For some people there’s a thrill that comes with finding a bargain. It could be clothes shopping, landing a deal on an iPhone off Gumtree, or the bar around the corner offering half-price drinks from two until four on a weekday.

You might have a problem if it’s the third, but the point is we love paying less for more.

Sometimes, however, you have to pay the going rate for a certain degree of quality. I know Wimpy sells a brekkie for R50, but paying a little more for some tasty grub in a beautiful setting is a victory in itself.

Take Open Door and their Constantia Uitsig Farm Breakfast, on the menu for R85. That’s two eggs, bacon, pork sausage, marinated tomatoes and mushrooms – all the goodies you need to start the engines and a spectacular setting to boot.

Previously home to The River Café, the venue has undergone extensive renovations and is looking in tip top shape.

Bask in the morning sun at an outside table, anyone?

Of course in Constantia sometimes wine-tasting takes preference, and sometimes you’re more into that late lunch / early dinner vibe. Open Door has you covered on both fronts, and tends to be easy on the eye when the sun drops too.

You can’t really serve ‘fine dining’ quality food in Constantia without a wine list to boot, which is where owner Neil Grant’s sommelier skills come into their own.

You’ll find many of the familiar favourites, but also a focus on some less familiar names that Neil has sniffed out during his time as a successful restaurateur with Burrata and Bocca under his belt.

Chef Annemarie Steenkamp runs the show food-wise, and having proven her skills both overseas and at home the menu does not disappoint.

You can take a gander at what’s on offer HERE, and you’ll get that perfect mix between reassuringly expensive and quietly affordable.

But, you know, start with the brekkie and see where that leads you…

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