Clarens, a charming small town situated on the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State, offers its visitors beautiful surroundings and pretty views, outdoor adventure and warm hospitality.
Clarens also has a number of excellent restaurants and eateries, sure to delight guests with palates of all kinds.
Here are ten of the best restaurants to enjoy in charming Clarens:
#1 Clementines Restaurant & Bar
With a well-known reputation of being a quality, exclusive Clarens restaurant, Clementines Restaurant & Bar needs very little introduction.
This owner-run local institution is famous for its quality service, amazing food and drink offerings and an ambiance that delights guests visiting for the first time – or those returning as loyal fans.
With a charming exterior, lovely interior and beautiful garden, Clementines Restaurant is a sight for sore eyes.
Their menu offers the best in upmarket country dining, with a wide assortment of delicious dishes. Recently, they have also added a new specialty bar to the mix – complete with everything from brandy and vodka to gin and whisky and of course, a selection of good red and white wines too.
Best of all, in addition to its usual dining, Clementines Restaurant is also ideal for birthday parties, functions and conferences.
Note: Due to its popularity, bookings – especially over weekends – are strongly recommended.
Contact: +27 (079) 355 1298, shelley@clementines.co.za
Website: clementines.co.za
Address: Clementines Restaurant & Bar, Corner of Church and Van Zyl Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#2 Addo’s Fine Dining
Addo’s Fine Dining – seemingly owned and run by the former chef of Clementines Restaurant & Bar – is a relatively new addition to the Clarens restaurant scene.
This lovely eatery is a mixture of the best of African and continental cuisine. Enjoy a range of international delicacies, including the likes of palm soup from West Africa and bulgogi from South Korea.
And with both indoor and outdoor seating in the beautiful garden, Addo’s Fine Dining is sure to provide guests with a memorable dining experience and a culinary trip of note.
Contact: +27 (066) 240 5138, osahene59@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Addo’s Fine Dining, 222 Main Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#3 Sugar and Cinnamon Restaurant
For those craving a wonderful meal a short distance outside of Clarens itself, look no further than the lovely Sugar and Cinnamon Restaurant, situated at Willow Manor.
With a selection of mouthwatering, generous-looking food offerings, including everything from hearty Sunday roasts to homemade Moroccan lamb pie or even juicy burgers and chips, this cosy eatery offers the very best in cuisine.
Visit them for soothing, relaxed dining experience in the countryside and sit indoors or outside, where you can fully soak up the pretty surroundings.
Note: Sugar and Cinnamon is happily pet-friendly.
Contact: +27 (082) 382 3515, redmount@telkomsa.net
Website: www.willowmanorclarens.co.za
Address: Sugar and Cinnamon, Willow Manor Accommodation, Groenland Farm 267, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#4 The Courtyard Bakery and Cafe – Clarens
Conveniently situated on the square, The Courtyard Bakery and Cafe offers guests delicious breakfast or lunch options.
This open, airy Clarens restaurant promises a charming dining out experience.
With everything from decadent cakes to possibly the best oxtail around according to reviews, you are guaranteed a wonderful time at this popular local bakery and cafe.
Visit them for your Clarens food fix – and enjoy some of the best baked and cooked goods in town!
Contact: +27 (058) 256 1124, mezzo@jane.icon.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: The Courtyard Bakery and Cafe Clarens, 324 Market Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#5 Gosto
For anyone desiring a taste of Portugal in delightful Clarens, look no further than Gosto Portuguese Restaurant.
With everything from wholesome, fresh Portuguese food to divine desserts and even good music performed by local artists, Gosto offers its visitors a special food experience.
Join them for quality, good Portuguese cuisine and a fun vibe.
Contact: +27 (076) 792 8189, admin@gosto.co.za
Website: gosto.co.za
Address: Gosto Portuguese Restaurant, 382 Corner of Main and Van Zyl Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#6 The Posthouse Restaurant
Another local gem is The Posthouse Restaurant. Offering a range of hearty meals, like chicken strips and chips, homemade lamb or chicken curry pie, bean and lentil rice and much more, The Posthouse Restaurant is sure to have you salivating in eager anticipation of its delicious food cuisine.
Add to that a wonderful setting, with especially lovely outdoor seating, and you are assured a special meal with your family and friends at this local winner.
Contact: +27 (058) 256 1534, info@posthouse.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: The Posthouse Restaurant, 276 Main Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#7 Mosaic Pizzeria
Mosaic Pizzeria is a lovely, family restaurant that offers the best in wood-fired pizza, mouthwatering pasta dishes and a nice selection of grilled food too.
With beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, a welcoming restaurant ambiance and a great kiddies’ junglegym, Mosaic is the perfect place to head for a relaxing, good family meal.
Contact: +27 (058) 110 0007, mosaicpizzeria@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Mosaic Pizzeria, Corner of Church and Val Zyl Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#8 The Artist’s Cafe
This delightful cafe is a family-style eatery that provides guests with the very best in country cuisine.
With its pleasant surroundings, excellent playground for children and kiddies menu and friendly staff, The Artist’s Cafe is sure to hit all the right notes for a special family meal in Clarens.
Add to this, mellow music and interesting original art dotted throughout and you are sure to have a fun meal at this lovely spot.
Contact: +27 (058) 256 1404, info@artistscafe.co.za
Website: www.artistcafe.co.za
Address: The Artist’s Cafe, Main Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#9 The Highlander Restaurant
As something of a local landmark, no visit or food experience in Clarens is complete without paying a visit to popular, delightful local restaurant, The Highlander.
This country restaurant is geared towards serving the country traveller and tempts with its family-orientated, homegrown country-style recipes, incredible atmosphere and good choice of seating.
If it’s cold, sit inside by the cosy, roaring fire or gather on the bench outside for a drink before you enjoy an incredible meal… Either way, The Highlander is a must-visit.
Contact: +27 (074) 473 7565, highlandquarters@gmail.com
Website: thehighlander.co.za
Address:The Highlander, 289 Corner of Market and Main Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
#10 Roter Hahn
For those craving a unique German cuisine experience in Clarens, Roter Hahn delights on every level.
This German restaurant and deli is well-known for its excellent food, cosy atmosphere and friendly service.
Visit them and enjoy great surrounding views, good, authentic German cuisine and of course, quality, imported beer on tap.
Contact: +27 (058) 256 1888, info@roterhahn.co.za
Website: N/A
Address: Roter Hahn, Corner of Van Zyl and Roos Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best Clarens restaurants… Which has you tempted to visit?