Everything is lovely, fresh and green in the Capital City. Enjoy your breakfast or brunch with a side of birdsong and a beautiful vista at some of these local restaurants with excellent views.

The Blue Crane (Nieuw Muckleneuk)

This gem of a restaurant is not only for twitchers. You could see our elegant national bird, the blue crane, strutting through the natural vegetation around the main water body of the Austin Roberts Bird Park. This oasis is home to tortoises, small mammals, antelope, fish and many terrestrial and aquatic bird species. Hear them, spot them and enjoy the natural tranquility in the heart of the city, and while doing so, treat yourself to the best value breakfast by ordering the Mini Traditional Breakfast.You can get one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a grilled tomato and toast for only R 40. There are other great offerings, too. Try the health breakfast, avo on toast or the King Fisher (salmon and cream cheese), all for under R100. Restore your equilibrium by enjoying breakfast or brunch with your loved ones in this beautiful setting.

Milkplum Café (Botanical Gardens)

At the heart of the botanical gardens of Pretoria is nested a charming restaurant surrounded by the most idylic fauna and flora in the city. When next you visit the gardens, make sure that you stop in at the Milkplum Cafét. Support the National Botanical Institute, SANBI, by paying the entrance fee to the botanical gardens or become a member and pay a low annual fee and get free entry to the gardens. Enjoy breakfast and a walk through the excuisite gardens. The salmon and avo breakfast is a good option if you are in the mood for a decadent indulgence at R137 or enjoy one of the other breakfasts at under R100 each.

Pltfrm Wolwespruit (Erasmuskloof)

Mountain bikers and hikers love this pretty spot to meet up and unwind. They serve breakfasts that cater to those who are into banting, but there are also a myriad of options for people not following a restricted diet. One can indulge in the New York-style waffles, bagels or omelettes, which all allow you to choose the toppings, fillings or accompaniments of your choice. If you and your party want to extend your breakfast into a convivial brunch, then allow the tapas menu to slide seamlessly into your order. Breakfasts are generally under R100 and the tapas portions are mostly under R50, except for the trinchado at R75.

The Barn Restaurant at Irene Farm (Irene)

This restaurant is popular for the Sunday morning Chef’s Hot Breakfast Buffet. Seating is available indoors or under the beautiful oak trees outside. Service is efficient and the breakfast is deliscious. Take the family along for a relaxed country breakfast, close to the city.

The Deck Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm (Irene)

This is a working farm with ample fresh air and great people watching. The food is of exceptional quality. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Remember that this is a cashless environment, so payments are strictly by card. If you enjoy bistro-style dining in a relaxed farmstyle venue, then check out the à la carte breakfast menu at the Deck Restaurant at Irene Dairy Farm.

Ouma Isies Tea Garden Restaurant (Irene)

Enjoy delicious breakfast fare like scones, tea or eggs Florentine in this terraced garden restaurant. Here, history, nature and seclusion combine to create a wonderful setting for an unhurried breakfast or brunch.

Afro-boer (De Wilgers)

This restaurant has to be commended for creating its own views by capitalising on their interior views and the pretty courtyard garden. AfroBoer is a self proclaimed “baker’s café”, so look out for their freshly baked offerings. For breakfast, try the biltong, brie and avo omelette (R90) or the vegan option of smashed avo on toast with pomegranate seeds and their special drizzle (R50).