The quiet suburb of Kloof in KwaZulu-Natal is known for cooler, misty weather and being part of the annual Comrades Marathon route. There are also some great restaurant gems hidden in this calm nook of the Upper Highway Area. Here’s Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton’s recommendation of where to eat – and what – in Kloof. (This is not a list of all the restaurants in Kloof, but rather a list of top picks in the area. Have we missed your favourite? Tell us about it in the comments section.)

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For great coffee

I Love my Coffee

Nestled in Fairway Green office park is this buzzing little coffee shop. It’s a perfect spot for a good cappuccino, affordable, easy-eating bites, and free WiFi.

Jooma Café

This hot spot for caffeine hunters offers delicious 100% arabica espresso-blend coffee. The intense four-way blend consists of Indonesian, Brazilian, Ethiopian and Tanzanian beans. The café also offers a deli menu with breakfasts, open sandwiches, pastries, muffins and freshly baked cakes.

 

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For a leisurely breakfast

Bellevue Café Breakfasts are the thing at this homely spot. Think home-made toasted banana bread and hearty brekkies with British-style eggs, toasted bagels, or a comforting and cheesy Welsh rarebit.

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For wholesome deli dining

Sprigs
This well-known bakery and food retail space offers a variety of options, including breakfasts, light lunches, decadent pastries and a lunch harvest table, in an unpretentious space. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the cheesecake.

The cheesecake at Sprigs. Photo supplied.

For comforting Italian food

La Pizza Pazza
A neighbourhood trattoria complete with checked tablecloths, La Pizza Pazza has been serving classic Italian food to locals for nearly 20 years. You’ll find all the traditional favourites here, like wood-fired pizzas, creamy pastas and hearty meat dishes with all the trimmings.

Nonna at Makaranga
Here you can expect more contemporary Italian with beautiful botanical surroundings. There are pastas and pizzas as well as some flavourful meat dishes like the Nonna’s fillet with shiitake mushrooms, or the lamb loin cutlets with sweet potato mash.

For stylish American diner food

1904 Bistro Américain
The larger-than-life menu at this super-stylish new spot features fun American diner grub. The winners are the gourmet dogs, the po’boy sandwich with plump prawns, and the warming home-made pies for dessert. If you have space, try one of the OTT shakes.

The Coney Island hot dog at 1904. Photo by Nikita Buxton.

For bistro classics

Bellevue Café
Chef-patron Chris Black has a well-earned reputation for creating comforting food with soul. At lunch, tuck into light sandwiches, fresh fish and chips, the Bellevue pie of the day, or warming Thai chicken-and-prawn curry. Also check out the home-made pastas. For dinner, opt for the likes of exotic beef burger creations and slow-cooked Karoo lamb shank with rosemary, mash and vegetables.

Pie, chips and salad at Bellevue Café. Photo supplied.

For juicy steak

Hussar Grill
Cape Town’s The Hussar Grill has opened a grillroom in KZN, where a healthy appetite is a prerequisite. Expect elegant white tablecloths and booth seating with dishes of fillet, rump and sirloin grilled to your liking and served with fries, mash, baby potatoes or a salad. Be sure to end the evening with a gooey fondant or the chocolate-vodka martini.

A juicy steak at Hussar Grill. Photo supplied.

For Asian flavours

Phuket Thai
At this unassuming takeaway spot you’ll get a range of Asian flavours, from Thai-style soups and salads to comforting curries and fresh stir-fries and noodles. There is also a sushi menu with affordable combo specials.

For frozen yoghurt

Bella & Boo
You can’t miss this shocking-pink fro-yo store, which is a popular venue for killing those sweet cravings. The icy treats are all natural and made with organic dairy. Flavours include cheesecake, condensed milk, crème brûlée, nougat and café latte.

For a picnic

Makaranga
Guests are invited to hire picnic blankets, baskets and umbrellas and recline in the lush subtropical gardens for which this lodge is renowned. It’s kid friendly, so a perfect spot for the whole family.

A picnic basket at Makaranga. Photo supplied.

This is not a list of all the restaurants in Kloof, but rather a list of top picks in the area. Have we missed your favourite? Tell us about it below.