Check out the best Joburg lunch venues for when the temperature drops.
As winter draws in, what better way is there to spend a Sunday than sitting around a table with drink in hand, surrounded by family and friends as you enjoy a delicious meal? If you’re not up for slogging away in the kitchen all morning, here are some spots around Jozi that serve a delectable Sunday lunch in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
Foundry Cafe
This perennially popular spot in Parktown North does craft beer and gastro-pub food equally well – all in a rustic, informal environment. Head to the bar first and choose from the 11 different brewing houses represented, and then settle down on one of the booth seats for a bit of people-watching as you peruse the menu. Share a plank tasting board of lamb koftas and pumpkin ale fritters, followed by roasted bone marrow and mushroom toast or any of the delicious sandwiches, including pulled pork and sirloin steak.
Stanley Beer Yard at 44 Stanley
If it’s cosy pub vibes you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the Stanley Beer Yard. Although Saturday is the day to experience live music here, you won’t completely miss out on a Sunday either, as tunes drift in from neighbouring restaurant Il Giardino. Get a spot near the giant fireplace inside and admire the eclectic “hunting lodge” style decor, before ordering from the extensive craft beer list. The menu keeps it simple with prego rolls, hot smoked wings and various sharing boards that are all popular options.
Casalinga Ristorante Italiano
It’s a little further out but well worth the drive, so gather the family and head out to this Italian favourite situated in Muldersdrift. Comfort food is the order of the day here: try the gnocchi a vostro piacere (potato dumplings with your choice of sauce) followed by slow roasted lamb shank finished off with mint sauce. In the main dining room log fires will keep the cold at bay, but if the weather is decent, kids can also run around on the sprawling lawn outside. The menu changes using seasonal ingredients and booking is advised.
Comfort food is the order of the day here: try the gnocchi a Vostro piacere (potato dumplings).
Taste for yourself:
Foundry Cafe 011 447 5828 foundrycafe.co.za
Stanley Beer Yard 011 482 5791 44stanley.co.za/beeryard.html
Casalinga Ristorante Italiano 087 941 1223 casalinga.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
