Mogg’s Country Cookhouse, Hermanus

Up a rough country road, the twist of smoke from the fireplace inside this low-key family-run cookhouse defines country charm in a very Hansel and Gretel kind of way (without the undercurrent of evil… though come to think of it, I have not seen kids here even though there’s a swing and lots of room to roam!). A couple of casual dogs, a herb garden, outside garden seats, or inside with its curious pine-cone ceiling and vibrantly coloured walls cluttered with bold artworks. It works because it’s so well worn, it’s certainly eccentric. 

The Mogg mother and daughter, Jenny and Julia, run the show and have for the last 13 years. They have a “shebeen” wine policy – bring your own or drink Drostdy Hof or one other – and also take no credit cards. The blackboard menu is to the point, three or so starters and four mains, three desserts. Home-baked bread is good and serves as an accurate indication of the rest of the food here: tastefully presented without pretense, full of flavour and freshness. Definitely recommended, and prices are moderate, mains at R70-R80. One problem (for us) is that they’re closing mid-May until end July for winter break. 

Hemel en Aarde Road (past Heaven at Newton Johnson). 028 312 4321

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