There’s a lot to unpack at the 67-year-old Die Herehuis restaurant in Malmesbury.
Set in a grand, period building, framed by a tree-rich courtyard, it’s a calming space. At one end on the inside there’s a fireplace guttering with fat yellow flames. And outside, birds chirp merrily.
Food-wise, hard work is on show – at ludicrously good value. Leading the charge is a complimentary melba toast with marrow, capers and parsley. Starters include an interesting tongue with mustard sauce, capers and parsley and a restorative curried lentil soup with sour cream, coriander and the crispiest of onions.
Treated with due care, mains are accompanied by crunchy baby potatoes with cream and onions, as well as flirtatious almond-buttered beans. A hefty sirloin is generously smothered with a sauce Diane and flanked by crumbed mushrooms; the sole grilled to golden and topped with prawns, glossed with lemon and prawn butter; and chimichurri Karoo lamb chops with a good bite. But surely top of the pick is pork neck in a fragrant mustard sauce with brandied prunes. All dishes demand to be mopped up with chunks of bread.
Sweet cravings can be satisfied with a nostalgic baked orange pudding (called Japie’s favourite), two ice cream choices or a joyous peppermint crisp tart.
Featuring pleasingly-priced Swartland wines, the wine list is extensive and the service solicitous.
Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10h00, visit Die Herehuis restaurant at 2 Loedolf Street, Malmesbury, ph 082 8989757.
