Unexpectedly, the food scene in the Free State is very good. I really had no idea that I would find just a few roadside restaurants and a few small-town cafes. Certainly, you’ll find the familiar local restaurants, but you’ll also find chic steak houses, cozy mountain restaurants, Portuguese seafood eateries, modern bistros, and secret spots that are just as good as restaurants in many larger cities.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Bloemfontein, Clarens, or any of the smaller towns in the province; some restaurants really make a statement. These are some of the top restaurants in the Free State that are truly worth a visit.
Best Restaurants in Free State, South Africa
1. New York Restaurant Bloemfontein
2. Treat Restaurant
3. Famous Brew & Still
4. Bella Casa Rest
5. The Posthouse Restaurant
6. Food ‘N Things Restaurant
7. Longhorn Grill Bloemfontein
8. Gosto Restaurant
9. Gosto Restaurant
10. Margaritas Restaurant
10 Best Restaurants in Free State, South Africa
1. New York Restaurant Bloemfontein
Address: c/o 2nd Ave &, Reid St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
When locals are asked where to get a good steak in Bloemfontein, it is this place that is mentioned almost at once.
Budget
- Burgers and light meals: Around R120 – R180
- Steaks and premium dishes: R250 – R500
- Cocktails and drinks: Around R70 – R140
It is a contemporary and relaxed setting. It’s definitely a chic urban feeling without the formality or intimidation factor.
These steaks are actually really good. Tender, flavourful and ‘cooked to perfection’ – which seems simple but isn’t every restaurant doing it right? Their ribs are also hugely sought after.
Facilities include:
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Cocktail bar
- Sports screening areas
- Family-friendly dining
- Free parking nearby
The servings are also copious. It is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the province by TripAdvisor visitors, particularly for steak.
2. Treat Restaurant
Address: 411 Main St, Clarens, 9707, South Africa
The restaurant is a perfect fit for the already artistic and cozy atmosphere of Clarens.
Budget
- Breakfast meals: R90 – R160
- Main dishes: Around R180 – R350
- Desserts and coffee: R50 – R120
The most striking thing was the peaceful vibe in the mountain town. The contrast of sitting outside with a pot of coffee and a view of the sandstone landscape around us was really soothing.
Food presentation is impeccable but not over the top. Their breakfasts are particularly sought after, and baked goods are fresh and home-baked.
Facilities include:
- Outdoor seating
- Mountain views
- Coffee and bakery section
- Vegetarian-friendly options
- Cozy fireplace seating during winter
Mornings are even better with some accommodation packages that include free restaurant breakfast vouchers nearby.
3. Famous Brew & Still
Address: 2 Leviseur St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
This is one of the places where you can eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, or meet up with friends for drinks.
Budget
- Breakfast: Around R80 – R150
- Burgers and grills: R150 – R280
- Cocktails: R70 – R130
The atmosphere here is fun but not frenetic. It welcomes students, professionals, couples, and groups of friends.
The menu flexibility is very good: coffee and pastries or full grills and cocktails later in the evening – either way, you can go light or heavy.
Facilities include:
- Outdoor dining
- Cocktail lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Live music on certain nights
- Modern interior décor
Plus, it’s a wonderful social media location – the plating and embellishment appear amazing in pictures.
4. Bella Casa Rest
Address: 31 President Steyn Ave, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
The ambiance in this restaurant is very welcoming and inviting from the get-go.
Budget
- Pasta dishes: R140 – R240
- Pizza: R120 – R220
- Seafood and premium dishes: R250 – R450
It’s a restaurant that’s been in operation for years, and they know what works. They have outstanding pasta and great pizza, as they are wood-fired.
One thing that people really love is the relaxed atmosphere. It’s like a place that you would want to stay longer than you intended due to the feeling of comfort.
Facilities include:
- The interior and exterior seating arrangements.Inside and outside seats.
- Family-friendly dining
- Wine selection
- Romantic evening atmosphere
The quantities of food provided are generous, and the staff is known for being friendly and attentive.
5. The Posthouse Restaurant
Address: Clarens, 9070, South Africa
It’s like one of those restaurants that you stumble upon and then tell everyone about later.
Budget
- Breakfasts: Around R90 – R140
- Main meals: R160 – R320
- Desserts: Around R60 – R100
The building is rustic and fits in very well with Clarens. On the inside, it’s cozy and somewhat retro; in a good way.
Their breakfasts in particular are very popular, especially on cold mornings in Clarens when warm coffee and hearty meals are a must.
Facilities include:
- Fireplace seating
- Outdoor patio
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Homemade baked treats
TripAdvisor visitors tend to rave about the friendly service as well as the cuisine.
6. Food ‘N Things Restaurant
Address: 27 2nd Ave, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
It’s not that all luxury restaurants need to charge luxury prices.
Budget
- Meals: Around R80 – R200
- Drinks: R25 – R70
Locals and students alike love the menu that features a wide variety of options at affordable prices. One thing you will love about this place is the ease. The restaurant places more emphasis on comfort and taste than on impressing guests with elaborate presentation.
Facilities include:
- Casual dining area
- Takeaway service
- Family seating
- Affordable meal specials
This is a simple and fun meal that won’t cost you a lot.
7. Longhorn Grill Bloemfontein
Address: Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein, 9835, South Africa
This restaurant is almost a legend among meat-eaters in Bloemfontein.
Budget
- Burgers: Around R120 – R180
- Steaks and grills: R250 – R500
- Platters: R350+
The amounts here are quite large. I underestimated the amount of food that would arrive!
The steaks are smoky, juicy, and full of flavor, and the atmosphere is energetic and welcoming.
Facilities include:
- Sports bar atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Group dining areas
- Cocktail menu
- Family dining
It is often hailed as one of the top grill restaurants in the province by Tripadvisor.
8. Gosto Restaurant
Address: Market St, Clarens, 9707, South Africa
This seafood and grill restaurant takes Portuguese flair to the mountain town of Clarens.
Budget
- Seafood dishes: Around R180 – R450
- Espetada and grills: R220 – R380
- Cocktails: Around R60 – R120
They are particularly known for their prawns and calamari. The flavors are full, slightly spicy, and very satisfying.
Facilities include:
- Outdoor terrace seating
- Cocktail bar
- Scenic mountain surroundings
- Family-friendly atmosphere
The seafood quality and size of portions are regularly reported by TripAdvisor visitors.
9. Boho Bistro
Address: 79 Kellner St, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
When the trendy café and brunch scene is your thing, this is ideal.
Budget
- Breakfasts: Around R70 – R160
- Light meals and pastries: R50 – R140
The interior is youthful and modern, with the atmosphere becoming even livelier on weekends.
Facilities include:
- Brunch menu
- Desserts and pastries
- Coffee bar
- Outdoor seating
- Late-night operating hours
It’s a wonderful spot for lazy mornings or lingering with friends.
10. Margaritas Restaurant
Address: 59 Milner Rd, Bayswater, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
This restaurant is a bit more elegant and romantic than some of the others on the list.
Budget
- Main meals: Around R180 – R380
- Wine and cocktails: R80 – R180
The service is well done here, but not stiff and uncomfortable.
Facilities include:
- Elegant indoor dining
- Wine selection
- Romantic atmosphere
Enjoy a quiet setting for a couple in this home. Relax in a peaceful home for couples.
It’s a venue that functions well for anniversaries, birthdays, or date nights.
Conclusion
The Free State restaurant scene is deserving of more attention than it receives. Although the province may not boast the same reputation as Cape Town’s dining scene, what it does have is warmth, comfort, plenty of food, gorgeous views, and restaurants that aren’t exactly commercialized.
A dining experience here is intimate and relaxed, whether you’re enjoying coffee in the mountain towns of Clarens or a boisterous steak in Bloemfontein. Enjoy a slow breakfast with mountain views, huge grilled steaks with friends, cozy small-town dinner by the fireplace, or seafood platters after walking downtown.
Perhaps that’s why it’s the restaurants in the Free State that are so memorable: It’s not just about the food. They’re more about the atmosphere, the scenery, the feeling that you’re really welcome.
About the Author
