The Woodlands Eatery

Food:

With a menu that changes daily, the plan here is to keep things simple. And they do it very well. The battered fish is a winner, as are the crispy salt-and-pepper calamari and the handful of fresh, seasonal salads. Burgers (both beef and the vegetarian chickpea option) are packed with flavour. There are more substantial meals too, like roasted pork neck or wild mushroom pasta. The pizzas are considered by some to be the best in town; the slow-roasted Tuscan lamb version is the pick of a very popular bunch.

Wine:

A small but interesting list, sporting boutique farms and several options by the glass.

Service:

Very good. There seems to be a genuine desire to help you choose something on the menu, and the whole lot seem pretty happy to be part of a buzzing atmosphere.

Ambience:

It’s a neighbourhood eatery and, as a result, the place has the warm, reassuring vibe of a restaurant filled with regulars. The décor is an eclectic mash-up of vintage items sourced from second-hand furniture stores and junk sales. They come together beautifully to create a warm, home-away-from-home feeling. It’s quirky, unique and understated cool. Exactly what a restaurant should be.

And...:

Arrive early, grab a seat at the bar and pick out a craft beer from a host of micro-breweries to enjoy. (AF, October 2011)

Comments

Sunette Thackwray
11-Feb-2012

Stunning review! I heard about the Woodlands Eatery from my mother who lives in Pretoria (she read about it in the Conde Nast magazine). This review is so great that we've decided to forego the mussels at Den Anker in the Waterfront to try this one out! We live round the corner in Devil's Peak - much closer too! See you later! Su Thackwray

---

Devon Currer
11-May-2012

Normally one of my favourite restaurants, they let me down last night. I made a booking for 2 at 6.30pm and upon arrival the waiter showed me to a table in the passage way up against a wall. I asked to move to a table in the dining room which was open at the time and was ignored by him as he went back to the waiters' computer and lit candles. I was eventually moved to my table of choice by our waiter for the evening.



Immediately he opened the bottle of wine that I had brought as it is a favourite of mine and is not on their list. I was still awaiting the arrival of my date and I had to tell him not to pour it while he was in mid flight with the bottle towards my glass as it seemed a little rude.



Just after that, I was told by who I presume is the owner, that I had to be off that table by 7.30pm as they had another cover booked. I tried to reason with him that I had made a booking and that the table that had been initially reserved was unacceptable as I do not like dining in a passage way connecting the front door to the toilets. I asked him if he could make a plan because I did not want to be shuffled to another table halfway through my dinner. I was told that the 7.30 booking did not want that table either - So why have this table if 2 sets of people find it unacceptable? He just looked at me and turned away offering no assistance at all. He then had the audacity to talk to the waiter while offering the odd darting stare in my direction in front of me.



Within 7 minutes of ordering our mains, it arrived at the table, served by the bartender. I got the distinct impression that we were no longer welcome. The chicken breast with thyme, served on rice was drier than sawdust and the rice undercooked. Neither me or my date completed our meals. We ordered dessert which was really good, and it took the taste of dry chicken and rice away. We decided to pay and leave to go to another bar and have a drink and there was absolutely no acknowledgement of our leaving. It saddens me because I have eaten there on a few occasions before and I really like it. I have never been treated like that in a restaurant in my life before and I don't think that I can eat there again.

Comment on this review

Comments

natasha
11-May-2012

Thanks for your review - was planning to go there for the first time as my cousin dines there regularly but will rather stick to a restaurant that I know. I would also feel saddened  if I had to pay for a meal and felt unwelcomed.

---

Rochelle
16-Feb-2012

Amazing! Went for Valentine's dinner and had the most delicious peri peri prawns and chocolate fondant! Great experience, wonderful waitress! Will definitely be back!

Comment on this review

DianJ
10-Feb-2012

Another superb experience at Woodlands - my favourite eatery in Town. Thanks Larry and team for consistent quality.

Comment on this review

Bernadine
1-Feb-2012

A wonderful meal. Yummy peri-peri prawns, and the best cheeseburgers in town. Great service too.

Comment on this review

Read all reviews for The Woodlands Eatery