The Summerfields Kitchen, a romantic spot overlooking the Sabie River in Hazyview, is worth a stop for a meal and spa treatment. Even better: stay for the night, says Eat Out critic Hennie Fisher.

A beautiful lunch #summerfields #summerfieldsroseretreatandspa #summerfieldsrivercafe #rivercafe #lunch #lowveld #krugernationalpark #sabie #hazyview #momsbirthday #fortheloveoffood

A post shared by Annelie Nel (@anneliekie) on Oct 23, 2017 at 3:42am PDT

Fast facts

Best for: Romantic getaways to the bush
Cost: Average price main course: R160
Serves: Upmarket country style food
Star rating: Food 4, service 4, ambience 5

Food

The River Café (daytime) menu is slightly more casual, while The Summerfields Kitchen dinner menu features delicious items such as deep-fried quail in quinoa popcorn with sweet-corn, quinoa and coriander salad. Other starters include parmesan-and-spinach risotto; seared salmon with crispy skin, a tomato-and-fennel sauce and green tomato and fresh coriander side; and beef tartare with pesto, ponzu mayo, croutes and egg yolk.

Salad for dinner? Yes, yes, we agree. #farmtotable #organic #organicfood #food #mpumalanga #hazyview #growyourown #growyourownfood #eatrealfood

A post shared by Summerfields Kitchen (@summerfields_kitchen) on Jul 31, 2017 at 7:49am PDT

For mains, feast on the likes of smoked lamb rump with charred aubergine purée, roasted garlic and risotto; lemon caper sole; or sirloin on the bone with polenta, roasted cherry tomatoes and rosemary jus. The duck à l’orange is another appealing option, with orange-peel purée, butter-roasted fennel bulb and a star anise orange glaze. Vegetarians could consider the spiced pumpkin with lentils.

To end the meal, try a dessert of Summerfields Mess with passionfruit, rose meringue and vanilla butter cream, the coconut panna cotta, or perhaps a vanilla sago pudding.

Drinks

The wine list offers Graham Beck Brut by the glass, along with several other MCCs and Champagnes. Careful attention has gone into the compilation and design of this small but very well-represented wine list.

Panna cotta on the menu now

A post shared by Summerfields Kitchen (@summerfields_kitchen) on Jul 31, 2017 at 2:57am PDT

Service

Waiters are friendly and helpful enough.

Ambience

The Summerfields Kitchen, right at the main road as you access the Summerfields Rose Retreat, is surrounded by the most lushly maintained organic vegetable gardens. The owners harvest masses of their produce directly from here and the menu is often designed around these pickings. The restaurant has recently been redecorated, and has a sophisticated night-time feel that is minimalistic and very smart. The River Café is slightly elevated right on the edge of the Sabie River and its constant flow of clear water. This venue feels like a large tree-house, giving the impression that you’re floating in the air. It’s a dreamily romantic spot, filled with home-grown roses and earthy deliciousness.

Destination 2 of 3!

A post shared by Mary Touloumis (@m_tomatoes) on Jan 16, 2018 at 9:02am PST

And…

Summerfields Rose Retreat has a spa tucked away in the lush forest, so do consider combining lunch with a treatment.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay their way. Read our editorial policy here.

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