Sunday buffet at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden comment count

• News
• August 17, 2010 ∥
• By Roy Barford

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy Dan van der Merwe

Anyone with a good appetite and an appreciation for nature should head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a Sunday lunch buffet at the Silver Tree Restaurant.

You can build up a fair hunger walking around the massive World Heritage Site, which is home to some 22 000 indigenous plants. For R100 on Sundays this winter, you can satisfy that hunger with a three-course buffet at the restaurant, which is situated inside the garden area. There is, of course, the la carte option, if you prefer.

I dined out on this Sunday’s fare and was thoroughly satisfied. The tomato soup was a decent appetiser, while the selection of mains was generous. The carvery included roast beef, lamb and chicken, with roast potatoes and a mix of butternut and sweet potatoes on the side.

Dessert comprised of chocolate cake and bread and butter pudding with custard on the side.

The service was reasonable and, for R100 per person, the buffet was extremely good value for money.

For those cold, wet days, the restaurant has a massive fireplace inside to keep things warm and cosy. Cape Town has, however, been experiencing mainly warm and sunny days in recent weeks, making the outside patio a popular choice. The atmosphere was very relaxed and most suitable for a date, family outing or simply a meal away from home.

The Silver Tree Restaurant is also a great venue for weddings and conferences. It is open daily between 08h00 and 21h00. See their menu.

Get other ideas about eating out from our winter restaurant specials page.

Entrance to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is R35 for adults. This may sound a little steep to South Africans, but once you pass through the turnstile, to be greeted by an amazing view of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, you will think otherwise. Students get in for R20, while R10 secures entry for children aged between 6 and 17. Those younger than six get in for free.