The longevity of many Pretoria restaurants can be ascribed to a constant and loyal following of diplomatic clientele, and that many of Pretoria’s restaurants are owner-run.

Restaurants in Pretoria offer an impressive eateries and culinary styles, and the city has several culinary stalwarts that have been serving top-notch fare for decades.

Though you may have to wait weeks for a booking, Pretoria dining doesn’t get better than La Madeleine – a classic, French bistro that offers value for money without ever compromising the quality of the food or the service.

For 15 years, Ritrovo Ristorante has been pleasing Pretoria’s gourmets with contemporary Italian cuisine and old-school service. Patrons return here for the flawless execution, seasonal flavours, and in house opera evenings.

Be sure to look super-smart before sitting down to dine on Chef Jacqueline Picard’s Central African cuisine at Zemara. A simple menu featuring exquisitely prepared African staples, and a few signature dishes like chicken with palm nut, which you have to order in advance, keeps her embassy clientele sated.

Brasserie de Paris restaurant in Waterkloof, and Mosaic restaurant at the Orient Boutique Hotel are also excellent restaurants in Pretoria.

Pretoria restaurants are known for their generous portions, so if you like your steak big and juicy, try Cynthia's Indigo Moon, the Godfather, and Pachas.

A review of Pretoria restaurants wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to Boerekos (Afrikaans Food). Make Die Werf and BOER'geoisie your first stops to try springbok carpaccio, eland steak, ostrich neck, and potjiekos.

The restaurant at the Voortrekker Monument gives a delicious account of Afrikaans trekker (pioneer) cuisine with boere-boontjies (traditional green beans), venison pies, and Jan Ellis pudding, while Die Bosvelder Pub and Restaurant in Centurion’s menu is heritage on a plate.

Janicky's Restaurant and Pub in Atteridgeville offers a taste of Pretoria’s townships with mogodu (tripe), pap-en-vleis (polenta or grits served with stew), and braaied inyama (barbequed meats).

When dining in Pretoria, be sure to pay a visit to the cities excellent bakeries and patisseries. The confectionary and deli at Carlton Delicious Café in Menlo Park is legend (remember to BYO), and Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co’s sweet and savoury creations are an epicurean adventure.

Pretoria’s local Greek, Italian, and Portuguese communities also run excellent and affordable eateries, and there is a wide range of Indian, Pakistani, Japanese, Chinese, and Lebanese restaurants.