Executive chef at De Kloof Restaurant and sister eatery, DK Gourmet Burger and Craft Beer Bar, Monché Muller, is an old Eat Out friend. She worked with our editor, Abigail Donnelly, as her assistant at Eat Out and Woolworth’s Taste Magazine in Cape Town. In keeping with her work with foodie legends she moved on to work with Luke Dale-Roberts at the number one restaurant in The Top 10, The Test Kitchen. Dedicated to perfection and inventive, Monché is about as passionate as you can get about food. We caught up with her in Pretoria and asked her to share her go-to restaurants in her new home-town.

My favourite place for…

A pizza

Pascali’s has the authentic feel of an Italian restaurant and it’s not located in a big shopping mall like most restaurants, which is refreshing. The ingredients are fresh, combinations well thought out, value is good – and nothing beats a wood-fired oven.

Burgers

DK Gourmet Burger and Craft Beer Bar. Apart from the fact that I know exactly what goes into each burger, the wide selection of craft beers, good food and chilled atmosphere takes it to the next level.

A great view

De Kloof Restaurant looks over most of Waterkloof and the view from the balcony is hard to beat in Pretoria. It’s no ocean view, but it showcases the “other” side of the busy city. As for the food… Well, I hope I’m doing the view justice.

A Business lunch

Carlton Cafe in Brooklyn is situated in the perfect spot for business lunches and the selection of quality food caters for the more professional market.

Sunday lunch with the family

The menu at Rustica in Moreleta Park reminds me of good old Sunday lunches with the family. It’s unpretentious, good, slow-cooked food served in a cosy setting.

A blow-the-budget celebratory dinner

DW Eleven-13, because of the chef, Marthinus Ferreira, and his food. The experience is a celebration.

Buying bread

Salt in Hazelwood, a rustic eatery that sells handmade artisan bread and charcuterie.

Ordering birthday cake

Bayleaf in Faerie Glen offers personalised baked goods at a very affordable price.

Food shopping

La Marina is the top supplier of imported, exotic and hard-to-find ingredients.