play

Missing video

Sorry, this video could not be found.
sharkRVcopy5.jpg Big-5-safaris.jpg Canopy-tours.jpg The-Bloukrans-Bungee.jpg Cape-Towns-beautiful-beaches.jpg Drakensberg-Mountains.jpg

Sample Polokwane's tasty treasures

Eating out in Polokwane

Garden at Mawetse Fine Dining The tranquil garden at Mawetse Fine Dining

Sampling local cuisine in Polokwane means opening up to new taste sensations and menu items you may never have heard of before. Try fantastic barbequed meat in the Seshego township washed down with locally-made brew, or celebrate in style at Mawetse Fine Dining – there’s something for every diner.

Did you know?

Mopane worms (amasonja) are a local foodstuff unique to Limpopo. Try them at Mawetse Fine Dining resturant.

Eating out in Polokwane is an exciting culinary experience. In recent years, the fast-growing capital of Limpopo has become a regional centre for posh-nosh. Do be aware though that many restaurants here feature meat-heavy menus.

In Polokwane, restaurants cater for every taste and wallet. When only the best will do the elite of Polokwane head to Mawetse Fine Dining to do deals and celebrate their successes. Tender fillets wrapped in bacon fly out of the kitchen and the oxtail stew is highly recommended.

Basil's is another fine dining spot that oozes sophistication. Located at the Ranch Hotel, 30 km outside Polokwane, meat, fish and shellfish are expertly prepared at this modern bistro. The extensive wine list allows for celebrating in style or modest sipping, and the dessert trolley is the stuff of local legend. 

Local diner's flock to Saskia's restaurant for treats like beef curry, oxtail, lamb shank and duck confit, but their eyes glaze over when describing Sakia's dessert deluxe: 6 individual tot glasses each filled with a shot of liquer jelly and topped with creme brulee.

A party in Polokwane doesn't have to be pricey. For a great value meal try the Cafe Pavillion Family Buffet and Grillhouse. Famous around town for its lavish selection of soups, salads, fresh breads, vegetables, stews and grilled meats, the Saturday brunch buffet is also superb.

At Thabang Butchery, a chisa nyama (barbeque) spot in Seshego township, pick your meat at the butchery portion of the business and then have the restaurant staff sizzle it up to perfection.

Other Seshego hot spots include Lerato's Tavern where beer and traditional food are available. If you really just want to run in, munch and move on, the Savannah Mall has a range of inexpensive takeaway options.

Out of town, a trip to the Farm Yard Trading Post, 20 km east of Polokwane, rewards with superb home-made mushroom and beef pies, smoked chicken and mango salad and all manner of delectable local foodstuffs to take away. . 

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

Mawetse Fine Dining
54 Jorissen Street, Polokwane
Tel: +27 (0)15 297 4439

Basil's at the Ranch & Old Joe's Bar Lounge
Ranch Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)15 290 5000
E-mail: reservations@theranch.co.za

Cafe Pavillion
Sterkloop Garden Pavilion
Stand 1171, Church Street
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 5359
E-mail: cafepavilion@mweb.co.za

Saskia's
Fusion Boutique Hotel
Corner of Hans van Rensburg and Suid streets
Tel: +27 (0)15 291 4174
E-mail: saskia@fusionhotel.co.za

Farm Yard Trading Post
Munnik Road, next to Mall of the North
Tel: +27 (0)15 263 64 52
E-Mail: info@the farmyard.co.za

Thabang Butchery
1951 Zone 1, Seshego
Tel: +27 (0)72 2864114

Lerato's Tavern
442 Roma Street, Seshego
Tel: +27 (0)72 0553747



How to get here

Fly into Polokwane International Airport or get there by bus or car along the N1 or N11 highways.

Get around

Luxury bus tours are an option. However, having your own car will give you the ability to move around more spontaneously.

What will it cost

It depends on where you are dining - a simple pub meal with a beer will set you back around R80, while a 3-course meal at a fine dining establishment could cost around R400 p/person excluding wine.

What to pack

Smart casual wear for evenings.

Where to stay

There is a mix of accommodation available in and around this city. For good city hotels try Garden Court Polokwane, Protea Park Hotel, the Fusion Boutique Hotel or Town Lodge Polokwane.