The views from Emily Moon are some of the best in the world. Overlooking the Bitou River, valleys and the Outeniqua Mountains, one gets a feeling of floating above the landscape, and with that, a sense of real serenity. The venue itself, with all its eclectic statues and sculptures, is a sight to be seen, but it truly comes alive as the sun sets, giving way to candles, open fires and twinkling tree lights.

You’re welcomed by management and staff and invited to bask in the view with pre-dinner drinks on one of several viewing decks located around the pool area. Moving inside, you’re met with a dizzying array of wonderful and exotic ornaments, artworks, pictures and Samburu spears, paying tribute to the owners’ myriad African and Asian adventures. Emily’s is a feast for the eyes as well as the senses.

The ambiance is rather romantic, with candles and dark hues of red and blue throughout, backlit by a warming fire. Yet the music, which could be geared toward enhancing the romance, is unashamedly young and hip instead, giving Emily’s a more laid-back, family feel.

The menu mirrors the setting, with African inspiration enriching each dish. There is an almost cheeky, ‘Alice in Wonderland’-like use of herbs, spices, fruits and nuts throughout that is both charming and exciting. The menu changes according to the fresh ingredients sourced daily, but will always include their signature dishes: a faultless, grilled Karan beef fillet, cooked to perfection, served with hand cut chips and Emily’s luscious béarnaise; a cider-braised pork belly with potato croquettes and an onion marmalade samosa; and, if you’re lucky, you’ll find the Amarula and coconut panna cotta on the dessert board, which is positively inspiring.

I’d recommend Emily’s for dinner. (They also have a casual pizza and cocktail bar upstairs called ‘Simon’s Bar’, which is fabulous.)