Fast Facts

Restaurant name: Midlands Fable  

Address: 85 Curry’s Post Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal 

Phone number: 072 046 7516 

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 8am to 4pm; Sunday 8am to 3pm 

Average price of a main course: R140  

Corkage fee: No corkage  

Parking situation: free parking next to restaurant  

Food type: Light meals, casual dining  

Best for: light lunches with friends and family and romantic dates. 

Food

Simple food and humble eating: This is what Fable says you’ll get when visiting them and they hold true to this concept. Upon arrival you’re given a bottle of water with glasses, a little touch that makes a big impact.  

The short menu offers an eclectic mix of dishes all made with simple ingredients. Options varied from chicken Caesar salad and a beef smash burger to an Ahi tuna pork bowl and Thai green curry. Be sure to sample the beef ramen bowl and smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill tart.

 

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The ramen was not quite the same as you’d expect from an Asian eatery, but the light broth, medium-rare beef and crunchy vegetables worked well and it was packed with flavour.  The smoked salmon tart was incredible. The cream cheese was baked in the centre of the tart and it was served with a perfectly dressed salad. Keeping with the humble, honest eating theme, the food is presented on simple but striking crockery.

They were no starters or desserts on the menu. But for dessert, choose from a selection of baked goods prepared for the day. The cherry Bakewell tart served with vanilla ice cream was an obvious choice. While the ice cream was more on the icy side, the tart’s pastry is perfectly flaky and the filling is an ideal combination of sweet and tart. The menu mostly consists of light meals and the price is well worth it, especially considering the high quality of ingredients. 

 

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Drinks

On the day of our visit, it has been one week since Fable was granted their liquor licence, so they did not have a drink menu. Rather they offered Jack Black beer and a handful of Western Cape wines. 

 

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The non-alcoholic drinks included coffees, teas, cold drinks, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. They also have a taproom located next to the eatery that looks like it will be a vibe. 

 

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Service 

Fable has done away with bookings, so you can simply arrive and enjoy. As soon as you step into the space, you feel welcome. The servers are attentive and friendly and often check in on you to make sure you’re having a good time. They go out of their way to make sure all your queries are answered. There is also a shop in the eatery stocked with craft items and edible treats for you to buy. 

 

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Ambience

A cosy atmosphere, warm light and amazing views of the Midlands are what await you at Fable. As with the food, the look and feel of the place are simple, but it’s still elegant. Inside, exposed brick and a black statement wall are highlighted by many hanging lights with woven cage-like light fixtures. 

 

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Outside, the vast views and gardens are the main attraction. You can wander through the well-laid-out gardens (this is great for the little ones to explore or to sit with a good book),  or just sit in the sun and admire the vistas before you.  

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