Hillside Tavern and Grill opened it’s doors 26 years ago in October 1989. Husband and wife team, Francois and Nicola have been partners in the business from the very beginning. Hillside is really a “family” business, since most kitchen staff have been working there for 20 years or more. Even most of the waitering staff has been with us for many years. Feels like family and the secret to consistency in the business.

Hillside is located in the East of Pretoria in the upmarket suburb of Lynnwood. It is really a destination shop, since it is completely off the beaten track, situated on the ground floor of an office block. The name Hillside Tavern originated, partly from the original interior (very hip in the 70’s and 80’s) and the perception of the locals that it was their own little get together place in their neighbourhood .

 

About 2 years ago, we decided to turn over the page on the old Hillside Tavern. We did a complete revamp of the interior and added an outside “stoep” or terrace. The name and logo was changed slightly to remove the emphasis off the old “Tavern” feel . The idea was to refocus on a relaxed, friendly, warm experience with friendly, yet professional service and only the best possible food.

The shop offers diners the option of a dining room with various “separate” nooks and crannies, giving a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, a very cosy and warm pub which is open all day and a new outside “stoep” or terrace designed to give the European sidewalk cafe feel. We operate 7 days a week except for Saturday lunch. Hillside is not affected by load shedding, since we are partners in a HUGE generator. We are very proud to be in the top 20 of this year’s Woolftrap Steakhouse Championship competition.

 

The menu is diverse, without losing our identity. We focus on dishes that we believe we can do better than the opposition, but don’t try to cater for everybody and lose focus on our market. Some of our favourite dishes include the Casoulette (Prawntail in a creamy garlic sauce) or the Gorgonzola Snails (you have to taste it to believe it) for Starters, the Cajun Steak or Jalapeño Steak options or the Seafood Platter for Mains and the unbeatable Crème Brûlée or Mango Pavlova for Dessert.

Our motto is to give our customers a complete gastronomic experience in an warm and welcome atmosphere and to let them feel special, because to us they really are. We build relationships that lasts.