It was the day after the wedding, so sleep had been minimal and of course we had danced the night away so stomachs were grumbling. It was also a birthday so we had more than enough excuses to head off into the town of Oudtshoorn for lunch.
The day was a scorcher so I was really happy to be in an air conditioned car instead of my own which is almost like a sauna. We had driven past Surval on our way to Karusa Vineyards earlier in the week and had heard that is was a good spot for lunch.
The restaurant at Surval Boutique Olive Estate is set on an olive estate and is a relatively new development; however the setting is gorgeous and almost takes your breath away.
We were welcomed by a very friendly manager who showed us the various spots we could sit, if there had been space it would’ve been great to sit in the garden under the trees, but this was already quite full (seems to be a popular venue – always a good sign). We decided to take refuge from the beating sun on the deck which overlooks a river (ok it could be a dam … but I wasn’t paying that much attention, I just know it was really pretty).
Photographs: Left – View from the deck / Right: – Sit under the trees if you prefer?
After a round of Bloody Mary’s and Coca Cola’s we surveyed the menu. Something immediately caught my eye – the ostrich carpaccio bruschetta. Since I had had such delicious carpaccio the other day I thought I’d treat myself again. The menu was filled with options ranging from awesome breakfasts, to sandwiches, burgers, pastas and more. Both Rik and I settled on the bruschetta which we were assured was a decent size. Other orders at the table were fish cakes, grilled line fish and a seafood pasta.
We enjoyed each other’s company while watching the restaurant fill up, soon there wasn’t a seat available, so I would suggest if you’re in the area make a booking, especially if you’re there on a weekend so that you’re not disappointed.
Soon our food had arrived and my eyes almost popped out of my head because the portion was huge! I didn’t think I would be able to make a dent in it, but I had fooled myself. The table was suddenly silent as we all tucked in, I was hungrier than expected because I ate my entire portion, I think all that was left was the end of a crust and a few bits of lettuce. It was moreish and my mouth is watering just thinking of the delicate yet flavoursome carppacio which was sliced thinly enough to fall apart when your knife touched it.
Surval is a wonderful addition to the Oudtshoorn restaurant selection and will be popular amongst both locals and tourists as their pricing is very affordable for the quality and quantity of food you receive. We were certainly all very happy with our lunch and made our way back home for a well deserved afternoon nap! Being on holiday is hard work don’t you know …
Photographs: Left – Green grass in every direction / Right – My amazing lunch, yum yum
Find your Oudtshoorn Hotel here or if you’re travelling further along the Garden Route book your Garden Route Bed & Breakfasts today.
Useful Links
Contact Details
Telephone: +27 (0)87 350-1950
Opening Times: Daily from 08h30 to 21h00, closed on Sunday evenings