By Gugulethu Tshabalala
There’s something magical about South Africa on a warm weekend. The sunlight catches the vineyards just right, the sea breeze makes fresh seafood taste even better, and the bushveld moves to its own gentle rhythm. Across the country, restaurants are embracing the outdoors, offering spaces where good food and unforgettable views come together naturally. If you’re in the mood for relaxed al fresco dining this weekend, here are a few XploreZA-approved spots worth xploring.
Tindlovu Restaurant at Letaba – Kruger National Park, Limpopo
Letaba is where the Kruger reveals its softer side — wide riverbeds, morning mist drifting across the water, and animals moving at a peaceful pace. The deck at Tindlovu sits above the Letaba River, giving you front-row views of elephants, hippos, and antelope. Their menu offers hearty South African comfort dishes like oxtail potjie, venison pies, grilled meats, and generous breakfasts.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: Their breakfast is a crowd favourite — generous portions, freshly baked bread, and perfectly done eggs served with a view that feels like a screensaver. Arrive just after the morning game drive rush (around 08h30–09h00) to enjoy a quiet riverside meal.
Prue Leith Restaurant – Centurion, Gauteng
Set in a serene garden just outside Centurion, this restaurant is the heart of the renowned Prue Leith Chefs Academy — one of South Africa’s most respected culinary institutions. Run entirely by top-performing students, the restaurant offers seasonal menus that showcase technique, creativity, and a fresh approach to flavour. Expect beautifully balanced dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: The menu changes weekly, but you can expect dishes like slow-braised lamb shoulder, handmade ravioli, seasonal tarts, and decadent desserts. Book early — their limited service days make it one of Gauteng’s most sought-after dining experiences.
Skyline Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge – Pretoria, Gauteng
Just as the name suggests, this restaurant sits high above Pretoria, offering sweeping city views. The open-air deck blends urban chic with relaxed weekend energy, ideal for sushi platters, sharing boards, grilled skewers, and cocktail towers. As golden hour arrives, the city shifts from soft purple tones (especially during jacaranda season) to twinkling lights, making this one of Gauteng’s most Instagrammable rooftops.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: Time your visit for sundowners — the skyline views paired with a refreshing cocktail are unbeatable.
The Beach Café @ Impithi – Pennington, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Barefoot bliss awaits on the KZN South Coast. Nestled under milkwood trees, The Beach Café offers wooden tables, dune views, and a soundtrack of crashing waves — perfect for effortless coastal dining. Their menu includes grilled seafood, toasted tramezzinis, crisp chips, and ice-cold drinks.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: Visit between June and November — whale season. You might spot these gentle giants breaching while you enjoy your meal.
Ginger The Restaurant – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Overlooking Hobie Beach, Ginger blends coastal elegance with a warm Eastern Cape welcome. The terrace faces the Indian Ocean, making it perfect for refined seafood dishes, sunset dinners, or slow, indulgent lunches. Every plate showcases fresh, contemporary flavours inspired by the region.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: Take a relaxed stroll along the pier before your meal — it’s a beautiful way to set the tone.
Tokara Restaurant – Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Tokara sits proudly along Helshoogte Pass, offering panoramic views over vineyards stretching towards the distant bay. It’s where natural wineland beauty meets culinary craftsmanship. The restaurant serves elegant, produce-driven dishes inspired by the laid-back life of the Cape winelands.
XploreZA Weekend Tip: Book a dinner table and arrive early — the sunset over Simonsberg bathes the entire valley in gold.
