Irene Village Mall is always a welcoming place, and Karoo Grill & Bar, situated right across from the fountain décor, is no exception. My dad and I decided to visit for their breakfast buffet on Father’s Day.
Upon entering, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere immediately stood out. There was seating available outside (where we chose to sit), inside, and even upstairs. The upstairs area had ample seating, likely bustling during the evenings.
The interior was beautiful, with various rooms each boasting unique décor – floral prints, hanging lights, and South African flags. Comfortable couches, long tables, and a room with big windows added to the charm. A neon sign with their logo greeted us on the stairwell, which looked super cool.
The outside area where we sat was packed, filled with families and even a biker group, all eager for the buffet. We chose to sit outside to enjoy the lovely morning and our mutual love for people-watching. The tables were shaded by umbrellas under the trees, with heaters to keep the chill away. Despite the crowd, there was enough space for everyone to have their own conversations comfortably.
The buffet was impressive, offering a wide variety of foods. We started with the cold table, featuring muffins, flapjacks, apple cinnamon cigars, yogurt, a massive bowl of fruit, muesli, and cereals. I tried an apple cinnamon cigar, which was crisp and delicious, and a flapjack that was super tasty even without the butter, syrup, or jam options available. I also enjoyed two servings of fruit, yogurt, and muesli.
Next, we moved on to the hot foods, which included melkkos, boerewors, chicken livers, bacon, kaaings, pork sausages, chicken casserole, fresh vetkoek, paptert, and krummel pap. There were also made-to-order omelettes and eggs (fried or scrambled). Since I don’t eat red meat, I opted for vetkoek, scrambled eggs, and chicken casserole. My dad had vetkoek, fried eggs, all the sausages, and some bacon.
I finished off with melkkos, which was delightful, almost as good as grandma’s, with plenty of sugar and cinnamon. The buffet was well-organized, allowing everyone to serve themselves without any mess. The food was fresh, warm, and continuously refilled, making it a delightful experience.
The service was excellent, with our waitress promptly attending to our coffee orders and clearing our table whenever we went for another round of food. We visited the day after Father’s Day, but the atmosphere was still vibrant and relaxed. The restaurant only offers the buffet on specific days, so it was clear people were looking forward to it.
My dad, not always a fan of buffets, was impressed by the variety and quality of the food. He enjoyed it so much that he expressed a desire to return, making the visit a success. I had a cappuccino with cream, which was thick and delightful. My dad started with a filter coffee and later had a cappuccino with foam, both of which he enjoyed.
Overall, the vibe of Karoo Grill & Bar was fantastic. The staff was friendly, the manager checked in to ensure everything was alright, and the food presentation was neat and clean, with utensils at each station. I loved spending the morning with my dad and couldn’t think of anything to improve, except maybe adding another chicken dish like chicken sausages or nuggets.
I would definitely recommend Karoo Grill & Bar’s breakfast buffet. While I can’t comment on their main menu dishes yet, the breakfast experience has me eager to return and try more. The restaurant can accommodate large groups and is family-friendly, making it a great spot for gatherings. If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast experience, Karoo Grill & Bar is worth a visit!
