Arbour Café – a not-so-secret gem in the Joburg northern suburbs

October 24, 2017

You know a place is REALLY good when you go for dinner as a media guest, and then return three days later for lunch as a paying guest. Arbour Café and Courtyard in Birdhaven (almost opposite Planet Fitness) is a new favourite, and when I told some friends that we *must* go there for Sunday lunch as they have music there, they told me that they go often (nice of them to have invited me and told me how awesome it is there).

In fact, my one friend goes every Wednesday for breakfast, and each time, he's asked if he wants his "usual", and each time the answer is yes (his usual, by the way, is galette with lightly creamed spinach, leek, Feta and an egg).

The night we went, my husband and I enjoyed a romantic dinner in the courtyard, with fairylights that reminded me of Europe. The service was good, the food fantastic, and three days later we were back with friends and our baby. At Arbour, even dogs are welcome, and they will bring bowls of water for your pooch.

I don't eat meat, but my husband loved his steak and burger, and on the Sunday, I chose four veggie sides as my "main", and I'm not sure I've ever tasted such lovely roasted sweet potatoes, and butternut and beetroot. I also tasted the baked caramel and apple crepes, which were sensational, and worth a visit alone.

There's also a take-home menu, which looks awesome, and it looks like I'll be relying less on Woolworths and more on this, especially if I'm having friends for dinners or lunches for which I don't have much time – or inclination – to prepare.

Here's a look at the food menus so you get the full idea (there are drinks and wine menus, but I've just included the food stuff here).

I'm yet to read or hear a bad review… so gather your squad and head to Arbour (there is nothing wrong of course with going alone – there's also wifi available for work and social media etc).