De Kaap review

There are some really great restaurants in the Robertson Valley. I have reviewed Reuben’s in Robertson and Karoux in McGregor already, but I recently stumbled upon a new place on the road to McGregor, called De Kaap.

It’s the most gorgeous little place, run by a lovely couple. It’s in the middle of nowhere and the place is surrounded by veggie gardens and olive groves. It’s a beautiful setting and the mountains in the background add to the already great view. Much of the fresh produce is used in the kitchen.

On a fine day, sitting outside on the large veranda is idyllic. But the house itself is cosy and warm, perfect for a cold day. The decor is unusual, but attractive. It’s the kind of place you would expect to see featured in an interiors magazine (see my pics below). As you walk in the ‘harvest table’ in the middle of the room attracts your attention. The walls are unpainted and decorated with different items in the various rooms. One has colourful pot lids, another the dead branch of a tree, etc. Each room as a window or door looking out onto the beautiful view.

Breakfast offers the usual options like French toast, eggs benedict, and variations on the English breakfast. Prices range from R28 to R58. I was there for lunch and struggled to choose between the springbok & beef gourmet burger (R65), the chicken, mushroom & leek pie (R65) and the toasted chermoula chicken panini (R56). There were also nice wintery options like lamb bredie stew (R75), rib eye steak (R95) and porcini mushroom risotto (R65). I went with the chicken pie, which had very light pastry and was filled with big chunks of chicken. It was served with mash and fresh veggies.

I didn’t have dessert but was tempted by the warm sticky apple pudding (R35), decadent chocolate tart (R38) and the fresh scones (R24).

Owner run places are always better. Carrick handles the kitchen and Aimee looks after front of house, so food and service are under their watchful eye. We found the service to be friendly and sincere.

The restaurant is open 9am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday and for dinner on Friday evenings only. I had a peek at the dinner menu and it offers some lovely sounding dishes like fennel seed roasted pork belly (R85) and cajun spiced Norwegian salmon (R95). I would recommend booking as it’s already very popular and has only been open for a couple of months.

I didn’t get to look at the wine list, but I am guessing it will be a small and reasonably priced selection of wines from the Robertson Valley.

If you’re planning to be in the Robertson Valley, I’d recommend you make De Kaap one of your first choices for dining.

De Kaap Country Restaurant
Just outside McGregor, Robertson Valley
Tel: 072 693 4052
info@de-kaap.co.za