The Conservatory Restaurant

I came here for the lunch thinking that I would have a relaxing and fine dining experience.The place hotel, garden and restaurant are very nice. I liked the big windows offering light and nice views on the outside.The service was prompt and professional.The food was disappointed. I was expecting a wider selection on the menu and more refine dishes.Re the athmosphere, I was a bit anoyed, as you usually come here to enjoy food in a relaxing environment, but the next table, who was obviously celebrating an event killed the"relaxing" part of it.I prefered to leave after the main and go somewhere else where it would be more quiet.

Terrible service. Long waiting time despite booking and paying in advance, waited for more than two hours before being seated. Multiple customers waiting with us complaining of the same thing, staff saying that they'll update you on the situation and then never return. Beautiful place, but would not recommend coming to eat here, not worth the price range or the wait. Definitely not a 5 star experience.

We spend the weekend at Mount Grace and ended it by having lunch on our way at De Hoek's restaurant - The Conservatory . Not only is the setting beautiful in the gardens with ducks and birds playing in the fountain - The food was exquisite as was the service ..... I have to complement the attentive people that manned their website as they immediately responded to an ONLINE CHAT and send a menu etc... well done on using this medium to the fullest!

Our table of nine had a lovely relaxing Sunday lunch at The Main Conservatory at De Hoek Country Hotel. We celebrated two birthdays in our group, and from the moment we set foot on the grounds, I was confident that the restaurant is worthy of a celebration. We were ushered to a drinks table and offered a choice between a festive non-alcoholic drink or sparkling wine before we were shown to our table in a beautifully-maintained garden. Our waiter was cordial, if not always attentive (forgetting a coffee and the dessert spoons), but as all the staff members help each other, someone was always nearby to call upon. The food was beautifully plated and ample. The resident duck and chicken family provided entertainment and enhanced the atmosphere.

It has been some time since we have been to De Hoek and it is clear that De Hoek has lifted its game. The quality of the service and food is back up to the standards that were in place many years ago ( and which in my view slipped for a while ).The choices on the set menu (Sunday lunch ) were more than sufficient, and my wife who is vegetarian was completely satisfied with the various courses. The service was friendly, professional and attentive without being rushed. Great wine selection. Must book for weekends, particularly if you want to sit outside amongst the beautiful gardens.

The restuarant is great but really expensive for the budget with buffet dinner at R500 per person excluding drinks, but maybe appropriate for the very well heeled and i suppose par for a five star establishment.The food though was very tasty but portions are small. the dessert was tasty but again small in size.Breakfasts are extensive with cold and hot options included in the stay at De hoek.Champagne, juices,proper cuppacino and a variey of breakfast option with seating inside and outside.

After reading numerous revenues and hearing good things about De Hoek and The Main Conservatory restaurant, my wife and I booked for a Saturday lunch as we were staying in the area.On arrival, we were greeted by very friendly security and gardening staff and directed to the reception area. The setting at De Hoek is really beautiful and the gardens are meticulously maintained. The stairs leading up to the reception area are beautifully decorated with old vines and really makes for an impressive entrance.Once greeted by reception we were pointed in the direction of the restaurant and found a group of service staff huddled together. Not much attention was given to us and we had to be asked to be seated, to which the reply came "you can sit anywhere you want". We chose to sit under a Gazebo in the courtyard. Again, the setting is really peaceful and makes for a great lunch venue.We proceeded to order our drinks and were issued with the menu of the day. The menu is small, made up of various light meal options. On return the waiter offered us breadrolls and then informed us that these are the "last two rolls", but he will try arrange more if we would like.We both ordered the Tempura Hake, which when it arrived I have to admit looked nothing better than some fried cuts of fish served on a bed of beans with some mayo slapped on top. Not the type of presentation on would expect from a 5* establishment. The taste however could not be faulted and the dish was enjoyed.This was also the last time we saw our waiter. We sat for a significant amount of time with empty plates and empty glasses. Waiters walked past, no one offered to clear our table, enquire about our meal or even offer top up drinks.The result was me eventually calling a waiter over and asking for the bill as I could not be bothered to put up with the service anymore. It is very seldom that I would refuse to give a gratuity, however in this instance it was warranted.So, great setting and beautiful venue, but let down by really mediocre service.

We enjoyed a marvellous 5 course dinner, with exceptional service. Creative presentation of the food, but not surpassing the mastery of the chef in producing delicious food. It's not cheap, but was worth the experience and mix of flavours. Beware - you will roll out of the restaurant having eaten far more than you intended.

We went out to De Hoek for Sunday Lunch. From the greeting on arrival to the final goodbye, the experience was excellent. The lunch menu is a choice of three starters, four main courses and two deserts. There is something for everyone including vegetarians. They have some interesting and unusual wines. The setting outside under the trees was beautiful and relaxing. The food was of a very high standard. The service excellent. Altogether a superb outing that will be repeated.

We went to De Hoek for breakfast with friends to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were welcomed in the parking lot, escorted to our reserved table and treated to the finest dining by highly professional, very kind waiters. The food was excellent and the complimentary birthday cake s pleasant, very tasty surprise. This was so much more than a breakfast - it was a heartwarming experience!