Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Waterkloof, Pretoria, Villa Barranco offers a unique dining experience. Previously known as Betty the Butcher, this establishment has shifted its focus to good wine and tapas, providing a fresh and exciting culinary adventure.

We chose Villa Barranco to celebrate my birthday, which happened to fall during Restaurant Week. We got to enjoy a special “fine dining” menu at a more affordable price. As an adult the typical birthday song causes one some embarrassment but it still is nice to celebrate, I mentioned it was my birthday, curious to see how they would respond. I was not disappointed. We received three delicious chocolate truffles with a “Happy Birthday” message—a sophisticated and delightful touch.

Villa Baranco’s ambiance is very cozy, with a courtyard that transforms into a romantic haven in the evening. The soft lights create a magical atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dining experience. Whether you’re seated inside or outside, the warm and inviting setting makes for a memorable evening.

The Feast

Starters: Harvest Platter

• Brioche rolls with citrus butter
• Feta and olives
• Grana Padano wafer
• Pickled calamari
• Snoek ceviche wonton
• Chorizo and chickpeas

The starters were delicious, with the chickpea and chorizo dish being a standout favorite.

Mains

• Beef picanha
• Pork belly

The mains were equally satisfying, with the pork belly standing out as the highlight of the meal.

Dessert

• Amarula malva pudding
• Lemon squares
• Choc potjie

When the desserts arrived, I was initially a bit disappointed by the portion sizes, especially compared to the generous servings of the other dishes. The birthday truffles and lemon squares were particularly good, though I often find restaurant desserts to be overwhelmingly sweet and flavorless.

Villa Barranco is definitely worth a visit, especially for a date night. The ambiance allows you to dress up a bit and enjoy a sophisticated evening out. Despite my minor disappointment with the dessert portions, the overall experience was delightful, and the food was flavorful and satisfying.

We would visit again

Open: Monday – Sundays