22/07/2026
We ended our Friday distance walk and decided its time for a refuel. My wife suggested Graze by the River as we've never been there.
Walking in, it was a calm, rustic feel and we found a sunny spot in the outdoors seating area.
The server presented the menu on the black display board and she knew it by heart, pretty much word for word as in the menu. That was impressive already. The rest of the menu gave us a hard time deciding what to eat.
My wife wanted some gin but it was not on the drinks menu (I discovered that while paying it is avaialble. Lesson relearned - if you don't see it, ask!) thus we decided to have a glass of wine each and then go in search of a gin and tonic.
While enjoying the quiet, sun and wine I suggested we try the smoked snoek pate.
And man! Let me just say that the starter and its unique salad swung my wife's opinion into staying.
My wife opted for the Wagiyu burger and I chose the steak. And what an experience. This was fine dining in a casual setting. The salad with the variety of locally sourced garden greens again blew us away. So much so that we gulped that down first. The handcut chips were amazing. The skin on left an earthy taste and the way its fried is a taste I've never experienced before. The steak order of medium-rare was perfect and the steak tender. I was seriously considering a second one.
My wife opted to take the burger home after eating the chips and salad. She offered me a bite at home later and that was just by far one of the best I have had in a long time.
All the food was fresh, tasty, not drenched in anything commercial. As I say, this was fine dining quality dressed as casual.
Quality, taste and preparation meets affordability in a quiet setting. Definitely a 9 out of 10.
We will be back to try the other meals. And know to ask for gin obviously 😁.
