PRETORIA

Smoking

Wi-Fi

Take-Aways

Kid-Friendly

Winner: Best Everyday Eateries

Bookable on the Eat Out app

Pretoria Central

+27 CAFE

BEST FOR Leisurely breakfasts and light lunches. FOOD This hidden hangout in the heart of student country is all about lazy breakfasts, good coffees and, of course, free Wi-Fi. Breakfasts range from classics such as French toast with berries to healthy options such as home-made muesli with fresh apple, yoghurt and apple-cinnamon reduction. The café lives up to its mantra of ‘happy planet, healthy you’ with light lunches of falafel bowls with home-made beetroot mayo, salsa and avo, and the +27 Salad of chicken breast, pear, honey-spiced almonds, greens and orange-ginger-infused vinaigrette. There are also delicious burgers, sandwiches and even bobotie, and the moist chocolate cake and moreish carrot cake to end your feast. DRINKS An extensive offering, including speciality Ethiopian coffee, gourmet shakes, and a variety of gins. SERVICE Friendly and fast. AMBIENCE Urban chic. The seating area outside, in a little sun trap between buildings, is perfect for warm days. (GF)

Corner of Duncan and South Streets, Hatfield; 076 147 7646; avg main meal price R70 breakfast: Mon to Sat lunch: Mon to Sat

AFRICAN BEER EMPORIUM

BEST FOR Celebrations. FOOD This is modern African food at its best. If you’re in a crowd, peri-peri chicken wings and a rib-and-chicken wing platter should be shared, while the chesa nyama platter includes spiced chuck and boerewors served with pap, tomato relish and coleslaw. The delicious grilled chicken salad with seasonal melon and the vegetarian burger made with chickpea and sweetcorn falafel balls and a lemon-mint mayo will please bigger appetites. The Very Important Pizza comes with chakalaka mince, pickled beetroot, whipped feta, fresh coriander and wild honey on a roasted cumin flatbread. There are also inspiring breakfasts, like the fully loaded breakfast flattie or menatlana (grilled chicken feet) with tomato-and-chilli salsa. DRINKS African beer from across the continent. Ask the waiters what’s new and exciting. SERVICE Efficient and engaging. AMBIENCE The main space is clean and modern, with a smaller back room for more intimate parties. (HF)

367 Helen Joseph Street; 064 205 5069; avg main meal R90 breakfast: Wed to Sat lunch: Wed to Sat dinner: Wed to Sat

ALFIE’S ITALIAN CAFÉ

BEST FOR Classic Italian fare in an unrushed, intimate atmosphere. FOOD Fresh ingredients, authentic fare, and love for eating and cooking make for a winning formula here. For antipasti, try generous salmon tartare with avo and crispy melba; the ever-green classic of fior di latte mozzarella with rocket and Parma ham; or one of the five crostini options. For mains, the 250g fillet served in a gorgeous spill of green peppercorn sauce is legendary. Most diners, however, come for the pasta. Ask about the ravioli of the day, or try the grown-up gnocchi with gorgonzola-and-walnut sauce. Specials scribbled on the chalkboard change regularly. Sweet endings include crème brûlée with a perfect crunch-to-custard ratio, tiramisu and panna cotta. DRINKS Standard drinks with a compact wine offering. SERVICE Friendly and sincere. AMBIENCE An effortlessly elegant and unfussy interior. The street-side tables make one think of European-style alfresco dining. (JQC)

11 Hazelwood Road, Hazelwood; 012 346 7873; avg main meal R150 lunch: Tue to Sun dinner: Tue to Sat

ALFIE’S PIZZERIA AND DELI

BEST FOR Pizza in a relaxed, welcoming setting. FOOD The pizza at Alfie’s is consistently delicious. To start with, the gorgonzola focaccia is lovely to share. The calzones are a favourite amongst guests, and the sfizioso is a particular hit, with melted mozzarella, mushrooms, ham, chilli and fresh basil. A popular meat-free dish is the old-school eggplant parmigiana and there is also a selection of gorgeous meat cuts, including the always delicious classic, crumbed pork schnitzel on the bone, served with fior de latte cheese and sweet marinated tomatoes. DRINKS As decent as the offering needs to be at a pizzeria, with a small selection of Italian wines, too. SERVICE You’ll be met with warmth and enthusiasm and staff are well-informed about the delicious deli products for sale. AMBIENCE Alfie’s will make you think of a back-street clandestine trattoria. Imported Italian fare lines the shelves and the space is intimate and warm. (KM)

15 16th Street, Hazelwood; 072 304 8948; avg main meal R100 lunch: Tue to Sun dinner: Tue to Sat

ALTITUDE SUPPER CLUB AND CHAMPAGNE GARDEN

BEST FOR Work lunches or celebrations. FOOD Begin your meal with the chunky green salad featuring the works: avocado, cucumber, celery, red onion, fresh green apple, chickpeas and parmesan shavings, with the special house dressing. The tasty seared beef bruschetta with Dijon cream, caramelised onion, parmesan cheese, and microgreens is another good starter. The grilled hake has a nice crust and firm, well-cooked flesh, and if you’re craving something more adventurous, the deep-fried California roll with tuna, prawn, salmon or crab, with sweet-chilli, Japanese mayo, spring onion and sesame seeds will hit the spot. To end, don’t miss the espresso-infused crème brûlée served with a scoop of delicious amaretto ice cream or the decadent molten chocolate cake with a liquid dark-chocolate centre, finished with peanut-butter ice cream. DRINKS An extensive wine list. SERVICE Professional and knowledgeable. AMBIENCE Buzzy and vibey with views over the eastern Pretoria skyline. (IO)

209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn; 012 003 6185; avg main meal R140 lunch: Mon to Sun dinner: Mon to Sun

AS GREEK AS IT GETS

Greek staples made into gourmet masterpieces. On the starters menu, the dolmades are The wine list has something for every palate. Kick things off with ouzo or prosecco. Almost impossibly upbeat. The friendly lighting, screed floors, a reed-covered ceiling and wooden tables evoke a Greek island setting.