Graskop is a small forestry town in the Mpumalanga province of Africa. In 1880, it was a thriving gold mining district with a unique, picturesque beauty. The natural wonders of Graskop are the most photographed and painted scenic views of South Africa. You might not have heard of this town, but if you have seen any marvelous pictures or paintings of the continent, it is probably that of Graskop. Today, it is a bustling tourist destination due to its ideal location in the heart of the region and is the gateway to the Panorama Route. It includes fascinating attractions such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, world-renowned Blyde River Canyon, and impressive waterfalls such as Lisbon and Mac Mac Falls. It is also a convenient base to explore sight-seeing venues such as Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest, Forest Falls, and many more.
Apart from its many attractions, Graskop is full of diners, cafes, and takeaway joints that offer some of the best African cuisine, coupled with their friendly hospitality. We have reviewed the finest restaurants in Graskop and compiled a list for you to visit on your vacation to South Africa.
1. Divine Foods at the View
Divine Foods At The View
#5 of 33 restaurants in Graskop, South Africa
Panorama Chalets, R533 Hazyview Road,, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Closed until 11AM
Burgers
Burgers are made with meat, cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles and are seasoned with ketchup, mustard, or another sauce. The ingredients are placed between two halves of a bun. Typically, burgers are made with beef, but other types of meat, such as turkey, chicken, and salmon can be used as well.
Divine Foods at the View opened in March 2018 near Graskop Gorge Lift – the latest tourist spot in the town. The restaurant serves its guests wholesome and hearty Cape Malay food with pizzas and vegan delicacies.
True to its name, this eatery has a simple decor that is welcoming and family-friendly, with a wooden outdoor seating area to take in the landscape while dining on delicious meals. Some of the most popular dishes based on guests' reviews are their signature lamb bunny chow – lamb curry inside a freshly baked round bread, Bobotie with sambal – curried spicy ground beef, “Every pizza” – a thin crust pizza with loads of topping, beef burgers, and chicken & vegetable curry with rice. You can also cool down with refreshing cocktails and milkshakes on their menu. Visit Divine Foods to enjoy an amazing lunch with a beautiful scenic view on your vacation to Graskop.
2. The Glass House Restaurant
The Glass House Restaurant
#1 of 33 restaurants in Graskop, South Africa
14 Louis Trichardt Ave, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 1270
Closed until 4:30PM
Meringues
A type of dessert or candy, often associated with Swiss, French, Polish and Italian cuisines, traditionally made from whipped egg whites and sugar, and occasionally an acidic ingredient such as lemon, vinegar, or cream of tartar. A binding agent such as salt, flour or gelatin may also be added to the eggs.
The Glass House, or as the locals call it, Uncle Abe’s Glass House, is a restaurant that offers a simple homemade style of African cuisine. The owner is called “Uncle Abe” by the people of Graskop and is always at the restaurant, greeting his guests with a friendly smile. If you ask anyone to recommend a place, then most probably 9 out of 10 people will refer you to the Glass House.
The place’s window walls help the dining area appear more spacious and fill it with natural light, creating a pleasant ambience. Start your meal with their signature appetizers such as garlic rolls, lamb cutlets, or vegetable soup. For entrees, order succulent chicken or beef curry with rice or Pap & Sheba (a traditional lamb chop and rump steak with spicy sauce). For desserts, indulge in malva pudding (an African pudding made of apricot jam and accompanied by a cream sauce) and lemon meringue. Authentic African hospitality and delicious local food await you at The Glass House.
3. Garden Shed Restaurant
Garden Shed Restaurant
#2 of 33 restaurants in Graskop, South Africa
59 President St, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 1270
Closed until 9AM
Prawns
Prawns are delicious, whether stir fried, tossed through pasta, cooked in spicy curry, or placed in salads. Prawns can be served on their own, as a side dish, an appetizer or a snack.
Garden Shed Restaurant is located between the Berlin and Lisbon waterfalls. It is a welcoming establishment where you can savour some of the best delicacies of African cuisine. It offers its visitors a simple yet elegant ambiance with an outdoor garden seating area filled with the scents of exotic flowers and trees, and an intimate indoor dining room. Garden Shed is famous among locals for its unique grilled meats such as ostrich, zebra, ox, and crocodile.
Some of their traditional dishes worth trying are zebra filet with potatoes, fried spicy shrimp, rump steak in brown sauce, spicy lamb curry with rice, and smoked trout salad. The usage of exotic meats is regulated by the country’s laws: it is forbidden to use bushmeat (because of unsustainable hunting). The restaurants can only use farm produce in order to avoid affecting endangered species.
After a refreshing visit to the waterfalls, come to Garden Shed to relish an amazing mix of traditional and spicy food in a relaxing atmosphere.
4. Harrie’s Pancakes Restaurant
Harrie's Pancakes
#3 of 25 cafes in Graskop, South Africa
Cnr Louis Trichardt & Church streets, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 1270
Closed until 8AM
Pancakes
Pancakes are thick fritters. In addition to syrup, pancakes are served with bananas or ice cream. People prefer eating them for breakfast. You can try pancakes in almost any snack bar worldwide, they are very popular.
Harrie’s Pancakes is the oldest and most famous restaurant chain in South Africa. Harrie Siertsema, the original founder of this restaurant, loves cooking more than anything. Once, he stumbled upon an original pancake recipe from an old lady in Graskop. After several experiments, he perfected the batter to create the fluffy texture, thickness, and flavour. Using this recipe, he opened the first Harrie’s Pancakes in 1986, as a small takeaway shop in Graskop for travelers who were passing by the town.
Today, it has turned into a popular breakfast chain for locals and holiday makers alike. Some of their most popular dishes are Dutch bacon honey pancakes, apple raisin pancakes with cinnamon sugar, beef curry with salsa waffles, and smoked trout filet with horseradish cream pancakes. Whether you like a sweet or savoury meal, visit Harrie’s Pancakes for the best breakfast in South Africa.
Graskop boasts a vast array of exciting activities such as golf courses, hiking trails, horse riding, motorbike tours, waterfalls, bird watching, fishing, and exploring gorges. Besides its magnificent nature, Graskop is also well known for its local traditional food, delicious pancake shops, and relaxing coffee places. It truly is a spectacular tourist destination full of historical heritage and pristine beauty waiting to be explored.
Have you been to Graskop already? Share your experience in visiting local restaurants in the comment section below.
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