Hinterland Vleishandelaar is unapologetically all about meat, says Eat Out critic Alida Ryder.

Fast facts

Best for: Business meetings and serious steak dinners
Average price for main course: R150
Food type: Steakhouse bistro
Star ratings: Food 4, ambience 4, service 3

A photo posted by Sihle Gumede (@sihlethe_remygent) on Jan 20, 2016 at 10:49am PST

Food

Lamb and beef are crowned king in this well-loved establishment in Pretoria’s leafy Hazelwood. To start, the carpaccio is truly delicious and very well prepared. There’s often more than one option with springbok and kudu being the most popular amongst diners. The marrow bones are equally popular and are served with crisp toast, the perfect vehicle for the rich marrow.

However, most patrons skip the starters altogether and go straight for the star of the show, the excellent steaks and lamb chops. Choose between Kalahari or Karoo lamb chops, prepared to your preference and simply served with your choice of starch, vegetables or salad. If you’re here for the steak, choose between fillet, T-bone, rump or sirloin (250g or 350g). The steak is cooked exactly to your preference and comes with your choice of side dish. Sauces are all excellent, should you choose to order one, with the béarnaise being the stand-out. Made in-house, it’s perfectly buttery accompaniment for the fillet steak.

More meat-based dishes like lamb curry, beef stroganoff and lamb and fillet skewers also make an appearance. Pescetarians can look forward to seared Norwegian salmon while vegetarians might go for a roasted vegetable plate or other salad options. The dessert selection is very small and uneventful; the crème brûlée is good, definitely the favourite of regular patrons.

A photo posted by Ane Lottering (@anelottering) on Jun 10, 2016 at 12:23pm PDT

Drinks

The Hinterland Vleishandelaar wine list is relatively small but the wines are well chosen and represent a selection of established estates. Expect a good range of Guardian Peak, Rust en Vrede and Stellenbosch Reserve wines as well as the very popular Donkiesbaai pinot noir (which is also available per glass). There’s a standard selection of beers, both craft and commercial, and liquor.

A photo posted by ThatJustHappened (@rudisturm) on Apr 17, 2016 at 4:43am PDT

Ambience

The interior of the restaurant is beautiful and well designed. The rich, red leather banquette seating and interesting light fixtures add to the old-school steakhouse meets modern restaurant vibe.

Service

Service is friendly and efficient. Staff are always nearby to ensure that your meal is pleasant. Food is served relatively quickly and tables are cleared quickly.

Have you been to Hinterland Vleishandelaar in recent months? Rate them in a review to put them in the running for the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Write a review now.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.