Lynnwood is quietly becoming one of Pretoria’s best food districts. From a place that’s about relaxed and longer-lasting hospitality to cooked food that’s expertly made and service that makes you feel like you came for a visit, there are a lot of long lunches in Lynnwood here:
Legacy Restaurants
La Madeleine
Based in Lynnwood Ridge, former Chef Daniel and his wife first opened in Sunnyside, then they moved to Lynnwood in the late ’90s. After more than three decades of French and Belgian culinary know-how, no ever-written menu, and only a few days in the week specifically for dedicated three-course meals, La Madeleine is a quintessential long lunch spot if there ever was one. Every trip is special, and many of the plates are inspired by seasonal ingredients and the chef’s imagination. For something a little more relaxed and fancy, this space is an amazing place for casual and yet refined dining.
Safari Restaurant
What began life as a tea garden now acts as a restaurant and conference centre on Lynnwood Road. There is an animal farm for the kids to play with, too, and that's a good thing if you're a family. Waterfalls, wooden decks, and menus inspired by around the world will have you feeling as if you’re at a tropical resort. It’s the type of place where time seems to slow down, and you can simply spend an entire afternoon savoring the scenery as much as the food.
1855
A premier breakfast and lunch establishment in Lynnwood Bridge. Even after they decided to scrap the half-price specials, 1855 is worth a visit; you find it very reasonably priced. Recognised for its generous serving sizes and consistent quality, it provides good options when you’re either checking in for a big brunch or a relaxed lunch. The new surroundings, combined with a buzzing atmosphere, mean it’s popular with residents.
Newcomers
The Lynnwood dining scene is dynamic, and there are new establishments opening to provide new energy and fresh ideas for the area. These newcomers are rapidly establishing themselves as must-go long-lunch spots.
Fermier
Fermier is a bona fide farm-to-table restaurant that doesn't sell anything other than organic produce. It opens at 18:45 on Tuesdays to Saturdays, so it is a little later lunch/dinner. Here, the emphasis is on sustainability and seasonality, with dishes that play to the natural flavours of carefully chosen produce. Designed for those who appreciate thoughtful dining, the experience is curated and immersive.
Forti Too
Forti Too was the best new Pretoria restaurant voted in 2021. It’s a bar bistro, so you can either sit away to grill or you can hit it up for a quick drink and grab the smaller portions, which are of just fine taste. Thrustful though casual, it’s great for that lover that lasts in, say, 10 minutes or so, and for those early night drinks: an on-the-go, delicious menu, and the kind that encourages people to eat hearty meals and share a light drink or two.
Lupa Osteria
In this Italian restaurant, people enjoy some of the best pasta in the city and also find some wonderful wood-fired pizzas. It’s a wonderful place to hang out with your friends, enjoy fresh Italian comfort food, and have a very warm and welcoming environment. Dense and strong, the portions make it easy to settle in for a hearty meal.
What is an Ideal Long Lunch
Researchers have found that a longer time to eat is associated with better digestive health, greater overall well-being, and more time to enjoy your loved ones’ hearts. Another way to enrich the dining experience is for yourself to spend time enjoying your food and enjoying flavours, textures, and presentation.
The so-called “slow food” movement was established in Italy to respond to the growth of fast food outlets around the world, prioritizing high-quality fresh produce, age-old cooking techniques, and mindful eating. But it has certainly settled in Pretoria and Lynnwood in particular. Many of the restaurants in this area also share this philosophy, providing menus and surroundings that support guests to enjoy every second of their visit.
So if you’re in the market for a curated tasting menu or just want to do something by watching a waterfall and drinking, there will still be somewhere for you. Lynnwood, from the long-term favourites to the recent arrivals and everything in between, has something for every sort of taste and to suit every occasion. One more takeaway is that you can often get your food there a few hours in advance, especially if it’s Saturday, as these places tend to get full pretty quickly.
