EIGHT AT SPIER

BEST FOR Modern farm-to-table fare. FOOD The food here is fuss-free and honest, with bistro-inspired dishes of soups, hearty salads and roast meats. The garden salad is a simple celebration of seasonal veggies and leaves tossed in a delicate dressing. Dishes change depending on the season, but a couple of iconic ones will always be available. The first is their burger, made with Farmer Angus’s grass-fed beef and bacon, and served with a slaw and hand-cut chips. Another perennial dish is the deeply satisfying chicken and mushroom pie. Desserts are as homely as you’d expect, with apple-and-ginger pudding and a chocolate fondant making appearances. DRINKS Spier wines and a few craft beers from Darling, as well as freshly squeezed juices. SERVICE The front-of-house nails that balance of being attentive yet not overbearing, welcoming but not too casual. AMBIENCE Spier as a whole has a great vibe. Eight is charming, cosy and relaxed. (JS) Spier Estate, R310;

021 809 1188; lunch Tues to Sun, dinner Wed to Sun; avg main meal R200; no BYO