The team behind The Digs Kitchen, which started out as a mobile kitchen and briefly manned a stand-alone store on Mackeurtan Avenue, has now set up shop at The Shed at Salt Rock’s Litchi Orchard. The new eatery focuses on serving sociable meals that work perfectly with a craft beer in hand. Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton grabs a bite.

A photo posted by The Shed (@theshed_saltrock) on Jul 29, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

Fast facts

Serves: Burgers, pizzas and casual fare
Best for: Weekend drinks and easy eats with friends
Average main meal: R100
Parking: The Litchi Orchard grounds offer plenty parking
Star ratings: Food 3, service 4, ambience 5

Food

The food here is definitely conducive to a lazy booze-filled lunch with mates. To kick off the meal we opt for some lighter starters like the plump and sweet prawn tails that are crumbed in a crunchy tempura batter. They’re perfect to share and come with a sweet and spicy sriracha dipping sauce. The smoky sweet-potato wedges in a polenta crumb are also delicious.

The tempura prawn tails at The Shed.

For mains, the large menu caters for all tastes, but The Shed is know for its burgers. The bourbon burger is sensational: A perfectly cooked 180g beef patty is soaked in bourbon and topped with crispy bacon, mature cheddar and caramelised onion before being sandwiched between satisfyingly fresh buns. It’s a large and messy affair, but totally worth it. Order it with golden skinny fries or some sriracha sweetcorn.

A photo posted by The Shed (@theshed_saltrock) on May 20, 2016 at 5:08pm PDT

The pizzas here are also popular, and are available for delivery in the area. While they’re not the thinnest of bases, they’re baked in the wood-fired oven and offer the comforting cheesy bite we’re after. The one topped with salami, red onion and avo is deliciously savoury but could have spent a little more time in the oven to get that golden bubble.

A photo posted by The Shed (@theshed_saltrock) on Aug 2, 2016 at 11:17am PDT

If burgers and pizzas aren’t your thing, there are also some seafood options on the menu. While our catch of the day is overcooked, the salsa verde side is good enough to bottle. There’s also Thai salmon, fresh tuna and a seafood platter that sounds like a winner, with prawns and saffron mussels.

If you have space for dessert, order yourself a thick and creamy milkshake in flavours like Milo cookie dough, fried banana and peanut butter, and crunchy doughnut.

Drinks

The Shed wine list is limited, but there are some great local craft beers on tap as well as some refreshing cocktails. Be sure to order the gin and tonic on tap made by The Standeaven Brewery. The team cleverly pour these pretty drinks with interesting garnishes such as apple and cucumber, blueberry and thyme, and strawberry and lime. Corkage is R30 for those wanting to bring their own vino.

A photo posted by The Shed (@theshed_saltrock) on Aug 7, 2016 at 5:42am PDT

Service

The service is relaxed and friendly. The owners are on site and eager to keep all tables happy.

Ambience

The restaurant is housed in a refurbished shed, making it perfect for KZN’s sunny weather. Sit at the high bar tables or grab a shadier spot overlooking the litchi orchard. It’s relaxing and comfortable, with breezy Jack Johnson tunes filling the air. The rolling lawns are also great for little kiddies to play on and the restaurant is also pooch friendly.

A photo posted by The Shed (@theshed_saltrock) on Aug 11, 2016 at 2:50am PDT

And…

The Shed can be hired out during the week for functions and private parties.

Have you visited The Shed in Salt Rock? Rate them in a review to put them in the running for the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. (You could also win R1 000!) Write a review now.

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