Picnic remains one of Bloem’s gourmet gems, with its energetic and urban vibe, slow-cooked food and touch of quirkiness, says Colette du Plessis.

The food

Locally produced, organic and seasonal – Picnic ticks all the right boxes. Owner-chef Almarie Kleingeld’s no-frills food is delicious, unpretentious and offers exceptionally good value for money.

For breakfast, the spicy beans and egg on toast – both the rye and ciabatta breads are baked on the premises – are highly recommended. Although their signature/flagship offering is the tapas platters, where you make up your own plate of cold meats, cheese and olives and many other deli products, it is worthwhile trying their amazing salads too. The prawn, avocado and cucumber salad with a spicy Asian dressing on butter lettuce does not merely look appetising, but it’s a taste sensation as well.

The food menu at Picnic. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

For the sweet tooth there is ample choice, from the chocolate brownies and milk tart to rye cupcakes. All get our stamp of approval.

Picnic now sports a deli too, selling an impressive selection of cold meats such a Parma ham and prosciutto ham, as well as speciality cheeses and freshly baked breads. You can also take frozen quiches to cook at home, as well as ready-rolled dough to bake impressive croissants in your own kitchen.

The wine

They do not offer a particularly wide range, but what is on their list is very well chosen, from the Cap Classiques right through to the port.

The service

Service is very professional and sharp. Like everything else at Picnic, it just works.

The interior at Picnic. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The ambience

There is an energetic and urban vibe to this place, where food is cooked slowly and prepared with care. The interior features understated and classic furniture with a touch of quirkiness.

And…

The only downside of this spot is that it closes its doors before sunset.

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