The exterior of Juno Bistro & Bakery in Paarl. Photo supplied.

Juno Bistro & Bakery offers an uncomplicated menu of simple fare that’s done well and dished up in generous portions, says Eat Out critic Richard Holmes.

Fast facts

Best for: Sociable feasting with friends
Food type: Bakery-bistro fare, tapas and pizza
Average main meal: R75
Star rating: Food 4, ambience 4, service 5

A photo posted by Ilana-Loren van Louw (@blacksmokecreative) on Feb 3, 2015 at 1:48am PST

Food

‘Bake My Day’ reads the sign beneath the baskets piled high with just-baked goods. And it’s true: The real magic at Juno is to be found in the goods flying out of the hot ovens at this charming Paarl eatery.

With fresh croissants, muffins and scones, breakfast is served until noon with the usual suspects of farm spreads, omelettes and eggs benedict. At lunchtime the offering gets more interesting, with upscale sandwiches, wraps, baguettes and bagels on offer – don’t miss the smoked salmon with cream cheese. Hungrier than that? Opt for the ‘not-so-light lunch’ picks of hearty burgers or well-crafted pizzas.

The tapas menu shows a little more creativity, with small plates of Moroccan-styled beef koftas, peppadew poppers and gourmet bruschetta on offer. These are a good choice to appease hungry groups, as are the cheese, charcuterie and nachos platters.

Drinks

The excellent wine list is curated by the adjoining Winefolk boutique, and offers bottles from boutique estates at extremely fair prices. A handful of overseas wines, including French champagnes, are listed alongside local craft beers. By-the-glass choices are limited to the good-value house wines.

The interior of Juno Bistro & Bakery. Photo supplied.

Service

Warm and friendly service. Nothing seems too much trouble at Juno Bistro & Bakery.

Ambience

This Cape Dutch building dates back to 1795, with all the high ceilings and wooden beams to prove it. It’s a charming space made cosy by thick walls and unusual wine-focused décor. Tables are scattered in a few rooms, with tables on the streetside terrace for fine days.

And…

Generous picnic baskets of baked goods, local cheese and charcuterie are available to order, and the deli is worth a stop on your way out.

Have you feasted at Juno Bistro & Bakery in Paarl? Tell us about it in a review and we will pledge a meal to a hungry child. You can also stand a chance to win R1 000. Write a review now.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.