Organic, local, free-range and preservative free – that’s how Ginger and Fig bills itself on Instagram. But this pretty cafe is not all saintly: There are chocolate cakes oozing orange-curd mousse, cruffins with white-chocolate mousse and almond cream, pastéis de nata, and Earl Grey sponge with lemon-and-poppyseed buttercream. Eat Out critic Diane de Beer draws the short straw and is forced to test-drive it all.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on Aug 15, 2015 at 2:17am PDT

Fast facts

Best for: A lavish brunch Cost: Average main meal: R85 Serves: Deli fare and light meals Parking: You can easily find a spot in the centre Star ratings: Food 4, service 4, ambience 4

Food

The menu is compact, yet shows impressive variety and originality. From all-day breakfasts to sandwiches and burgers, with a few pastas thrown in, there’s something for even the picky eater.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on Feb 19, 2016 at 1:40am PST

Ginger and Fig does all its own breads and pastries. Everything from the eggs Benedict to the signature G&F Burger, which includes dried baby tomatoes, house pickles, cheddar and a secret sauce, is from the heart of the kitchen, with as much as possible home made. The patties are freshly and individually crafted, so they might differ from burger to burger, but that’s part of their charm.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on May 25, 2016 at 2:14am PDT

Drinks

Ginger and Fig doesn’t have a liquor licence, but the fun juices and milkshakes will rock your world. Think carrot (or beetroot) with pineapple and ginger, or a breakout miso, peanut butter and popcorn milkshake.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on Sep 15, 2015 at 3:17am PDT

Service

It’s super sweet and on the button. They’re there when you need them.

Ambience

This is another Pretoria pavement special, where a deli has moved into a shopping centre and claimed the space as its own. Ginger and Fig is super cool. Even though it’s been around a few years, it still has a contemporary feel thanks to the smart design. The passing traffic is the moving backdrop.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on Mar 29, 2016 at 12:53am PDT

And…

Because this is also a place where students hang, it’s almost better to pop in at weekends than during the week. (June 2017) Have you been to Ginger and Fig in Pretoria? Write a review now to put them in the running for the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries.  Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

A post shared by Ginger and Fig (@gingerandfig5) on Nov 3, 2015 at 1:35am PST