: the sweet scoops at Royal Danish in Colbyn. “I love the Copenhagen flavour! The crunchy salted-caramel pieces … that contrast in texture is probably my favourite part of the ice cream. I also really enjoy the butter-pecan.”

Everything at Royal Danish is made on the premises to a traditional Danish recipe. It’s also egg-free, halaal and gluten-free, and there are vegan options available. And if you can’t sit down for a scoop, you can take a tub home with you. “It’s become a little family treat for us,” says Masego. “I love that you don’t have to save the experience just for when you’re out.”

Woolworths Food and WCafe, Waterkloof

What would a working mom’s drive home be without a quick stop at the local Woolworths? Masego’s essentials include a flat white from WCafe and – when she’s living a little dangerously – the bakery’s doughnut balls. “I tell myself I’m taking them home to share, but somehow the packet is always empty before I get there! There’s just something about the combination of dough, cinnamon and sugar that makes them impossible to resist!”

From solo creative dates and dinners that live in your head rent-free, to family ice-cream runs and addictive Woolworths snacks, Masego’s Pretoria is a city best enjoyed at its own pace. It’s beautiful, relaxed and brimming with small joys – much like the lady herself.

Watch as Masego lets us tag along on a day out in Pretoria…

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