629 reviews
#1 of 14 Restaurants in TulbaghRR - RRR, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly+27 82 894 0932+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 - 22:00
Mon
9:00 - 22:00
Wed
9:00 - 22:00
Thu
9:00 - 22:00
Fri
9:00 - 22:00
Sat
9:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
The oldest house in Church Street , Tulbagh – Readers. Offering simple, outstanding local and global cuisine, has been able to maintain a standard of excellence that has created a notable reputation with both locals and tourists. The cuisine varies on a daily basis depending on the availability of fresh produce. This provides Carol Collins – Silwood trained Cordon Bleu Chef -a certain challenge in ensuring the creation of dishes using imagination, flair and superb presentation. Certain dishes have become trademarks at Readers but the focus remains on variety, fusion of flavours and combination of unusual ingredients.
PRICE RANGE
R 95.00 – R 190.00
CUISINES
International, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
629 reviews
Excellent
421
Very good
127
Average
39
Poor
20
Terrible
22
Aeronams
Vancouver66 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We visited Tulbagh for Valentines weekend and after seeing the menu on social media, decided to give it a try as it suits our taste. This was a Sunday night and even though it was very quiet (I suspect Covid is to blame which was seen throughout the area), we were most happy to be alone.
We were quietly welcomed and seated by our waitress who initially wasn't very verbal, but her service was satisfactory enough. Later on we had a nice chat.
We ordered the Salmon Roulade starter with prawn which was so nice! Prawn was perfectly cooked. Then on to the beef fillet with jus which was perfectly cooked, the roasted potatoes were so delicious and the accompanying veg buttery and slightly al dente. My partner had the lemon and garlic pork fillet which had a lovely flavour.
We ended up with the 3 generous ice cream scoops for dessert - lemon/poppy, amarula/chocolate and coconut. All were creamy and tasty.
The building is beautiful, the ambiance is low lighting with candles and an abundance of cat memorabilia is displayed all over - which you are either going to love or hate. There's no pretentiousness and this restaurant has its own unique character which won't be found in many other places.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thank you for writing this review - and enjoying a valentine dinner with us - most of my ingredients are scource locally and depending what is fresh is how I create my menus - thanks and kind regards Carol Collins
Written 21 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kenny
Western Cape1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
About a month ago I proposed to my gorgeous lady and she said YES - this was all organised by Carol from Readers from the amazing picnic basket, the perfect venue and all laid up beautifully. The picnic is highly recommendable. Last weekend we decided to dine at Readers and this did not disappoint -in fact it excelled all expectation from world class service, food flavours and tastes. Hot plates and delicious food with a awesome winelist.I must just mentioned the ice creams were unique and delicious and if you a cat lover a must to stop here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Kenny - thank you for taking time to write this review -With us moving down to the next level and leisure travel is allowed - a few new exciting things will be on the menu and with social distancing the picnic baskets are a winner filled with dips pates and pickles cold meats and cheese something sweet all freshly packed . keep well and stay safe thanks kind regards Carol
Written 27 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob and Mary B
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
2 nights in a row for excellent food and top class service
Well the heading says it all - 2 exceptional dinners 2 nights in a row – Steak and bobotie night 1 and trout and pork night 2. Both meals were delicious served on hot plates and served by friendly waiting staff. Congratulations to Carol and her staff as on night 2 there was an extremely rude obnoxious guest full of complaints and Carol handled and responded with respect. I even heard mumbling about free food from this table. The ice cream was a huge hit – stunning unique flavours and Gucci the resident cat was welcoming and friendly. Welcome sherry what a treat.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Bob and Mary - Thank you for choosing to dine with us for 2 nights and thank you for mentioning the previous guests review. - this is happening more and more with guests expecting comps or discounts for complaints and making it unpleasant for all, The ice cream flavours are for ever changing and tend to be created for the seasons - all my ingredients are sourced locally - thank you and hope you had a awesome holiday Kind regards Carol
Written 5 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gi Gi
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • none
Best meal – burger tops
We ordered a delivery of the burger – gorgeous home made patty on a fresh burger bun with all the trimmings as promised – salad chips and coleslaw all top quality and fresh. I can honestly say the best burger I have ever eaten. We enjoyed it so much pop into the restaurant the next day for lunch - chicken pie in phyllo was delicious served with fresh crisp veg and roast potatoes and service top – masks and all. Highly recommendable
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thanks GiGi - for taking time to write this review = lock down was tough on the restaurants hence the new Wednesday burger special created for locals and guests - and will become one of the signature dishes for the restaurant - Thanks you for joining us and hope you to see you soon - thanks and kind regards safe travels and keep well - thanks Carol
Written 27 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave Gordon
Cape Town Central18 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
First of all you fall in love with the 270 year old building and the ambience it creates. The food is beautifully presented, creative and delicious. Chef Carol is a genius who, with the help of a local lady with 20 rears service, makes diners really feel at home and special. Not a huge menu (that changes monthly) but if it's not fine dining is very close to it! Readers is a must in Tulbagh.
Written 20 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thank you Dave for taking the time to write this review - My menu is small so I can keep the ingredients fresh and from local suppliers - all the best for 2021 and be safe and travel safe - thanks and kind regards Carol
Written 11 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn R
Cape Town Central16 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
Little restaurant, Cat gift shop on the old main street. Somehow overlooked by the other restaurants, but i dont know why.
Had dinner, lovely setting, good service and excellent food. Pork fillet was superb served with seasonal vegetable and roast potatoes. Chicken pie was also very good.
Home made ice cream with different flavors, well price wine.
In fact best meal in Tulbagh....
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Lynn thank you so much for your kind words - , all the veggies are sourced from the local organic farm and meat from the local butcheries - Hope to see you soon and hope you enjoyed your weekend in our gorgeous valley Kind regards Carol
Written 23 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kyleJ
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
I have been following the KYKNET TV show called in the sop and was not disappointed when we lunch there on the public holiday. Chef now sources all her ingredients locally and as we arrived this gorgeous fresh broccoli and veggies was delivered, the broccoli was delicious. Covid protocols on this winters day was followed 100% and the tables spaciously laid. Being the driver I ask if there was any non alcoholic options – and enjoyed a glass of wine and my partner a stunning local red - Montpellier. The trout was delicious and the Bobotie was curried to perfection – the portion a little on the large size. The ice cream was a highlight.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Kyle - thank you for these awesome review and interesting to hear your thoughts about the restaurants you are following from the TV show - Thank you for asking about the non alcoholic ranges which i have beer - gin and tonic and of course white and red wine - which was the live saver during the different levels of lock down. The bobotie is also always a winner - and thank you for these kind words here - The ice cream flavours are forever changing so when you pop in next time there will be a few different flavours - thanks and kindregards Carol - Be safe and travel safe
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber D
Cape Town Central1463 contributions
May 2022 • none
There is nothing more magical than a beautiful historic restaurant moodily lit up on a winters night . Readers is such a spot . The interior has an eclectic mix of cat themed keepsakes which are really cool not kitchen . We were celebrating a 50th and Carol the owner and chef was incredibly accommodating.
She served a delightful menu which started with a carrot and sweet potatoe soup and superb homemade bread with pâtés. This was followed with a table of delectable starters incorporating aubergine and tomatoe stack; a crispy mixed salad with almonds and fried Camembert. The mains we had carried from ostrich steak , to chicken and cranberry pie and smoked trout with wasabi butter . All super , although the sweet potatoe side was so outstanding I would happily drive back there just for that .
We had no room for dessert but I am sure , judging by the rest of the dishes , it would be delicious .
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Amber - Thank you for your awesome review and for celebrating at the Restaurant. All my ingredients are locally sourced, the tasting menu is a little of everything of the menu and so glad you enjoyed. Hope to see you soon on your next trip to the valley = Thanks and kind regards Carol
Written 22 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonja Coertzen
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • none
What a pleasant surprise! We walked in to this Restaurant for Lunch on Thursday 19/08/2021, not sure what to expect....... Great service and we order their BLT Burger and expecting an ordinary burger, to our surprise we received this Double Burger, which we could not finish. The burgers were absolute fantastic and very delicious. Also meeting other people and realise that this is the Restaurant that Bertus Bason from "IN DIE SOP" had under his hands. Met the owner and she is such a friendly woman. Keep up your delicious food, service and friendlyniss!
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thank you for joining us and for writing this review - the burgers was one of Bertus Basson dishes from IN DIE SOP - and are delicious - InDieSop was great for the business in these tough times - the advice was great and the new inspirations share awesome - the most NB is to support local butchers farms and promote local
My meat is sourced from the local butcher in Gouda and veggie from local gardens, the ice cream flavours for ever changing but I do keep the focus on fusion - thanks you be safe and travel safe Carol
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew_KirkbyCT
3 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Carol and her team were exceptional hosts. We ate dinner here as a couple and it was very romantic with an intimate ambience. The food was superb - hearty homestyle cooking that pairs perfectly with the small, country town of Tulbagh. We will definitely be back - we highly recommend a visit!
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Andrew thank you for taking time to write this review -With us moving down to the next level and leisure travel is allowed - Readers is open - a few new exciting things will be on the menu and we adhere to covid 10 hygiene protocol . keep well and stay safe thanks kind regards Carol
Written 27 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theuns
3 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
My partner and I visited Readers Restaurant on Friday evening, 11 Feb 2022 and we were honestly surprised by the excellent service, creative and very tasty food.
The Watermelon "Pizza" is definitely a winner. The Springbok shank is the best game meat I have ever tasted and my partner enjoyed the sirloin immensely.
We were so impressed, that we returned on Sunday for lunch on our way out of town.
Carol and team.......congratulations on a job well done and we will surely return.
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Terique Thank you for taking time to write this review - and I hope you enjoyed your stay in Tulbagh exploring out gorgeous valley. All my ingredients are locally sourced from the local butcher or community gardens, with the essence of keeping things fresh and tasty using the best I can find locally so the menu will change with the seasons. Hope to see you soon.
Thank you and kind regards Carol
Written 21 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maricha v
Worcester195 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
A small menu which shouldn't be too difficult to serve to clients. My husband ordered broccoli only to be told they didn't have any. Bobotie was really disappointing a runny mince dish with a thick custard layer. We were just disappointed and underwhelmed. Our server hadn't been trained sufficiently. There are no non-alcoholic options, e.g. beer or gin: only tinned fizzy drinks and bottled water.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Dear Maricha - thank you for taking time to write this review - constructive criticism is great because I can learn from my mistakes and improve for the next costumer and overall experience. If I am not mistaken the day you joined us for lunch was rainy and therefore the fresh farm veggies where delivered a little later in the day - so sorry about this, I have arranged for all my staff to go on a training course, and make sure all my staff even those who work normally in the kitchen have a better training when working with the client. I hope you do return and your next experience is 100% time better - thank you and kind regards Carol
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vikingsdk
Copenhagen3 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
A short stroll from Wittedrift Manor House you will find Readers Restaurant. “At the end of the day people just want honest food”. This is exactly what you get in this lovely restaurant set in a classic Cape Dutch house. Food is served in a relaxed way, no rush and fair priced. A great plus is that herbs are delivered from the local community garden, all fresh and organic.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thank you for taking time to write this review - and yes I support the local community garden and local butchers, trying to keep the menu fresh and seasonal. I hope you enjoyed your relaxing time in the valley and will return in the new year. March April is the best time to visit the valley, gorgeous days and still warmish over night. Thank you be safe and travel safe Kind Regards Carol
Written 22 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janine G
Cape Town Central315 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
I enjoyed a delicious phyllo pastry chicken, feta and cranberry pie served with roasted veggies and roast potatoes. My hubby enjoyed a lamb phyllo
Pastry pie. Would definitely recommend my option. Prices were fair. Just so sad that folk are not exploring the area due to the economic recession. A very special little restaurant which oodles character and charm and is adorned with cat images and decor. Great service too.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolJCollins
Thank Janine - for these kind words - and your support over these Covid times - Hope you manage to stay safe and healthy and safe travels - Please let me know when back in the area and I will create a special menu for you - thanks and kind regards Carol
Written 21 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shireen F
23 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
We heard about Readers from a local television show and decided to pay a visit whilst staying overnight in Tulbagh. We were warmly welcomed with a glass of sherry and seated in a cosy room with one other table of guests. We started by sharing the deep fried Camembert which was delicious. My husband had the pork chop and I had a lamb shank. My husband says it was the best pork chop he has ever eaten, served with apple and sweet potato. We finished off with the ice-cream - a speciality of this restaurant - 3 scoops of unusual flavours which are only revealed to you once you have tried to identify them yourself. The owner, Carol came out to greet guests and have a chat. Altogether a lovely experience.
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol C
Dear Shireen
Thank you for taking time to write this review - Hope you enjoyed yourself in our gorgeous valley, my ingredients are locally sourced from community gardens and farms - Hope you have a awesome festive season and a great new year
Thanks and kind regards Carol
Written 12 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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