Bayleaf Café — Restaurant in George

Bayleaf Cafe is a fabulous place place for lunch with a really lovely outdoor area and a fantastic atmosphere. I have been visiting sporadically for a number of years.

I was there today to have lunch with a friend the service was adequate but not great, there was no dedicated server, we were served by 3 different people which was confusing for everybody.

My friend and I both had the pork belly on mash, which was good without being out of this world, two thin slices of rolled pork belly at that price is pushing it but both the pork belly and the mash are very tasty.

I had the bone marrow for starter and here in lies the rub, it is not a very difficult dish to prepare even for someone who is not a head or senior sous chef. The bone marrow was however completely dried out, over cooked and in my opinion, roasted at far too high a temperature so there was very little that could actually be eaten.

This however proved to be a blessing in disguise, I eat out often and having spent over 22 years working internationally and traveling I have a very tolerant stomach. However I did not long make it home when I was truck with incredibly bad diarrhea, I know that it was not the pork belly, as my friend was not effected.

My advice to people is that it is a fabulous place to visit but avoid the bone marrow and to the restaurant owners and staff please ensure that you are using fresh product, especially something like bone marrow. Rather throw out old produce and just go with out of stock, it will serve you better in...

Bayleaf Café is a new favourite of mine. Set in an old house with cedar and pine interiors, high ceilings and open spaces, it immediately charms a person and gives a warm, homey feeling. Walk out towards the back and you find a real gem - a stoep and courtyard that has been beautifully landscaped and offers more private settings because the plants create natural barriers. The menu is well planned and my favourite item on the menu thus far is the moist carrot cake, which in my humble opinion is the best in George. The service is friendly and professional, the cook world-class and passionate, and the atmosphere calm and homely. There are some steps, but mostly one or two so wheelchair access is possible. Parking is available on site and in the street. This little Café is very popular especially over lunchtimes and on Saturdays, so it might be a good idea to book. All in all this is a wonderful place to visit and spoil yourself with something...

I finally grabbed the opportunity to visit Bayleaf Cafè, and wow, I'm glad I did!! From the moment of walking in, we were greeted with a welcoming smile (By the owner I think). I thought we would hear the cars from the busy road, but we seemed to have stepped into a blissful, tranquil haven, away from the hustle and bustle. Loved the decor, old worldy / chabby-chic / eclectic. Anyway...moving on. The staff were absolutely lovely, and the food....WOW!!! divine! Simple but perfect. I Had the French flapjacks, with Camebert cheese, creme fraiche, bacon, preserved figs, and a balsamic reduction. Each bite was heavenly. (And could definitely tell the flapjacks are homemade, fluffy and light).

Highly recommend. (And on a side note, it would really be a stunning venue for small gatherings, or an intimate wedding. Hopefully one day I can plan my...