Written by: Hennie Fisher
Do you enjoy dining out? Then, this is your sign to support the new restaurants in Pretoria, ultimately protecting the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry is increasingly challenged by chronic workforce and labour issues, escalating operational costs, shifting consumer demands, and regulatory pressures. In fact, it is a wonder that new restaurants are still open! Also, following the Covid-19 pandemic, many hospitality workers did not return to this trade and currently, a lot of emphasis is placed on burnout and the mental health of restaurant workers. On the economic front, meat and seafood prices escalated by more than 40% over the past couple of years. So, if you can, head out and support these new restaurants in the Jacaranda City - they're all worth it, promise!
Adler’s Bistro - A German Restaurant in Pretoria
If you are a fan of German food, this little bistro with its sunny verandah located at 770 Nico Smith St, Villieria, is just the place to go. In fact, you can even get your car washed while indulging in a German sausage!
Though they are open only during the day, they do operate 7 days a week and the fare is definitely worth trying. The German sausage basket (including Berner Wurst) is satisfyingly delicious, served with yummy fries, plenty of mustard and pickles and, of course, some Sauerkraut. They also have other stalwarts - like Eisbein and Schnitzel - and there is a small vintage shop selling all sorts of paraphernalia, including traditional lederhosen.
Facebook: AdlersRestaurant
Phone: 082 556 8856
Pantry - One of the Marble Group's New Restaurants in Pretoria
Brand-new and gorgeously large, Pantry by Marble is a place to not only dine, but also do food and grocery shopping to your heart's content. This large, market-like space boasts a lovely meat section, bottled produce and fantastic fresh vegetables, or you could pop in for a great coffee and a smart little pastry. In addition, you can also order from their ready-to-eat section, or opt for a pizza.
Pantry is from the same stable of restaurants as Marble in Johannesburg, so standards (and prices) are high.
Website: pantry.co.za
Baba Shawarma, Another One of the New Restaurants in Pretoria
If you are a fan of Middle Eastern food (Lebanese, Turkish, Syrian) this little place in Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, is a must visit. It is yellow and bright inside, with a few tables with lovely umbrellas outside on the pavement. Apart from offering freshly pressed juices (they make them on order, and if you have never had an avocado and date juice, you have not lived!), there is the obligatory Shawarmas.
For something really delicious, order a vegetarian Laffa Wrap with falafel. The freshly fried falafel are smashed into hummus on a wrap made in-house, whereafter you get to select your own additions - from fried aubergine, pickles and red cabbage to tomato and many other options. This is all doused in more tahini and hummus and if you want, some hot sauce. They then give your Shawarma a final grill before it is tightly wrapped in white parchment paper – an absolute sensory delight.
It’s also good to know that if you are struggling to find Middle Eastern ingredients, they stock a whole shelf. Think pomegranate molasses, tahini in large 1-liter bottles, halva, dried limes and much more.
Instagram: babaschawarma
Café 41 Arcadia - Keeping to the Classics
Café 41 is a Pretoria institution, having had outlets all over the city. Their latest venture is in the Arcadia Hotel at 515 Johannes Ramokhoase St, Arcadia. The outside verandah is one of the loveliest places to have a celebration. Slightly elevated from street level, it’s a great venue from which you can watch the world pass by. The interior is slightly retro, with a stylish, chrome-and-mosaic theme. Try their Portuguese breakfast of beef fillet with egg, grilled onions, tomato and halloumi. Or, opt for the “Build your own Omelette” option, Meze, main meals or delicious desserts.
Facebook: cafe41arcadia
Doolshe - A New Restaurant Just Beyond Pretoria's Borders
Doolshe is strictly speaking not a Pretoria restaurant, as it is situated in the Skeerpoort area en route to Krugersdrop. Still, if you have followed Lientjie Wessels - the force behind this lovely new country eatery - and her food endeavours over the years, you will know that her cooking is worth travelling for.
Lientjie is the master of flavour fusions, so expect a mélange of South African, Middle Eastern, Asian and Italian flavours. Definitely try the olive and fig tapenade with flatbread, or their roasted cauliflower with chickpeas and tahini. Your lamb chops might come with Za'atar roasted vegetables and a lovely pink harissa yoghurt and for dessert, the orange and polenta cake with a zesty Chantilly cream comes highly recommended.
Website: www.doolshe.co.za
Instagram: kalkheuwelvillage or lientjiefoodart
Sakata - A Top Japanese Restaurant in the Jacaranda City
More formally known as Sakata Japanese Restaurant, this eatery’s Ramen and Teppanyaki are well-known and loved by patrons. It’s a small, intimate restaurant - almost like a real Japanese suburban eatery. Therefore, it’s worth trying their house specialty - Sakata Rolls - or an Unagi Inferno Roll as a starter.
They also serve Poke bowls, a beautiful selection of Ramen bowls (such as Eel Ramen or Marbled Beef Ramen), as well as Clay Pots and a great selection of Teppanyakis.
Instagram: sakata_japanese_cuisine
Vleishuys Bistro - For the Meat Lovers
Tucked in between a number of other small restaurants, this is the latest addition to the Colbyn Food Triangle. The restaurant has seating inside and out, but it is the verandah out back that offers cool, shaded allure.
Their breakfast fare includes fantastic Scotch Eggs Royale, Hashbrown Benedict, Gourmet Toasts, or even just a simple brioche bun called a Bun on the Run. Naturally, they also offer a Full Monty Burger, some Boards (referred to in South Africa as ‘plankies’ - basically shared platters), Pizzas and a great Bone Marrow Rump. Vleishuys is definitely a place to keep an eye on.
Instagram: vleishuys_bistro
Although restaurants come and go, some have longer staying power than others. It’s true that Pretorians are always excited about new dining spots and despite economic and other challenges, the city’s restaurant scene has seen several new additions.
