Bustling Nelspruit is the biggest city of the gorgeous Mpumalanga province. It’s a major commercial centre, not only for the lowveld but also for shoppers from Swaziland and Mozambique.
Most of Nelspruit’s restaurants are buried in shopping malls, where you’ll find all the usual steakhouses and fast-food chains. We round up the decent eating out options for your time in this host city.
Orange Restaurant
Orange is perched majestically on one of Nelspruit’s many hills. It’s in a modern, free-flowing, spacious and beautifully renovated old mansion that naturally draws the visitor to the wooden deck where, not surprisingly given the region’s superb weather, most patrons choose to eat al fresco, according to Hidden Treasures. Down a flight of stone-flagged steps, Orange opens onto lawns, a swimming pool and the sundowner eerandah, a popular spot for corporate drinks parties or for simply lounging around and sipping a cold glass of wine. The average meal is about R100 and it offers fusion, Mediterranean and South African food. Recommended is the pork cutlet filled with apricot and gorgonzola, or venison with caramelised onion.
- Address: 4 Du Preez Street, Nelspruit.
- Tel: +27 13 744 9507
- Website
Kazuri
This relaxed restaurant is located on the outskirts of the Lowveld Botanical Garden, with a stunning view of the Cascades Waterfalls. It is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday, as well as dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. The average main course is about R75. The owner-run restaurant offers a superb ala carte menu which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a hearty, home-cooked Sunday lunch buffet.
- Address: Botanical Gardens, Nelspruit 1200
- Tel: +27 13 757 0907
Salt
This more upmarket restaurant chain is found nearby White River as well as Nelspruit. With an indoor and outdoor dining area, Salt is a spacious open-planned restaurant with tasteful decor. Enjoy the fireplace, the open kitchen and lunch menu dishes like smoked salmon, aubergine steaks, stuffed chicken drumsticks, and strawberry salad. It opens from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, 12 noon – 2.30pm, and daily from 6pm for dinner, as well as most of the day on Sundays. The average cost is about R100 a head.
- Address: Shop 7, Bagdad Centre, on the R40 Hazyview Road’ opposite Castrbridge in White River, and on the Sonpark Boulevard in Nelspruit.
- Tel: +27 13 751 1555
Joe’s Restaurant
Located in nearby Barberton, locals say this is the best food around. The restaurant is part of Old Joe’s Kaia, a small family-owned and managed Country House in the gorgeous Schoemanskloof Valley. Enjoy your meals on the balcony of the main building with a mountain view and birdsong. The kitchen produces creative and nutritious meals, using organically homegrown vegetables and herbs from their garden and as much free-range produce as possible. The average meal is about R80 and picnic baskets or food packs can also be arranged. It is situated conveniently en route to The Kruger National Park, Mozambique, Swaziland, The Panorama or the Lowveld. The Kaia also provides 13 uniquely decorated rooms for those wanting a longer stay. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and supper.
- Address: N4 Schoemanskloof Rd, Schoemanskloof Valley, Mpumalanga.
- Tel: +27 13 712 6959
Website
Oliver’s
Located in White River, near Nelspruit, Oliver’s is an intimate affair consisting of just seven tables and a menu choice of four starters, mains and deserts, which is changed on a weekly basis.
- Address: Pine Lake Drive, White River Country Estate, White River, 1240, White River.
- Tel: +27 13 750 0479
- 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.