Chef Coco Reinarhz’s more family-orientated restaurant is set in a nature reserve in The Cradle of Humankind. Eat Out critic Hennie Fisher visits Le Sel @ The Cradle.

Food

Although the food at Le Sel is different from that served at its sister restaurant in Johannesburg, the difference is not in the quality but in that it is geared to those wanting to experience relaxed, comfortable family dining.

Starters include balsamic chicken livers on a polenta cake, grilled calamari with a creamy sun-dried tomato pesto, slow-roasted tomato tart with feta cheese, ostrich carpaccio with a melon salad, and fig and gorgonzola on a garlic-rubbed bruschetta.

Lamb shank at Le Sel @ Cradle. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Main courses may include items like lamb shank braised in red wine with a minted potato purée, veal schnitzel with a lemon-and-caper sauce, mushroom-stuffed trout on Parmesan risotto, creamy chicken penne with rosa tomatoes and mushrooms, creamy tagliatelle with black tiger prawns, and warm tomato-and-ricotta pasta salad.

For dessert, take your pick from treats like crème brûlée, steamed orange pudding with crème Anglaise, almond tart topped with crème Chantilly, and a Belgian waffle served with caramelised banana.

Drinks

The wine list features a number of unusual Champagnes such as the Philipponnat Brut and Brut Rosé – they do come at a price. On the other hand, they also offer five well-priced South African Méthode Cap Classiques from the likes of Simonsig, Graham Beck and Colmant.

The rest of the wine list is divided into the major white and red varietals, with a separate selection of blends under each. Interesting examples include Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc, Reyneke Chenin Blanc, Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay, Meinert Merlot, Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon, Southern Right Pinotage and Iona Mr P Pinot Noir.

The cellar at Le Sel @ Cradle. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

A bevy of younger waiters, all full time and from the immediate area, contributes to the efficient service at Le Sell @ the Cradle. They know the menu, are able to sell the specials, are friendly and attentive to children, and are able to answer questions about the surrounding area.

Ambience

The restaurant occupies a two-level custom-built space right in the middle of a nature reserve in The Cradle of Humankind. Pretty protea bushes take pride of place outside, comfortably sharing the stage with zebra and other antelope. The building is modern, with large floor-to-ceiling glass doors that offer some protection on the very few days of the year when the weather is not perfect. This restaurant is ideal for those wanting an outing – leave the stresses of the city far behind to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.

The picnic area at Le Sel @ Cradle. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

This is Coco Reinarhz’s somewhat more homely and family-orientated restaurant. The opening times allow families to spend time together, making the most of weekends. The establishment also hosts weddings, corporate events, picnics, birthdays and conferences in the large building. You could also go on game drives and game walks within the nature reserve, accompanied by a qualified guide.

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

Have you had lunch or dinner at Le Sel @ The Cradle? Let us know what you thought of the experience by writing a review. (Until the end of September 2015, your ratings will decide the winners of the first-ever Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries.)