When I moved to Woodstock seven years ago, there was nowhere to breakfast, brunch or lunch for miles around. Well, certainly nowhere that would include the words artisan, organic, rocket, sourdough or poached on its menu.

I used to console my food soul with the fact that what is still the best fresh fish outlet in Cape Town, Fish 4 Africa in Main Road, is within walking distance of my house. I was also rather chuffed that the Balmoral vegetable shop sells what must be the cheapest fresh, unpackaged vegetables around, and that the corner store in Roodebloem Road, Mr Parkers, sells still-warm spicy Cape Malay koeksisters from a Tupperware on Sundays. Or that at Atlantic Fisheries in Albert Road you can get absolutely fantastic freshly smoked snoek for next to nothing.

A few years later the Neighbourhood Goods Market was established at the Old Biscuit Mill and everything changed. On Saturdays I make my pilgrimage there to pick up some Jack Black beer, artisanal bread, seasonal fruit and vegetables that you don’t always find in shops – Jerusalem artichokes, figs and broad beans – and a plastic tub of homemade danja chutney from the Indian vegetable seller.

Then, a few years ago, Chandani, an outstanding Indian restaurant, opened in Roodebloem Road. I remember my first meal there, about a week after it opened. In those heady first days owner Dina de Bruin talked you through the menu, and the wine list comprised three or four bottles of nondescript open bottles of wine standing on a table next to the kitchen. I don't think we even paid for the wine. The food was remarkable and has remained consistently so. In subsequent conversations with Jagdish (Dina's partner), I've come to learn that all their spices are imported from India, as are many of the other ingredients they use. The chefs are also all “imported”, resulting in very authentic, special food. The aubergine curry is a thick, creamy, smoky delight that no vegetarian should pass up. In fact, the menu is a vegetarian's dream. Another specialty, kali dahl, is a spicy black lentil stew with an unusual moreish meaty character. Any of the meat dishes served with their tikka sauce is bound have just enough heat to keep you awake. The thick palak paneer is another perennial favourite.

In Salisbury Road, just off Roodebloem Road, Wild Organic – the guys who started the organic veggie box system in Cape Town – has set up shop. I love popping in here to fill a brown bag with whatever their organic farmers have dug up the day before. The fridge always contains a few glass bottles of fresh full-cream milk, handmade cheese and organic farm eggs. It’s unbelievable that Brad and Tara Hale started this business from the back of their old 4X4.

Then, in the last 18 months, Woodstock finally got some foodie cred. Karen Dudley opened a deli called The Kitchen in Sir Lowry Road close to the legendary Banks kitchen equipment shop. Karen is known as a bit of a catering whiz. You’ll have to go far to find a tastier and better value lunch. There’s always a selection of really interesting salads packed with cumin-roasted vegetables, sprouts, wholesome grains, caramelised onions, roasted aubergine and creamy dressings. Or opt for a sandwich with filled with fresh pestos, salads and roasted meat or veggies.

Across the road from The Kitchen, is Italian eatery La Bottega, a great place for after-work drinks, especially on Friday nights when there is a great vibe. Don't miss the opportunity to snack on their paper-thin piadina, which are a bit like crispy pizzas to which you can add your own choice of toppings.

A few shops down from La Bottega is The Deli, owned by Nicky and Carlos. This small six-month-old eatery boasts just two long tables and a few seats at a counter scattered with the day's papers. There’s a small sandwich, wrap and pasta menu that is supplemented with a selection of fresh salads and other specials on the chalkboard, including home-made chicken pie. On Saturdays a mean fry-up is served. Baking is done on the premises every day. The coffee is really good too – from lattes to cappuccinos and flat whites. The place has already become a favourite with arty types who love their jumbo muffins, omelettes, soups and the free wi-fi.

Two more eateries have opened in the same road as the Biscuit Mill in the last year. The Bromwell is a restoration project of epic proportions. Until recently, this was a derelict hotel but is now a chic boutique shopping experience with art galleries, antique shops and Bread – a gentrified little breakfast and lunch spot with plush seating. Inside you’ll find a deli counter with freshly baked breads, pastries and other baked treats. Breakfast options include refined delights such as truffled scrambled egg with pancetta, or eggs Benedict with creamy hollandaise. The lunch menu offers a delectable selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads (walnut and gorgonzola on peppery greens), burgers and very good pastas created by the Italian chef. It is pricey for the area (a cup of rooibos tea costs R18, lunch R70) and attracts a sophisticated, older crowd.

My favourite new place, though, is year-old Superette, a block towards the city from the Biscuit Mill. It has become a buzzy spot full of regulars, off-beat characters and cool locals. It has big windows that face Albert Road, which means it’s always light and airy. The interior is a slick mix of retro furnishing and reclaimed wooden shelves and tables. You order and pay at the counter and your food is served at your table. There is one all-day menu that is written in koki on the white tiles next to the kitchen. Options change every day but may include a melt-in-the-mouth pork-belly sandwich, lovely fresh soups, an epic hand-crafted burger and substantial lasagne. Saturday mornings are the busiest with a pretty cool selection that ranges from French toast or Croque Monsieur, to divine poached eggs, really crispy bacon and grilled asparagus. The authentic sourdough bread is baked by Hasan from La Petite Boulangerie in Muizenberg, the coffee is not a generic off-the-shelf brand, but is specially selected and roasted by Deluxe Coffeeworks. The organic vegetables come from farmers the owners know. The owners in question are also the organisers of the Neighbourgoods Market and they have applied the same principles to their restaurant. Superette is closed at night but hosts a themed supper club once a month, where a glorious spread of epic proportions is laid on.

By Aletta Lintvelt