My experience at Almost Orange was profoundly disappointing and frustrating, despite the venue's undeniable beauty.
From the start, the service was cold and dismissive, and even making a booking felt like jumping through endless hoops. The entire experience was clouded by undertones of racism, serving as a bitter reminder that in South Africa, being black often equates to being treated as a second-class citizen—even when you’re a paying customer.
The requirement to pay upfront initially seemed standard, but it quickly became clear that this policy offered no guarantee of quality service. The host’s attitude was hostile, as though every request was an imposition. Additionally, the venue apparently doesn't use standard pin plugs, meaning guests can’t even charge their phones—that's the explanation I received when asking to charge my phone with my own charger. They simply cannot help.
Adding insult to injury, after paying in advance for everything, I was denied a refund I intended to give as a tip to the diligent waitstaff, who were the only redeeming feature of the visit.
To make matters worse, they intended to charge me for individuals who didn’t even participate in the event, further emphasizing the venue's lack of fairness and professionalism.
It took a lengthy back-and-forth discussion, with the support of a lovely friend, to finally convince the hostess that their policy of charging absent guests for services they didn’t participate in was unfair. Even after this concession, it still took them days to process the refund.
While Almost Orange is visually stunning, its beauty is overshadowed by the blatant disregard for customer service and respect, particularly towards black patrons. This venue exemplifies the disheartening reality that, in South Africa, even money cannot buy equal treatment or good service.
I cannot, in good conscience, recommend Almost Orange. It is a wasted opportunity to create a memorable experience, poisoned by poor service, unfair policies, and...
Read moreThis place has the makings of a great weekend outing - a mini road trip, fantastic location with great scenery and a variety of drinks. I would highly recommend making a reservation. The service from staff was amazing. Although we waited a little while for our orders to be taken, the food and drinks arrived pretty quickly. We were seated outside and it was a beautiful warm day, sitting underneath a massive tree which provided ample shade and a great cooling breeze. The decor is great and this whole venue is instagrammable, pictures look great no matter where you take them.
They also host parties so be prepared for increased noise levels in addition to the usual restaurant chatter. I would highly highly recommend making reservations because it got very full, very quickly - it would also help in cases where there are party bookings because seating space is not the biggest.
The menu isn’t all that diverse, it’s platters and some finger foods called small plates. We had the almost orange platter and it was delicious, everything was cooked well. I enjoyed the zucchini, the samosas and the skewers. The fillet on the skewers was a little bit overcooked but there was still some flavour in it. I do wish they’d give steak knives because cutting into beef with a butter knife is quite the challenge.
They have a great variety of drinks - alcoholic drinks ie brews, wines, a great variety of gins, cocktails and hard liquor. All the cocktails are available in the virgin option, according to what we were told. We had the almost orange cocktail and the kiwi blueberry mojito. They tasted amazing with the right amount of sweetness, the orange juice in the cocktail wasn’t too bitter which was great.
We had the Belgian chocolate tart served with vanilla ice cream for dessert and it was perfection, just the right amount of sweetness and cocoa. Perfect way to end...
Read moreIf you're looking for a dining experience that combines delicious tapas, exquisite wine, and a breathtaking outdoor setting, look no further than Almost Orange.
Upon arrival, you'll be struck by the beauty of the outdoor setting, which is surrounded by lush orange orchards and features plenty of seating options to suit any preference. Whether you prefer a cozy table for two or a larger group gathering, you'll find just the spot to enjoy your meal.
The menu at Almost Orange is filled with an array of tapas dishes that are bursting with flavor and creativity.
Of course, no tapas meal would be complete without the perfect wine pairing, and Almost Orange does not disappoint in this regard. Their extensive wine list features a wide range of options.
As you dine, you'll hear the friendly laughter of other guests around you, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Once you've finished your meal, be sure to take a stroll around the beautiful orange orchard to complete the experience.
Overall, Almost Orange is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience that combines incredible food and drink with a stunning outdoor setting and a friendly atmosphere. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant - it's...
Read more