MAGNOLIA RESTAURANT

BEST FOR Showing off to out-of-town guests. FOOD The menu offers interesting, contemporary creative food by chef-patron Jamie Watt. Poké bowls are a must try; there’s even the Buddha option for vegetarians, filled with lemon quinoa, pickled beetroot, avocado, zucchini, chickpeas, hummus and lemon-mint dressing. Lovely tapas bowls and antipasto plates precede mains such as Asian-style braised beef short rib with sesame and sweet potato. For something more casual, there are super burgers, pizzas, delicious chicken-and-prawn curry, or really great sushi. Finally, nothing beats the key-lime crème brulée for dessert. DRINKS A professional wine list offers something for everyone. SERVICE Well trained. AMBIENCE Sophisticated, with a great bar for drinks. The flowering orchids are always such a treat. It’s a beautiful space perfect for long, leisurely dinners under the Lowveld sky. (HF)