Must-visit restaurants in Clarens

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 variety of excellent restaurants and eateries, sure to delight guests with palates of all kinds.

Explore these must-visit restaurants in 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 restaurant 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.

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.

Address: Clementines Restaurant & Bar, Corner of Church and Van Zyl Street, Clarens, Free State, South Africa.

Contact: 079 355 1298

Operating times: Tuesday – Thursday, 11:30 – 14:00; 17:00 – 20:00; Friday – Sunday, 11:00 – 14:00; 17:00 – 21:00

2. Sugar & Cinnamon

Sugar and Cinnamon is a day restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and tea or coffee with divine cakes. Visitors can come and enjoy a hearty meal on the restaurant deck overlooking the Rooi Berg Mountains, or snuggle up with a hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Sugar & Cinnamon is a pet-friendly restaurant and boasts a delicious menu with a variety of breakfast and lunch options.

Address: R712, Clarens

Contact: 0823823515

Operating times: Monday to Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; Sunday 8 am to 3 pm

3. Highland Coffee Roastery

There are many coffee outlets around the Free State but very few can claim to have mastered the art like Highland Coffee Roastery. Located in the quiet town of Clarens in the Free State, this establishment has distinguished itself as a micro-roastery that takes great care and pride in roasting 100% Arabica coffees to perfection in small batches.

You can sit, relax, and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the Maluti Highlands and enjoy the beautiful view of Mount Horeb.

Address: 354 Van Zyl St, Clarens, 9707

Contact: 058 256 1136

Operating times: Monday – Saturday; 7:30 – 4:30 pm; Sunday, 7:30 – 3:30 pm

4. Gosto Portuguese Restaurant

An absolute treat of a restaurant with live music, great service, and delicious food. Specials are on a roll of brown paper and the feel is authentic upmarket Portuguese. Always busy over weekends, and rightfully so, Gosto offers astoundingly good grills and classic traditional dishes, as well as delicacies like deep-fried figs stuffed with mozzarella and a trio of chocolate desserts which is worth skipping mains for!

Address: Market St, Clarens, 9707

Contact: 076 792 8189

Operating times: Monday – Thursday and Sunday, 12 pm – 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12 pm – 10 pm

5. Artist’s Cafe

Artist’s Café in Clarens is located at the Windmill Center on Clarens Square, flanked by majestic views of the mountains. This daytime culinary retreat offers a varied selection of light meals, famous country pancakes, sweet or savory and scrumptious breakfasts, grills, and platters. Compliment an aromatic coffee with a captivating slice of cake.

Address: Windmill Centre, Cnr Main &, Van Zyl St, Clarens, 9707

Contact: 058 256 1404

Operating times: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 – 4:30 pm; Friday – Sunday; 8:00 – 6:30 pm