Review Fermier - Pretoria

Ohh wow!!! What an amazing experience!! Went there for our anniversary and it’s really worth it. It is pricey but will really recommend it. The atmosphere is so special and peaceful. The staff is very friendly! Thank you for an awesome night!

Fine meals prepared with great care and beautiful presentation. Really appreciated that they could accommodate our various dietary requirements. Flavour profiles sometimes a bit restrained but the overall dining experience is a delight.

We had a wonderful experience for Valentines day. The chef was very accommodating to our diet requirements - be sure to arrange any dietary requirements well in advance so that the kitchen can prepare. The staff were lovely, funny and knowledgeable and made the evening really special. The wine pairings were delectable and we were blown away by the food. The portions are perfect for the number of courses and we left highly satisfied. Will come again and cannot recommend Fermier enough to everyone I know. We enjoyed the food so much we forgot to take a photo of every dish.

We had dinner there with our 2 teenage daughters. It was a wonderful experience. Fine dining at its best. I was very impressed with the vegetable gardens and tilapia ponds created in such limited space. The rustic farm setting really gives the impression of farm to fork. Every dish was beautifully presented, the portions are the perfect size, and every single dish was tasty. The staff were friendly and welcoming, engaging with us frequently. I can't wait to return to this awesome restaurant

This is one of the best Culinary experiences in SA! Great food, unbeatable service and a cozy atmosphere. Thank you Fermier team for always creating a memorable experience!

Firstly , this was an experience. Walking up that dirt road to this unsuspecting barn, added to the whole atmosphere. The service was excellent. They have a well-stocked bar, you can order glasses of wine individually instead of going for the whole wine tasting add on. The food was incredible. As far as tasting menus go , this was among the best I've ever had and value for money. The celeriac course changed my life. I left this place with a lasting impression , I will definitely go back.

My first dinner at this hidden Gem. Every dish on the menu was the most delicious I have had in my life. Service was super excellent. I loved every dish served with immaculate Service. Strongly recommend Fermier Restaurant . Amazing and awesome rolled in one. Thank you.

For the love of all ignore the random 1 star guy he isn’t even reviewing anything... this place is awesome ... been a couple times now as it’s close to home , and cannot compliment the food enough, always worth a visit and service is incredible, yes it’s not a lose your mind party venue I’ve never experienced “shushing” because every time I’ve been guests have been enjoying their partners as for the 1 star guy... please take me to your grandmas house if she can cook like this , and honestly if you say you can cook above this level... how much to see you try. Trust me Folks try this restaurant and come back repeatedly

Fantastic new menu. As exciting as pre-covid. Could not decide which dish was the best. The wine was superb.

My husband and I made a reservation for this past Tuesday and man oh man! We were so impressed, the place is excellent, the food is incredible and prepared with such care and the combinations presented were basically an artwork, the whole experience was a masterpiece we won't soon forget! Thank you Adriaan & Fermier!

The food was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. Each of the 9 courses were very different. The attention to detail and dedication to the food was clear. The "rustic" building's atmosphere allowed you to feel relaxed and focus on on the food. Service was excellent and waiters were very attentive. They were very efficient and food was brought in a timely manner but didn't make you feel rushed with each course.

For me, the best way to describe a fine-dining experience is to compare it to visiting an art gallery and appreciating the work of those who are masters of their craft. Though the craft is food preparation and the location a restaurant, it's still artistry! - We’ve been wanting to go @Fermier Restaurant for the past four years and finally managed to do so in celebration of our 11-year wedding anniversary. - Just like walking through an art gallery and being surprised with a beautiful or, more importantly!, interesting and challenging piece of art around every corner, Fermier delivered on every part of the experience. From approaching and entering the unpretentious venue, to being tended to with great care by the staff; there was not one aspect of the experience to fault. - With the open plan dining room and kitchen, the food theatre started and while watching the masters perform their craft, dish after dish arrived each delivering an experience of its own. Lobster and crevice … just bring us the pot of sauce, we’ll lick it clean. Sweat bread – Google this one! Asparagus with duck egg and truffle. So many more until, finally, berries, liquorice and dehydrated! chocolate mousse arrived to make sure our minds were properly blown. - I don’t think I will ever get tired of the feeling when a dish is placed in front of you and then going through the process of first seeing it, then tasting bits of it, then all the elements together and finally sipping a well paired wine and being left with varying emotions such intrigue, happiness, feeling perplexed, challenged, satisfied and, equally important, learning what it is that you do not like. - Finally, they did a stellar job of catering for my tree nut and avocado allergies. My dishes were just as complete and I didn't feel like my life was threatened nor that I was done in.

Food was incredible, service was fantastic. Likely the best restaurant in Pretoria. Chairs were a bit hard though 😅

Incredible attention to detail. Posh, rustic setting, giving you a rural experience in the city. Food was incredible- it teased each of your senses. Service was spot in: attentive, but not intrusive. If I were local, I would frequent more often.

Fermier is up there among South African culinary powerhouses. It's evident they strive for highly skilled food art set in a rustic and unpretentious environment. Every aspect of the experience has been carefully designed to delight. From the reception in the parking lot to the presenting of each course, no part of the journey is haphazard. There is not much I can say about the food, except that it is a rollercoaster of flavours, textures, colours and aromas. You're not going to love every single dish, but you'll certainly have your breath taken by the impeccable style and art you'll behold at each course. Fermier is a must visit if you're curious about food and appreciate food as an art form.

We went at night and we have to come back during the day! Tucked inside, feels like a hideaway. Great place, food, ambience that was almost musically orchestrated. The wine pairing with the food was on point through every course. Please go!

This restaurant makes my heart so happy! We celebrated our anniversary here and it was magical. Every course was more delicious than the next...do yourself a favour and book a table at this intimate and forward thinking restaurant.

Hidden gem of a restaurant. Service by everyone was excellent and food awesome with the wine pairings.

If you would like to have a fantastic fine dining experience void of pretense, this is the perfect place! Chef Adriaan has created the perfect hideaway right in the city. The team at Fermier is friendly and attentive, the food is a gastronomic journey and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Definitely a must visit in Pretoria.

Its like nothing u have had flavours fit so well and paired with drinks flavours burst in your mouth loved every minute of the evening food is incredible well done guys you are spot on !

Entry to this place just bring calmness and optimism to he night.!looking forward to the rest of the night . Last time I was here had a ball.

Delicious!!! The staff was great, friendly and the food exceeded expectations by far. We loved the personal feel of seeing the chefs prepare the food, it creates a great intimate feel that we appreciated. Loved it!

First off, let's begin with the setting; it's stunning! Tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of Lynnwood, you are guided up a dark path through the trees lit only by candlelight and the torch of a staff member. Eventually you reach the almost barn-like structure of the restaurant which gives a warm and rustic atmosphere perfect for the location! It's really a great introduction and that definitely deserves 5 stars.<br/><br/>But what you really want to read about is the food, right? Overall it was devine! There were one or two courses where the flavour combinations did not work so well for me and definitely needed some improvement. The cheese was the main dish in question, it was far too salty and could've really done with some sweetness to counter the sharpness of the cheese.<br/><br/>Another area that let down the restaurant was our waiter, he didn't know the menu and couldn't explain the dishes to us at all. I expect a restaurant of this caliber to have trained it's staff thougrougly before letting them onto the floor.<br/><br/>Our sommelier on the other hand was superb! Her knowledge and passion for the wines was incredible and with me being a wine-lover myself, I really appreciated having someone like that to talk to and learn from.<br/><br/>These are the reasons why I gave Fermier a 4 star overall score. It was really great in some areas, but heavily let down in others. Overall though, I still feel like it's well worth the visit and it will be a very special evening!

I went to Fermier on 13 Feb 2018 with my husband. I was so impressed that they prepared a special menu for my Pesco-vegan dietary requirements. That doesn’t happen often and it says a lot about their service levels. The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was wonderful. Thank you!

I LOVED this place!! WOW WOW WOW. Awesome!! Please come here if you are an adventurous foodie on a special occasion!! They have a seasonal menu, with 10courses and wine pairing! Its incredible! The pairing with the wines and food are Superb the staff know their stuff!! And I actually dont have words!! Just come here if you get the chance.

Speechless. What an amazing experience. <br/>If your a foodie this a unique experience. Perfect for a date night. Unfortunately words can't explain how delicious each one of the nine tasting plates was. You need to experience this first hand. <br/><br/>Top class.

Fascinating location, modern decor with open kitchen. The foods is pretty much fine dining. We took the wine pairing and it was an excellent choice. Presentation superb and food was absolutely delicious

What a gem, hidden off-road and you could miss it as no signage outside, we asked the security outside Harly and they know as it as the farm restaurant!<br/><br/>Once you find it, park and you escorted threw a gravel sandy path to a wooden shed with a tin roof, tip don't wear heels. It's a simple setup with wooden tables and chairs, at your front your chefs prepare your meals in an open mini arena. Dinner times are set for 19:00 and 19:30 by reservation only. <br/><br/>The menu is a set 9 course with option of wine pairing. The idea is that they try to grow and farm everything and aim to be a fully self sustainable restaurant. What followed was absolute perfection. The wait staff a team of 5 were on the ball, knowledgeable on each course, friendly and attentive. The chefs(3) although working in front of you are almost silent and are pushing away preparing each meal.<br/><br/>The start of canepes and breads definitely set the tone for whats to follow. Beautifully plated morsels of food, plated artfully and flavour combinations of note. We had requested a non beef option and were accomadated with a lamb replacement. All dishes were equally delicious and well paired. Timing of each course on point. Menus change seasonaly and you leave feeling not overly full but satisfied. A great fine dining experience.<br/><br/>

What a great little place. I actually never heard of it before the day I went there for dinner and I was absolutely amazed! Excellent food, wine, service and ambiance. Such a unique place in Pretoria.

Beautiful food that tastes amazing. Courses are just enough to leave one satisfied but not overfull. Staff attentive and very pleasant. Fabulous evening out.

Fermier Restaurant personifies its unique farmstyle fine dining motto and its attempt to be a completely self-sustainable restaurant with its own “ecosystem” is something that really sets it apart in the industry. <br/><br/>The concept:<br/>- Set seating times (Tuesday to Saturday 19:00 and 19:30 only)<br/>- A set nine-course menu using seasonable produce, that guests can actually see growing, where it was sourced and how it was grown.<br/>- An additional option of an affordable and unusual wine pairing with the courses makes this option a must-have with EVERY meal.<br/><br/>We arrived to a rather dark Roots nursery (as expected at night when it is closed) in the Karoo yard and parked outside. We then followed the sandy pathway to the front of the restaurant which is in effect, a wooden shed. <br/><br/>What we found inside? A simple, yet functional wooden shed complete with handmade mismatching crockery, tables and chairs and an inviting fireplace to one side. <br/><br/> Our meal was an absolute culinary journey with so much attention to detail that it was hard not to be impressed so I will let last nights menu (and the attached photos) speak for themselves... <br/>Bread & Canapes paired with Tanzanite Brut MCC.<br/>OCTOPUS: Masala, Aubergine & Tomato paired with Fledge & Co Pretty Pink.<br/>SCALLOP: Broccoli, Radish & Turnip paired with Chamonix Sauvignon Blanc. <br/>KABELJOU: Artichoke, Fennel & Grapefruit paired with Mount Abora Chenin Blanc. <br/>DUCK: Egg, Bone Marrow & Pearl Onions paired with B Vintners Pinot Noir. <br/>BEEF 1st Serving: Black Garlic, Baked Milk & Truffle paired with Spice Route Grenache. <br/>BEEF 2nd Serving: Celeriac, Red Cabbage & Rhubarb paired with Newton & Johnson Full Stop Rock. <br/>CHEESE: Huguenot & Pear Slices paired with Cederburg Bukettraube. <br/>APPLE: Almonds, Burnt Butter Ice Cream & Raisins paired with Keermont Fleurfontein. <br/><br/>All in all - What an outstanding take on sustainable fine dining and complete attention to details with some ingredients taking up to three days to prepare. <br/><br/>Sadly, the one downside of last night was that due to the lack of ventilation and all that beautiful cooking in the open plan kitchen, I left smelling like I'd been sitting around a braai all evening and my eyes watered for quite a bit of the last four dishes due to the smoke. Still - worth it and I would definitely return. <br/><br/>*Recommendation: This is affordable fine dining with all the benefits of actually aiming to promote sustainable cooking and eating. I highly recommend the experience! <br/><br/>For more, find me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: LaurasWorldza

This restaurant is really quite unique; apparently everything is built, grown and crafted by the owners loving hands (as far as is possible); from the building itself to the veggies to a pond for fish to the pottery plates! <br/>Went for a wine tasting and then had the meal. I always say you either love this type of food or you find it ridiculously pretentious. It was the whole molecular gastronomy experience - you know - the foams, dusts and veloutes, a blob of this and a drop of that. You've got to be mindful of every morsel you put in your mouth. Otherwise it's gone! Some of the dishes were great; some weird but all were so creative and crafted and put together in front of the guests - the chefs working in an open kitchen. <br/>Yes - and as per the other reviews: keep your cellphone torch handy on the way in and out. It's dark!

HIDDEN 😶<br/><br/>Had the pleasure of dining at this Top restuarant during RestaurantWeek Autumn 2017 <br/>First and foremost, the location of the restu is incredible, right on Lynnwood behind another restu & once you get through the gate there's a escorted short drive to the parking area and then a dark walk to the establishment so ladies, if you are rocking heels at night, hold tight 😅<br/><br/>Upon entering you can see their RestuarantWeek accolades and the chefs are in sight creating masterpieces, the waitrons are on point, knowledgeable and attentive.<br/>We enjoyed an appetizing 3 course meal that consisted of: beautifully done springbok, juicy pork neck, sweet bass and a delectable piece of cheese, WOW!<br/><br/>I had an incredible experience however the place does have its flaws: it can get quite cold and with the chefs at hands length this can lead to some smoke fuming.<br/><br/>Dated: 26April2017

This restaurant embodies the "hidden" in hidden gem. Its literally in the middle of nowhere. I would allow some spare time to find it. <br/><br/>When walking in it feels like an old warehouse in a veld until you walk in to a classy fine dining restaurant. The restaurant is rustic and relatable. <br/><br/>We went for restaurant week, we were presented with menus that lost its ink, even the new ones had the same. It looked pretty in a leather pouch but the ink was a problem. <br/><br/>It was nice to see the food being prepared, it was beautifully presented, no weird combinations. And we also did the wine pairing with it which was great. <br/><br/>A gem for pretoria on an above Average league. Definitely recommended.

As we pulled up to Fermier, which I might add had no signage. We were escorted by a friendly member of staff to the parking and to the restaurant. The only lighting is a few lanterns on the path. We booked dinner at Fermier as one of the participating restaurants for restaurant week. Our dinner consisted of a 5 course meal. The starter was phenomenal, my fiancé and I really enjoyed the duck liver pâté. The rest of the dishes were outstanding as well. I only have a few critiques: there was a lit fire place when we sat down, but as the evening progressed the fire died and the restaurant was quite cold as we could feel the wind creeping in. The kitchen is not separate from the restaurant, so patrons can view the chefs at work. At one point in the evening the chefs were cleaning the stove with water and the restaurant filled with smoke, I started coughing immediately and this really did disturb the ambiance of the evening. I must commend the courteous staff, especially Rose and Jennifer. I also like the fact that you do not have to pay for bottled water. Tc Moila read more on my blog www.meletso.com

Beautiful, great-tasting dishes. The whole restaurant is crafted around 'sustainability'. Right next to a small Aquaponics farm. Super intimate on a week day. Will definitely be returning.

Amazing food, relaxed mood. What a place, food was perfect! Sommelier gave good recommendations. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended.

Finally! Fine dining in Pretoria. Let me rephrase, fine dining worth being called fine dining in Pretoria. In my opinion, the only fine dining available in Pretoria. <br/>I will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone. The food ans service was great, they also have a good wine list and the location, hidden away from the world, made the experience even better. It is intimite and even though it looks a bit rustic, this place has style. I am vegetarian and they prepared a great menu for me! (Just let them know when you make your booking if you have any dietary requirements) You can keep an eye the chefs preparing the food, very professionally and surprisingly quiet! It was a great evening. We'll be back.

This is a highly recommendable restaurant that can be classed with the  best in the country. They offer a set menu that varies from time to time, the last one was a 7 course meal. Chef Adrian is truly a magician when it comes to combining flavours.<br/>You have the option to add wines selected by the chef to the menu for an extra fee. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is marvellous. Most of the fresh produce is directly from the greenhouses adjacent to the restaurant (and only for the restaurant).<br/>Put this one on your tick list!

Excellent food, wine paring choices, friendly service and ambiance. We will definitely be back and can highly recommend the Fermier fine dining experience.

Down the Rabbit hole.<br/><br/>The moment you enter the parking you are greeted by a staff member with a flashlight who shows you the way to Pretoria's secret gatronomic experience. You follow a lit path on you way to the farm styled restaurant which is framed by various types of farm produce, no doubt part of whats to be served throughout the evening.<br/><br/>Stylised artwork welcomes you, followed by a friendly staff member who takes you to your seat. The service is remarkable. You won't find yourself looking for someone to tend to your needs.<br/><br/>Wooden tables and chairs create a setting of simplicity and freshness which compliments this restaurants idea of organic food and sustainable eating.<br/><br/>We enjoyed nine course, finished off with complimentary koeksisters and a macaroon. The macaroon was a little bit on the crunchy and dry side and lacked flavour, however other than this the food was delicious! My favourite plate is the monk fish which was a combination of smoked beurre blanc, dukha and watercress. The fish is on point, not over at all, and coupled with the powerful flavours in the beurre blanc sauce, you will not be able to contain this pleasurable foodgasm!<br/><br/>My other favourite food affair must is the "second beef serving", which is a beautifully done sirloin steak with bone marrow and a wonderful rocket potato pocket. The mushroom is a wonderful compliment to the richness of this buttery dish.<br/><br/>What a wonderful experience, it took me to a different place...<br/><br/>

We had a fantastic evening and were treated like royalty. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Our vegetarian friend's needs were catered for exquisitely. I definitely recommend this restaurant.

Be transported to another world. Fermier is unpretentious, but I can't remember when last food tasted this good, or looked more beautiful. Unbelievable service and value for money from the moment you make a booking, to the last person walking out the door. Fermier is the kind of place you want to keep all to yourself, but their existence is too wonderful not to share.

What an absolute treat!<br/><br/>I had booked a table for my boyfriend’s birthday for Friday night and we were just blown away by the impeccable service. The whole front of house was very knowledgeable, but especially the Maître’d Jaco. Unfortunately our guest were running a little bit late, but he noticed that they were both smokers, he very subtly suggested a smoke break in between courses to buy the kitchen some time, avoiding a rush in the kitchen. This is a very good example of exceptional teamwork. <br/><br/>The Décor was stunning and the ambience itself was relaxing. <br/><br/>Let’s not forget the main reason that we visited the establishment – my boyfriend and I are both qualified chefs and we both had the opportunity to work in some of the country’s top 10 restaurants. We are extremely passionate and finicky when it comes to food. Fermier did not disappoint – the flavours were well balanced and the plating skills were absolutely beautiful. The menu was very well thought out & put together. <br/><br/>The attention to detail is unmistakable. <br/><br/>The sea bass was by far my favourite course, simply because of how the flavours were put together to mimic elements found in the ocean. Brilliant! But that being said, I enjoyed each dish tremendously. <br/><br/>The food was without a doubt top quality, the type that can be seen in a top 10 establishment. <br/><br/>The wine list was also very extensive - featuring many of the country's top wine farms. <br/><br/>All in all – the whole setting deserves a 10/10.

The phrase "hidden gem" is used so often in restaurant journalism that it has lost some of its meaning. The phrase "hidden gem" should be reserved for places like Fermier. With directions on the Fermier website that sound very much like a treasure hunt, this place is certainly hidden. However, much as it is hidden, it's far more a gem. The experience starts from the moment you arrive, and are welcomed into a warm space with a natural feel that's hard to find elsewhere. The menu we enjoyed was full of warm, wintery flavours, each one more complex than the next. Our winner for the night was the first lamb dish, rolled lamb flank sous vide for 3 days. Incredibly soft, accompanied by red pepper and onions, spinach and a delightful jus. Every plate of food was well-balanced, well-executed and well-enjoyed. The food philosophy of Fermier is incredibly unique, with a huge drive towards self-sustainability. A fascinating and completely satisfying experience, we will definitely be back.

We asked for substitutions beforehand as we don't eat red meat so maybe its unfair to give a not so great review. Having said that I think a great chef should be able to make chicken and fish fantastic or should have declined the reservation. Plating was beautiful and service was great. I wasn't blown away by the tastes and our final chicken dish was overcooked and very dry. Everybody at the table complained that the food was lukewarm. I expected more...

What an amazing new discovery! Hidden away in the gardens lies a gem that takes fine dining to the next level. Starting with impressive sustainability planned from the building to the herb and vegetable garden surrounding the restaurant. The 7 course menu is a taste explosion from start to finish. Every single dish is executed to perfection... a gastronomic feast! Plated with exceptional attention to detail, pleasing the eyes and the palate. All I can say is WOW, I will be back. Soon!

We had a fantastic evening at Fermier last Saturday. The dishes are real artwork and the food is great! Nice atmosphere with the wood fires.

O wow there is something mystical and magical about this place. You find this little gem hidden somewhere behind Karoo Cafe in the dark forest. When you arrive you met with a sense of wonder and as you reach the venue. Such a lovely atmosphere that really adds to the AMAZING food. Wow the food is 7 course set menu and will completely blow you away. Each course is explained and absolutely divine. For what you experience at this place the price is undoubtedly worth every cent. The service amazing, food amazing, and atmosphere amazing! What a experience!

Finally, Pretoria has a proper 5* restaurant with 5 * food and 5* service.<br/>Impossible to choose a favorite dish. Each meal is perfection x 10!<br/>If you have to eat the PERFECT meal in 2016, ensure you go to Fermier.

What an amazing experience! The 7-course meal is something very special and at R450 per person it's an absolute bargain. The chefs are masters of their craft and it was really nice to see them work. The service might feel a bit stiff for some and some of the staff are clearly not used to it but Jaco is incredible and his explanations of the menu were great. The cappuccino was delicious as well. I won't try to choose a standout course as I believe the menu is magnificent as a whole. Absolutely incredible.

Difficult to find this beautiful restaurant for the first time, but we will defnitely 'find' it again! The food is the hero at Fermier!! The atmosphere is tranquil and personal and the interior not over-powering. Loved that Jaco explained every dish and all the elements! Adriaan all your dishes are plated to perfection! We thoroughly enjoyed eating here!

6 out of 5! A little difficult to find but what a gem and a treat! We went for lunch on a day Sunday afternoon and what a delight! We were the only 2 at the restaurant so we felt quite special. All the courses are plated to perfection, beautiful and containing out of this world flavour! WE WILL BE BACK!

We attended the opening weekend of Fermier and it was perfection. With the focus being on the food and the tranquil farm-like atmosphere it was the perfect evening. Adriaan has masterfully created a space in which his food comes to life. The contrast between the contemporary style food and the laid back atmosphere is exquisite. I can't wait to dine at Fermier again and follow this journey they've embarked on.