During a recent visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, we stumbled upon Fable Restaurant – an eatery that took us completely by surprise. In a good way, of course. After initially driving past while on the hunt for a humble lunch spot, we quickly Googled the menu. In the end, we realised that we just had to turn back. Fable floored us merely with its façade and we were instantly hooked.
As we drove in, it was clear that the owners had had a set idea of what this dining destination should be. Behind the restaurant, we found parking for days, which we later realised caters for events and happenings that take place here from time to time. And, as you walk towards the entrance, beautifully landscaped gardens stretch out to your left. In addition to the vegetable and herb gardens, there are edible flowers and streams that calm the senses, setting the scene for a dining experience of note.
Fable offers two restaurant options. Firstly, The Fable Taproom is where you’ll be rolling from in pizza dough and ale. The second is the Fable Eatery, which walks out into the gardens. Additionally, it has a kiddies’ seating area with bespoke activities, a lovely light family atmosphere, a carefully curated shop and divine cuisine.
They opened their doors in October 2022 and is therefore still rather new to the Midlands’ dining scene. Still, upon our visit one could hardly find a table for two. The black and white checkered floors and wooden tables give it a farm-style feel and the menu is filled with all kinds of exciting options with colours that reflect their gardens and tastes of the changing seasons. Whilst the food is delicious and beautifully garnished, they refer to their menu as humble and simple, with honest food. “Back to basics, done really well.”
Whether you sit inside, or outside in the plant-walled courtyard, you will find the setting to be tranquil and inviting. Be sure to take a stroll through the gardens after your meal. We simply loved the subtle sounds of water trickling down cleverly designed streams, birds fluttering by and promenading beneath kiwi-covered pergolas.
Fable is certainly a dining destination where you can eat, explore and shop to your heart’s content.
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