Hennie Fisher discovers contemporary takes on roasts, prawns, halloumi and ostrich at the elegant Granita Restaurant at Kievits Kroon in Kameeldrift-East.

Food ?
An elegant one-pager offers more or less six each starters, mains and desserts, ranging from that good old Pretoria stand-by of grilled halloumi – albeit served with an enoki mushroom tartlet and strawberry purée – to grilled prawns creatively paired with another Pretoria staple, three-bean salad, and shrimp velouté. Mains include rack of lamb, braised springbok shank, salmon, sole and a vegetarian stack served with basil tomato crostini. Chef Sammy Mashile is unbeatable in his treatment of ostrich – whatever way he serves it, it is always meltingly soft, rich and perfectly juicy pink inside.

Wine
A lot of care and attention is given to the wine list, opening with a small but impressive list of wines by the glass such as Joostenberg Chenin Blanc/Viognier and Jordan Chameleon. The list includes a range of French champagnes and bubblies such as Sterhuis Blanc de Blanc, features most varietals and ends with older vintages, brandies, sherries and international wines. It is particularly helpful that organic and biodynamic wines are also listed separately.

Service
The northern part of Tshwane is establishing itself as a hospitality destination with many deluxe lodges. It is therefore no wonder that the local residents employed by all these establishments understand the value of great service. The staff at Granita are smart, efficient and, in a dining room that may be considered rather small, never in the way.

Ambience ?
Desserts, good coffee and a small but interesting selection of cigars can all be enjoyed on the stoep, weather permitting. The soft bushveld surrounding the complex imparts a gentle atmosphere to the entire setting.

And… ?
Not up to driving back to Pretoria or Johannesburg? Stay over and enjoy one of many different levels of accommodation and great spa facilities, and culminate your stay with a grand breakfast buffet the next morning in true South African style, where more is more.

By Hennie Fisher

Have you been to Granita? Tell us about your experience.