While Bloemfontein/Mangaung is no culinary capital and there are no regional specialities to sample, you can still have a good and inexpensive meal here, with the best places mainly concentrated around Second Avenue, according to Rough Guides.
You’ll also find the usual steakhouse chains scattered around the centre and in the shopping malls. For gluttonous breakfasts, the City Lodge and Southern Sun Bloemfontein hotels are always good bets. Below are our picks:
Coco C Restaurant and Chocolatier
Visit Coco C for sophisticated wining, dining and chocolating all rolled into one. Explore the full range of South Africa’s finest wines, with the help of an experienced sommelier.
- Address: 2nd floor, Loch Logan Waterfront.
- Tel: +27 51 447 8523
- Website
The Raj
Specialising in northern Indian cuisine, The Raj is sure to fire up your taste buds with its robust aromas, glowing colours, earthy flavours and the evocative taste of exotic masalas.
- Address: Windmill Casino, corner of Jan Pierewiet and N1 highway, Bloemfontein/Mangaung.
- Tel: +27 51 421 0034
- Website
Barbas Café
Barbas is a popular upmarket local eatery. The Greek specialities, including chicken souvlaki, are delicious, according to Lonely Planet. It also has mezze, a large cocktail list and live music on Wednesday.
- 16 Second Avenue, Westdene, Bloemfontein.
- Tel: +27 51 430 2542
- Find them on Facebook
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Boudoir
Sink your rear into the plush velvet cushions at Boudoir and order yourself an opulently garnished cocktail. It’s the perfect spot to wind down in style after the frenetic atmosphere of the soccer.
- Address: Bayswater Village, Bloemfontein/Mangaung.
- Tel: +27 51 436 5610
De Oude Kraal Country Estate
Set on a farm 35km south of Bloemfontein/Mangaung on the N1 highway, De Oude Kraal is well worth the drive, for its warm-hearted Free State hospitality. Each night a six-course menu is served, inspired by the freshest produce, according to Eat Out. For starters, try the fish phyllo parcels with creamy mussels. The main courses come in sizeable portions and you have the choice of fillet of duck, beef or springbok. And don’t miss out on the crème brûlée. The extensive, award-winning cellar is the largest in the Free State.
- Address: N1, 35km south of Bloemfontein/Mangaung.
- Tel: +27 51 564 0636/0733
- Website
Have we left anything out? If you’re a fan of this host city leave your recommendations in the comment box below. Don’t forget an address and website link, along with any other relevant information.