Article updated on 27 June 2022

Winter is here! The perfect cure to cold weather? A delicious, hot meal in front of a roaring fireplace. Nothing warms up a winter meal like the glow of firelight, so pile on the layers and head on out to enjoy these restaurants along the Natal Midlands and surrounds.

Eaves Restaurant at Granny Mouse Country House (Balgowan)

The Eaves Restaurant (located in the eaves above the bistro) offers fine dining in the countryside. They are open on Fridays to Sundays for award-winning dinners with a stellar wine list. The fireplace provides a warm and charming atmosphere. This restaurant only seats up to 50 people so bookings are advised – contact them at 033 234 4071 or reservations@grannymouse.co.za.

Abingdon Wine Estate (Lions River)

This family-run wine estate offers fine-dining lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. With three dedicated fireplaces and a seasonal menu, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave. Enjoy tastings of their wines as well as excellent tapas-style meals and harvest boards. Book your table on 083 463 8503.

The crackling fire at Abingdon Wine Estate. Photo supplied.

Blueberry Café (Netherwood Farm)

The Blueberry Café sits on the Netherwood Farm in Nottingham Road. This laid-back eatery offers stunning views, whether it’s a sunny or misty winter day. The restaurant boasts large windows with field vistas, but the warmth of the central fireplace will keep your toes toasty while your tuck into their farm-style fare. Open every day from 8am to 4pm. Secure your spot on 033 266 7132.

Caversham Mill (Howick)

A landmark in the Howick area, this cosy old restaurant offers beautiful views of the waterfall and has a wood-burning indoor fireplace for frosty days. The restaurant has real farmhouse charm. They offer seasonal comfort food with interesting twists and local wines. Open every day for breakfast and lunch, and dinners on Fridays and Saturdays. Book your table now on 082 389 1395.

 

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Village at Yard 41 (Howick)

This family-style restaurant offers comfort food and warm cosy fireplaces for the perfect escape from those chilly winter days. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner on Fridays. You will be amazed at the architecture and there’s a lovely play area available for the kids. Make a booking on 064 872 2980.

Linga Lapa Restaurant (Nottingham Road)

Linga Lapa is a farm stall with a difference. Linga Lapa has a variety of offerings: the butchery, quick shop and deli area. Linga Lapa restaurant is known for its quality mature steaks sourced from beef farms in KZN, relaxed atmosphere and cosy fires. It’s open daily from 8.30am to 5pm, and from 6 to 11pm on Fridays. The restaurant seats 65 people. Bookings are essential so call them on 033 266 7001.

Hartford House (Mooi River)

For a true fine-dining experience, Hartford House serves breakfast, lunch and dinners. Dinners consists of a six-course tasting menu, with an optional wine pairing also available. Breakfast is served between 7h15am and 10am, and on Saturdays and Sundays a three-course family-style lunch menu is served on the veranda and in the dining room from 12 to 3pm. The beautifully decorated rooms are lush, with regal fireplaces dotted throughout. Contact them at 033 263 1081 or info@hartford.co.za to make your booking.

A beautifully presented dish at Hartford House. Photo supplied.

Bierfassl Restaurant and Pub (Nottingham Road)

The Bierfassl is an Austrian/German-themed restaurant and pub situated in Nottingham Road along the Midlands Meander. They have been around for years and serve a variety of hearty meals to suit all tastes. Stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and sample specialities from mouthwatering eisbeins, Austrian-style sausages and warm soups to local trout and pork products. This restaurant can be enjoyed no matter the weather with both indoor and outdoor seating, and a fireplace with a crackling fire on cold days. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. It’s very popular so be sure to book ahead by calling 033 266 6320.

Post Postino (Dargle)

This family-owned and -operated Dargle restaurant is a great pizza pitstop for those meandering in the Midlands, with its bar and fireplaces in the restaurant. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 9pm. Book your table on 072 905 9390.

La Lampara (Lidgetton)

Take a relaxing trip to the Midlands and stop by this popular Tuscan-style restaurant for outstanding thin-crust pizzas and pastas to be enjoyed alongside the warm and roaring indoor fireplace. The restaurant is situated on a lovely farm owned by the Canderle family. The menu changes weekly to utilise the freshest ingredients sourced in the Midlands. Open Thursday to Saturday (12–2.30pm and 6.30–8.30pm) and Sundays (12–3pm). Bookings are required, so contact them on 082 416 0195 or lampara@mweb.co.za.

Exterior at La Lampara. Photo supplied.

Notties Pub at Nottingham Road Hotel (Nottingham Road)

The legendary Notties Pub is open for traditional pub breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and offers a varied menu of quality cuisine. They are known for their steak, burgers and famous lamb shank. Over 150 years old, this pub is cosy and the dining room is filled with big fires and plenty of personality. Make a booking on 033 266 6151.

The Snooty Fox at Fern Hill Hotel (Howick)

The Snooty Fox is a real foodie experience that boasts an impressive à la carte menu that runs from 12 to 9pm every day. Their seasonal, fresh menu consists of tasty curries, mouthwatering gourmet burgers and delectable desserts. Sip on some award-winning wines and warm up next to their large fireplace. Gather your friends and reserve a table on 033 330 5071.

Have you visited any of these cosy KZN restaurants with fireplaces? Let us know in the comments below!