Taking a road trip? 4 restaurants worth making a pit stop for

FREE STATE

THE KITCHEN AT WARM KAROO, BLOEMFONTEIN

In the Kitchen:

They serve light meals, carefully curated wines and ice-cold gins. The gardens are a tranquil oasis.

You would kick yourself to miss:

The build-your-own-tapas platters will satisfy any craving - especially ordered with gin, if you aren't doing the driving!

Tipple:

Even though it seems to be all about the gin, The Kitchen boasts the biggest wine list in central South Africa. Of the 45 local gins on offer, the Spekboom Gin from New Harbour Distillery is a refreshing change.

Contact:

16 Du Preez Avenue, Spitskop, Bloemfontein. Call 073-932-1214.

EASTERN CAPE

THE GRT BREWERY, GRAAFF-REINET

In the Kitchen:

The Meerkat Deli, adjacent to the brewery, is in a leafy courtyard and serves charcuterie and cheese platters - hearty and delicious. Other light meals are also available.

You would kick yourself to miss:

The fish and chips are a must. The hake is beer battered with their own beer and at R58 per portion, it's a steal.

Tipple:

Their craft beers are made by hand, in small-batch microbrewery tanks. The GRT Red Ale, an Irish style ale, was a pleasant surprise.

Contact:

20 Church Street, Graaff-Reinet. It is hidden inside the courtyard of Karoo Trade. Call 061-408-4351.

EASTERN FREE STATE

THE COURTYARD BAKERY AND CAFÉ, CLARENS

In the Kitchen:

The team make a mean breakfast (go early!) and the lunches are popular too. Pop in to the Courtyard Bakery next door for freshly baked breads, quiches and pastries to go.

You would kick yourself to miss:

You get more than you bargained for when you order the waffles with bacon, cheese and syrup. Freshly baked and crispy, they don't get better.

Tipple:

The milkshakes are stunningly sweet and the wine and spirits menu is extensive.

Contact:

324 Market Street, Clarens. Call 082-650-1503.

KWAZULU-NATAL

THE MIDLANDS KITCHEN NOTTINGHAM ROAD

In the Kitchen:

You'll find 15 different eateries serving 135 flavours of food in a marketplace setting. The central dining area makes it easy for everyone in the family to select the cuisine of their choice, be it Mexican, vegan, Indian or good old-fashioned burgers.

You would kick yourself to miss:

The burgers at The Burger and Butcher. I've also heard great things about the Mexican burritos.

Tipple:

The Midlands Kitchen has the best coffee on the N3 - perfect when you need a pick-me-up before you get behind the wheel again.

Contact:

N3 Exit 132, Nottingham Road. Call 033-266-7046.