Walking into the The Conservatory, I couldn’t help but notice the giant glass box right in the middle of the dining room. At least four or five metres across, in the middle sits a giant oak tree that I learned was over 200 years old.

It was exciting the learn too, that The Conservatory’s gentle approach to nature rolls into their seasonal menus too, with fresh produce from the gardens of The Cellars-Hohenort hotel in which it finds itself. I loved that what I was eating didn’t come from hundreds of kilometres away and had all been sourced nearby.

There’s a certain traditional feel to the décor at The Conservatory, but I loved the eclectic twists dotted throughout the interior. Contemporary design features in the linens and flower arrangements, but I was sure the service and food would be impeccable. Overseen by Peter Tempelhoff, the same chef who masterminded one of the country’s top restaurants, The Conservatory is situated on the same property. I’ve been lucky enough to eat dinner here twice since and enjoy a breakfast too, all were excellent.

Looking over the winter menu, my fellow diners and I had a hard time deciding what to choose. The springbok loin was appealing for the international travellers amongst us, while I was only too happy to try out the squid ink pasta with fresh seafood and chilli. Before I even got that though, the seasonal soup of the day was a thick, creamy mushroom served with a generous selection of freshly baked bread and herb butter.

While I never tasted it myself, one of us ordered the beef burger which was not only enormous when it arrived, but also one of the best burgers I’ve had in South Africa.

The wine list at The Conservatory is inspired by the surrounding Constantia Winelands, and offers a selection of the best that valley has to offer under all the local varietals. I paired the Eagle’s Nest Viognier with my seafood dish and it was spectacular. If you’re at a loss for what to select to go with your dish, the in-house sommelier is at hand to assist.