From lavish dinners to lazy lunches, here’s where to celebrate Father’s Day 2022 in Johannesburg.

Avianto (Muldersdrift)

A firm family favourite for day trips and rejuvenating, quick country escapes, this events destination has three package options for dad and family or friends this Father’s Day. There’s the lunch in the ballroom, a buffet special starting at 12.30pm at R425pp for adults and R175pp children (children under 4 years eat for free), or lunch at The Clubhouse, which includes kids’ activities between 10am and 12pm, for R150pp adults and R95pp for children, or picnicking packages. Sunny weather permitting, you can book a family picnic in their gardens from R250 per person and R160 per child. The picnic box includes local cheeses, crackers and preserves, Asian-inspired chicken kebab, pulled beef bagel, roast vegetable salad bow, chocolate mousse cups and whole fruit. For reservations, call 011 668 3000 or email info@avianto.co.za.

Casalinga (Muldersdrift)

After closing briefly, the country restaurant is back with a new look and the same organic farm-to-fork philosophy. This year’s set menu for Father’s Day consists of a country-style chicken soup, grilled calamari, venison carpaccio, grilled sardine or baked ritole starter. The three-course meal, costing R495 per person, boasts juicy meat, fish or vegetarian mains. Try the sole and salmon Wellington – pan-fried mushrooms and organic farm spinach wrapped in puff pastry with oven-baked fish fillets and potato dauphinoise served with grilled broccoli topped with a dill garlic crème. For dessert, treat dad to carrot-and-walnut baked pudding served with a warm crème anglaise – one of three delectable dessert options. Book your table at enquiries@casalingafarm.co.za or call 010 595 4563.

Cog and Sprocket (Magaliesburg)

A welcome premium whiskey for dad and a two-for-one special on selected MCC followed by a spit braai hosted by Metro FM DJ Sabby is what you can expect at the Cog and Sprocket this Sunday. The mountain bike activity centre located at the country estate, about an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, has beautiful views of the Magaliesburg Mountains. Is dad a biking or running enthusiast? You can arrive early to run or cycle in the mountains before the braai by the Mount Grace Hotel & Spa from 12.30 to 3pm. The braai special is R420 per adult and R210 per child under 12 years old. To book, call 014 577 5600 or email mountgrace.reservations@southernsun.com.

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa (Muldersdrift)

Treat dad to a spit braai festival this Father’s Day at Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa in the Cradle of Humankind. Adults dine for R425 per person, kids under 12 years for R200 and kids under six years for R75. A 40 minutes’ drive from Sandton or Pretoria, it makes for an ideal day trip. The nature reserve where Kloofzicht is built also boasts game such as kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, eland, red hartebeest, springbuck, gemsbok and zebra as well as bird life. Aside from the spit braai on Father’s Day, there will also be live music by Chris Kearney. For bookings, contact 011 317 0600 or email pro@kloofzicht.co.za.

Situated at the beautiful Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift, the restaurant overlooks a serene dam and mountain range. Photo supplied.

Tumulus Restaurant (Krugersdorp)

This Father’s Day, enjoy a buffet at the Tumulus Restaurant located at the Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Mains include lamb on the spit, roast silverside, stuffed whole chicken and grilled red roman along with potato bake, egg-fried rice, polenta, brown butter gnocchi, spinach and mixed seasonal vegetables. For dessert, feast on Amarula panna cotta, petit fours, lemon cheesecake, snowballs, a mousse trio and poached pears. The buffet costs R250 per adult and R125 per child aged four to 12 years. Kids under four years eat for free. Make your booking by calling 014 577 9000 or emailing Karabom@maropeng.co.za.

Misty Hills (Muldersdrift)

Buffets are back this year, and this Father’s Day spread is one of the best you’ll find. From crisp salads and a selection of freshly baked breads and rolls to slow-cooked potjies and straight-from-the-coals marinated pork chops, traditional boerewors and sticky barbequed chicken, you and dad can enjoy a lunch that truly sticks to the ribs at Misty Hills. Desserts include warm malva pudding served with vanilla-infused custard, seasonal fruit kebabs drizzled with lemon syrup, mini milk tarts and fudge-style mini chocolate brownies along with a selection of ice cream served with a variety of toppings and sauces. This feast costs R375 per adult and R190 per child under 12 years. For reservations, call 011 950 6000 or go to Mistyhills.co.za.

Punchinello’s (Fourways)

Enjoy this Father’s Day at the famous Punchinello’s restaurant buffet lunch table from 1 to 4pm. Known for its Mediterranean mezze and Venetian-inspired dining, the restaurant at Monte Casino will treat dads to welcome drinks on arrival, a braai buffet and live entertainment for R450 per person and R200 per child under 12 years old. You can also order from the à la carte menu if you fancy grilled steak, pizza or risotto. The open show kitchen also serves mouth-watering pizzas ranging from R100 for a traditional margherita to R165 for a “mega meaty” – bacon, beef mince and chicken breast topped with mozzarella and mustard aioli. For reservations call 011 367 4367 or email punchinellos.restaurant@tsogosun.com.

Fish dish at Punchinello’s. Photo supplied.

Vivace Bar & Restaurant at Radisson Blu (Sandton)

Begin the meal with sundried tomatoes in olive oil and basil or golden-brown haloumi squares among four starter options. The pub menu also has four mains options – beef-and-ale pie, grilled chicken supreme, rump steak or, for vegetarian dads, giant creamy parmesan mushrooms on grilled sourdough with sweet potato fries, finished off with a dessert of rich chocolate mousse and whipped cream or red velvet cake with strawberry ice cream. The set Father’s Day pub menu lunch is available between 12 and 3pm on Sunday, 20 June. The price is R405 pp. For reservations, call 011 245 8000 or contact tanith.hillocks@radissonblu.com.