Mila’s in Durban Street
Open from 12am to 9pm during the week, and 4pm to 9pm on Saturdays
Mila’s is justly famous for its sumptuous pastas and thin-crust pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven. But owner-chef Pieter de Kock is also known for great steaks, chicken curry, lamburgers (a local favourite) and decadent desserts.
Lunch menus offer lighter options, and even carnivores love his vegetarian dishes.
Call 048 881 0036
Victoria Manor Hotel
Open 6pm to 9pm every night
The red dining room in this historic 1850s hotel is justly famous for its Karoo country fare. On most nights, you will be brought the starter of the evening followed by a generous buffet with a choice of meats, including Karoo lamb, local venison, chicken along with and fresh vegetables. Desserts are simple classics like apple crumble and ice cream.
Fully licenced.
Call 048 881 1322
Karookraal
Open for special occasions or for groups over ten.
Karookraal is just a party waiting to happen – a real boere eating experience as well as a music venue just outside Cradock.
The menu is seldom the same, but there is usually roosterkoek to start with plus, homemade jam, prickly pear syrup and biltong. Mains might be a lamb, venison or chicken potjie, or a succulent braai along with baked pumpkin and fluffy samp.
Pudding might be milk tart or the crystal-sweet koeksusters and moerkoffie.
Bring your own drinks.
Call 072 227 6730
Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms
Schreiner Tea Room
Open 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Set in one of the restored 1850 cottages among Die Tuishuise of Market Street, Schreiner Tea Room offers great homemade food at very good prices. This is where you go for hearty tomato and lamb bredie, Karoo tapas with fresh roosterkoek, thick pea and ham soup, chicken salad, the baked cheesecake, lemon meringue and prickly pear-flavoured milkshakes.
Call 072 381 3422
True Living
Lanie Lombard is well known in Cradock for her catering skills. Locals adore the place for its sinfully good breakfasts and lunches.
Lanie bakes rustic loaves using stoneground flour and natural yeast twice a week. There are always fresh pies, biscuits, rusks and preserves – all made on her farm or the shop. Sit in the courtyard and order up something light yet decadent. Sweet things include red velvet cake, peppermint crisp tart, cheesecake and German chocolate cake.
Call 048 881 3288