Mila Restaurant: A Charming Farm Bistro in a Secret Mountain Valley

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Lead

A hidden gem in the Wellington Winelands.

Winding along the valley on a narrow dirt road heading deep into the mountains, it already feels like an adventure getting to Doolhof. Set in its own secret valley surrounded by vines, forest and towering mountains, this centuries-old Wellington wine estate (dating back to 1707) is insulated from the outside world – the perfect escape.

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Interior Wine Counter

Mila Restaurant has been converted from the old thatched wagon house and adjoining kraal; it’s now a whitewashed courtyard with a Mediterranean feel: herbs planted along the walls, lemon and olive trees in terracotta pots, a reed-shaded pergola, and background music to match. Indoors, rustic wood tables and comfortable chairs define an elegantly simple country style with a friendly and relaxed vibe.

The team behind Mila

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Interior Designs
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Owner, Anelma le Roux, had already established Lounah Café and Monarch Coffee Cartel roastery in Paarl, when she met the owners of Doolhof. Her green focus and fine bistro approach resonated with them, leading to her opening Mila restaurant on the estate in September 2022.

With her came husband-and-wife chef team, Jacques and Michelle Fourie, whose background includes 10 years together in various London restaurants (including their own Ember Yard in Soho focussed on fire-cooking and smoking). They share a love for excellent, uncomplicated food based on local ingredients: “We cook what we like to eat,” says Jacques. With just the two of them in the kitchen, they keep the menu short and personal, changing it often.

Fine bistro with a local heart

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Dishes

We shared fragrant mosbolletjies (aniseed-scented soft bread rolls) with date-sweetened butter, and creamy Puglia Cheese burrata served on a beetroot purée with pine nuts and leaves – a gorgeously decadent starter. Then came classic mains done superbly well: a rib-eye steak with smashed potato and delicious merlot jus; and Asian pork belly, the meat sublimely succulent, the skin crisp, with a spiced butternut and pak choi. Satisfying portions, appetisingly plated.  The gourmet burgers and summer smoked salmon salad also looked tempting.

Coffee and dessert

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Coffee

Sweet and short, the dessert menu stars a luscious espresso panna cotta topped with crunchy salted-caramel and chocolate crumbs. A different cake every day (it was melktert cheesecake when we visited) or an affogato completes the offering. The coffee here is excellent, Dukes Blend fresh from Anelma’s Monarch roastery, so you might end up taking home a refillable canister of beans, as we did.

There’s more

Doolhof: Mila Restaurant Dining Experience
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Breakfasts are already popular with the weekend mountain-biking crowd, ranging from coffee and croissants to eggs benedict and classic full English. And in the works are a series of monthly winemakers’ tasting dinners (dates to be announced).

Stay longer and explore

Doolhof Destination Farm

Doolhof is a place to linger and it’s hard to tear yourself away from its seductive mountain valley tranquillity. Wander past the horse paddocks down to the mountain stream and discover a brick labyrinth laid out with the best views; follow the river trails through reeds and woodland to a bridge and swing your feet over the rushing water. For the energetic, there are mountain-bike trails, and a rugged hike up Groenberg mountain.
Good to know The whole range of Doolhof wines is available in the restaurant at cellar-door prices. The restaurant also does gourmet picnic baskets that should be booked 24 hours in advance.

Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 864 2805, info@milarestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Bovlei Road, Wellington, Western Cape
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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 12 October 2022