Simply the best. In several visits to the Kitchen I've never been disappointed. Indeed, I've been delighted each time. Starters, mains and desserts are always perfect and vary constantly. Presentation is beautiful and the food delicious. A place to linger and soak up the atmosphere.

The short: Summerfields Kitchen offers an exceptional, but relaxed, fine dining experience in the middle of the bushveld. The long: One would not expect to have to pack your fancy clothes when planning a trip to the Kruger National Park. And despite its fine dining appearance, with Summerfields Kitchen you don’t have to. When we called to make our reservation (as calling ahead to secure your spot is definitely recommended), we were told that while the dress code is smart casual, they understand that visitors to this part of the world are more about the boots and khaki’s than the heels and strappy dresses. So with the men in their fanciest shorts and flip flops, we set off. Walking through the vegetable gardens to the restaurant feels like a visit to a farm house somewhere in rural France. (Okay… I haven’t actually been to rural France, but I could totally imagine a new divorcée finding herself in a setting just like Summerfields). Knowing they use whatever’s in season as inspiration for their dishes, it was quite fun guessing what might be on the menu as we strolled along. The massive patio is surrounded by gorgeous old trees and French style gardens, the bespoke tables made from the old bar counter adding to the impression that the people here truly love what they have created here. The interior feels more like a home fit for the pages of a décor magazine than a restaurant, with gorgeous art work and one of those effortless bars packed with, amongst other things, craft gins that seem to say “You know we’re super trendy right now, so we don’t need to make a big fuss over here”. The menu is small and very seasonal, with dishes such as deep fried quail with quinoa popcorn, kale risotto, seafood tagliatelle and duck with burnt orange crème. Of course, all of these dishes were described in a wildly more creative way, but I forgot to take notes… And while there was not a red meat dish to be had, even the carnivores were satisfied with their meals. Suffice to say that the prawn bisque was hands down the most delicious prawn anything I have eaten in the world anywhere, ever! The amount of intense crustacean flavour they managed to pack into that dish is something I have craved almost daily since our visit. The food is beautifully presented on exquisite tableware, with each plate a work of art. Desserts were equally creative and delicious, with my sole negative criticism of the entire meal being that the pana cotta was a little flavourless and a bit too firm. The service was very attentive without being too in your face and our waiter handled my dad’s request - to please not remove the bottle of wine from the table lest it run out before our glasses are filled (dad doesn’t get out much) - very well by discreetly placing the ice bucket stand within sight of the table, but far enough away to prove that they will indeed keep them filled! The little things: It’s a bit of a schlep down to the loos, but there are two gorgeous, friendly cats to welcome you on your way down and it’s worth the trek to see the French designed soap ball on a mounted bar which was new for me, having never been to rural France as previously stated… Also make sure to take a look at the two dreamlike paintings of cigar smoke depicted as ballerinas if you are not seated inside.

Unplanned lunch turned into a memorable event. Stunning river frontage location with complimenting decor. Service was excellent - Blessed was an attentive waiter, supported by good floor management. Small menu but it appeals to every taste preference. The sharing boards are an excellent concept - we went for the fish board. Beautifully presented, perfectly prepared and so tasty! Don't miss the choc mousse. Wine by the glass overpriced and the condiment bottles need a clean. Overall, a special venue. Thank you!

We had a lovely lunch, fresh and home-made, and really tasty! compliments to the chef! Breakfast was also amazing, I loved the fresh grenadilla juice and macadamia butter. I wish we lived closer so we could visit more often!

I was there for a weekend, not my first. We ate dinner the Friday night, average cost per main meal was R160. The juices that were available normally around 3 to choose from, only one was available. They brought me some bread and butter, I asked for cheese, and the waiter was to scared to ask the chef, this says alot obout the management from the chef side, he came back and said that its not a option. I will never eat dinner again at summerfield. Breackfast is great, probably another chef.