Sandwiched between the Langeburg and Swartburg mountain ranges is the dusty, but ruggedly beautiful, Little Karoo. While it might be diminutive in name, this little pocket of the Western Cape is packed full of flavour. Klein Karoo native Beate Joubert has just released a brand new book, Taste the Little Karoo, which explores the unique character of the region’s local ingredients and recipes. From mielie fritters to beautiful pink meringues, her recipes capture a taste of the area’s rich flavour. We asked Beate to share her favourite restaurants in the Little Karoo, and what to try at her own restaurant, R62 Deli, on the Joubert-Tradauw farm near Barrydale.

Beate’s mielie fritters. Photo © Penguin Random House/Sean Calitz

R62 Deli (Barrydale)

The peaceful beauty of a lazy afternoon leading into sunset in the Little Karoo is ideal for sharing platters of good food and some Joubert-Tradauw wines – it’s our siesta, so to speak. I use fresh herbs from my herb garden like sage, fresh thick cream from our grass-fed cows, and wild mushrooms from the Langeberge. I recommend the beef burger on homemade olive ciabatta with homemade tomato sauce and pesto, any one of the platters, and the wild mushroom pasta with parma ham.

Formerly known as Alfresco Deli, the R62 Deli boasts beautiful outdoor seating. Photo supplied.

Karoo Art Hotel Restaurant (Barrydale)

Visitors can look forward to tucking into a selection of decadent, good food, like eisbein and oxtail.

Clarke of the Karoo (Barrydale)

Here you’ll find authentic dishes with a unique touch that stem from home cooking. The owner and I go way back. You have to try his signature dish, the Karoo lamb curry.

A photo posted by Pat Busch Mountain Reserve (@ambuscher) on Apr 14, 2016 at 6:15am PDT

Gallery Cafe (Prince Albert)

This spot serves French-style food and good wines. Don’t miss the brie-and-fig starter.

Mez (Barrydale)

Mez serves up East African home cooking. I can recommend the chef’s lamb shank with spices and herbs.

The Montagu Village Market (Montagu)

This market takes place every Saturday and has the best biltong, vetkoek and pannekoek.

The Village Trading Post (De Rust)

Expect friendly, homemade food. Try the soup, bobotie and lamb neck potjie.

Taste the Little Karoo by Beate Joubert (Struik Lifestyle) is available at Exclusive Books, Loot and Takealot.com. Also available in Afrikaans as Proe die Klein-Karoo.