Where to Find The Best Midlands Meander Restaurants
I was visiting the beautiful Midlands and didn’t know where to eat. After winding along the Picturesque KZN Midlands and exploring charming little towns, one cannot overlook the lovely Midlands restaurants. Besides, there is no better way to spend quality time with loved ones other than enjoying good food together. This is why I’ve compiled The Restaurants in the Midlands Meander Guide, containing the best Midlands Meander restaurants. For the best route to these places, further down is a Midlands Meander Map to Restaurants with the best routes to get there.
The Best Restaurants in the Midlands Meander
Tumble Downs Café and Restaurant
Visit the Tumble Downs Restaurant to enjoy delicious food while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the Kamberg and Karkloof Valley. Recognized as one of the best eateries in the Midlands Meander, Tumble Downs offers an exciting array of dishes on its mouthwatering à la carte menu. In addition to their extensive menu, they also feature a Specials Board with more enticing options.
The restaurant provides both inside seating, which includes a cozy fireplace, and outdoor seating under the trees, allowing you to enjoy your meal accompanied by the soothing sounds of chirping birds. Don’t miss the chance to watch the sunset from the deck while sipping on a cocktail, and then order a delightful meal from Tumble Downs’s mouthwatering a la carte menu.
Please note that bookings are essential, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Their hours of business are as follows: Monday and Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday – Thursday: 11 am – 4 pm, Friday – Saturday: 6 – 10 pm, and Sundays: 11 am – 4 pm. Tumble Downs Restaurant is situated on Curry’s Post Road, only 8 km outside Howick – Contact no. +27 82 802 2837. For directions to Tumble Downs, see the Midlands Map to the Restaurants further down.
Snooty Fox Restaurant
The charming Snooty Fox restaurant is located within the beautiful Fern Hill Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Midlands Meander. With its unique setting, tasteful decor, crystal chandeliers, fresh flowers, and a cozy fireplace, it provides the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Renowned for its outstanding cuisine, excellent wine selection, and exceptional service, the 5-star award-winning Snooty Fox is famous for its generous portions of high-quality food.
Guests can indulge in delectable steaks, flavorful curries, tender pork belly, nutritious meals, and a variety of vegan options. Don’t miss their melt-in-the-mouth gourmet brioche burgers and an array of exquisite desserts. The Snooty Fox is child-friendly, featuring a special kiddies menu, a play area, and outdoor seating. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during popular holidays, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.
Credit cards are accepted during business hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Additionally, be sure to check out the deli situated just 500 meters from the Midmar Dam. For directions to the Snooty Fox, refer to the map below. You can contact them at Tel. 033 330 5071.
Hartford House
The award-winning, 5-star exclusive boutique hotel, Hartford House, is one of the best restaurants in the Midlands, located near Mooi River. Chef Constantijn Hahndiek creates a new menu every day, using only first-class wines and organically grown fresh ingredients. Nestled within quaint gardens and surrounded by classic horses, this charming boutique hotel and restaurant is part of the Summerhill Stud farm.
It is no surprise that Hartford House restaurant has been rated among the Top 10 Eat-Out Awards winners. Renate Engelbrecht beautifully captures the essence of Hartford House in Travel Ideas Magazine: “A sense of mysterious romance surrounds the rainy weather, misty meadows, fireplaces, and red wine. What should be the last bit of summer has transformed into a wintery weekend in the KZN Midlands. We recently explored the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, discovering accommodation options and enticing activities. Don’t miss out when you’re in the area.”
Hartford House is located at Hlatikulu Road, Mooi River, 3300. For inquiries, please call +27 (0) 33 263 1081.
La Lampara Restaurant
Midlands La Lampara offers a charming dining experience reminiscent of Tuscany, located in a beautifully restored old brick dairy on Boschfontein Farm in Lidgetton, South Africa. This family-run Italian restaurant prides itself on its authentic Italian cuisine. Their menu changes weekly with the freshest ingredients sourced in the Midlands. La Lampara Midlands restaurant provides a delightful culinary experience in the heart of the Midlands.
Guests can enjoy al fresco dining on warm summer days, and also enjoy outdoor seating. On colder winter days diners can relax by a cozy log fire. Reservations are required at +27 82 416 0195 – email: [email protected].
Midlands Restaurants in Nottingham Road
Notties Brewery
On the beautiful Rawdons estate in Nottingham Road, Rawdons is known as the Restaurant on the Midlands Meander for the best naturally brewed ales and lagers.
Notties is also the oldest independently-owned craft brewery in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Visit the famous Notties Brewery o enjoy an ice-cold beer from the Nottingham Road Brewing Company.
Notties Brewery also offers Breakfast, lunch, and dinners and is a recommended restaurant on Nottingham Road. You can contact them on 033 266 6728 or 083 782 8959.
Midlands Meander Hotel
The Nottingham Road Hotel
Also known as Notties Hotel and Pub, the Nottingham Road Hotel is a famous landmark and ideally situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander stands out for several reasons. Guests love the tranquil environment and accommodation in the restored old Country Hotel. It features a charming historical architecture dating back to 1854, making it one of the oldest hotels in the region.
The hotel offers a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, providing guests with a cozy atmosphere. Its prime location near various attractions in the Midlands Meander enables visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the area, including art galleries, craft markets, and nature trails. Furthermore, the hotel is known for its welcoming hospitality and excellent dining options, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a unique experience in KZN.
Location: R103 Old Main Road, Nottingham Road, 3280 – Tel. +27 33 266 6151
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Natal Midlands
Bierfassl Restaurant and Pub
The charming Austrian-themed pub, established in 1999, is renowned for its delicious Eisbein, homemade Apfel Schnaps, and delectable Apfelstrudel. Altogether, breakfast offerings, Tiroler Gröstle, hails from Tyrol, Austria.
In addition to traditional dishes, they cater to vegans and offer a variety of tasty options, including burgers. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy local craft brews from a Nottingham brewery, as well as 35 different beers sourced from around the world.
Wine lovers will appreciate their Diners Club platinum award-winning wine list, while those who prefer spirits can choose from a wide selection of handcrafted gins and other beverages. During winter, patrons can warm up by the roaring fireplace, and the pub provides blankets for added comfort.
The Midlands Meander Pet-friendly Bierfassl Restaurant and Pub even has a special doggy menu. And don’t forget to visit their Deli on your way out! For more information, you can reach them at +27 33 266 6320.
Location: Rawdon’s Estate, R103 KZN, Midlands, Nottingham Road.
The Blueberry Cafe
One big attraction on Nottingham Road is the famous Blueberry Cafe on Nottingham Hill. They are open for Breakfast, lunch, and brunch, and their Blueberry cheesecake is a gastronomic legend. Blueberry Cafe is famous for in-house blueberry gin and rum.
They are Vegetarian Friendly, and besides their Vegan Options, they offer Gluten Free meals. Animal lovers can bring their furry friends to their location on the Netherwood farm, R103, Nottingham Road – Tel +27 033 266 6965.
For directions on How to get to The Blueberry Cafe, see Map of Midlands further down.
The Village Cafè on Nottingham Road
Known as one of the prettiest Cafe and Midlands Meander Restaurants, the Village Cafè on Nottingham Road is a gem you won’t miss. Besides their ambience, they serve great coffee and a wide selection of mouthwatering food.
They are rated as one of the best Midlands restaurants and very popular for their tasty comfort foods like Chocolate croissants, Lemon meringue, Carrotcake, and Cheesecake. The Village Café also offers a selection of breakfasts, vegan dishes, salads, and gluten-free bread. One can order a steaming bowl of tasty soup with freshly baked rolls on misty cold days.
Location: 345 Gowrie Farm Street, Nottingham Road, South Africa, +27 78 158 8158
Post Postino Pizzeria & Sports Bar
Located on Dargle main road, The Italian Postino Pizzeria restaurant, with its relaxing atmosphere, has a bar and also offers outside seating. Post Postion is famous for its delicious thin base style wood-fired oven Pizzas. Post Postino also offers Pasta, Steaks, and a selection of hamburgers. The Pet-friendly Post Postino Midlands Meander Restaurant is Vegetarian Friendly and offers Gluten-free options and salads. Location: D20 Old Main Road Dargle, Midlands, Howick
On how to get to Post Postino Restaurant, follow the Map below – Contact no +27 72 905 9390
Terbodore Cafè KZN Midlands
You cannot leave the Midlands without visiting Terbodore Café and Coffee Roasters. Situated in the beautiful KwaZulu Natal Midlands, this charming restaurant has been voted one of the best in the Midlands Meander.
As you park in the area, the delightful aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans greets you.
Terbodore embodies its motto that Great Danes symbolize the qualities they aspire to uphold: heritage, courage, patience, and dependability. So, don’t be surprised if one of Terbodore’s lovely mascots, a Great Dane by the name Mac, or one of the other canine ambassadors, comes to visit you.
Terbodore is pet-friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests particularly raving about their cinnamon and walnut cheesecake. Besides a selection of freshly baked cakes, they serve light meals.
The Terbodore Coffee restaurant is at 87 Curry Post Road, Howick. Open hours if from Mondays to Sundays, 08:30 – 04:30. – Contact no. 033 330 2380.
Kids Friendly Midlands Meander Restaurants
Piggly Wiggly Restaurant
Situated on the R103 in the heart of the KZN Midlands, The Piggly Wiggly Country Village is one of the favourite places to visit. Besides the cosy shops, they offer a range of fun activities.
Their wide selection of breakfasts, light meals, pastries, and other dishes, makes Howick Piggly Wiggly one of the most popular and best Restaurants in the Midlands Meander. Although Piggly Wiggly is pet-friendly, dogs must always be on a leash. Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop and Restaurant is located at R103 Dargle Road, Howick. On how to get to Piggly Wiggly, follow the Map below. Contact no. +27 60 344 9359
Skye Bistro Restaurant
The Fine-dining Skye Bistro Restaurant is at the award-winning Fordoun Hotel and Spa. Skye Bistro is located near Nottingham Road in the scenic Midlands of KwaZulu Natal. Skye Bistro is named after the most significant, northernmost island, the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
The restaurant has a reputation as one of the best eateries on the Midlands Meander and was rated by Graham Neilson in Wine Magazine as an innovator of South African cuisine. Besides the relaxed ambience, the uniqueness of Skye is also visible in the South African twist that Head Chef Regis Drouet and his team added to each dish.
“Driving down the tree-lined road to Skye Bistro at night is magical, and the charm continues with the reception and service at this venue. Our meal was superb, from the calamari starter to the confit chicken and artichoke risotto (vegan). The array of tasty pecan nut pie, Cheesecake, and apple pie desserts is excellent – Mary Ann Pringle Steiner.”
Remember that this is one of the Midlands Meander Restaurants where booking is essential. For reservations, email [email protected] or call Tel 033 266 6217. Open 7 days a week for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Map of Midlands Restaurants
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