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The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A charming thatched restaurant by a lake in a bird reserve, offering global fare and cocktails with stunning views and top-notch service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The TopDeck

The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming thatched restaurant by a lake in a bird reserve, offering global fare and cocktails with stunning views and top-notch service.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A beautifully quiet waterfront location with delicious food and excellent service!"

TIP

Dine Al Fresco by the Dam

Opt for outside seating under old trees for shaded views of the bird sanctuary and a relaxing atmosphere.

Try the Sunday Buffets

Visit during Sunday breakfast or lunch buffets for great value and a wide selection of tasty meals.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 8AM

Cuisine

South African, International

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+27 12 460 7615

Address

156 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Lakeside Ambiance

Tranquil Lakeside Ambiance

Dine by a serene lake within a bird sanctuary, enjoying picturesque views and the calming presence of nature and local wildlife.

Authentic South African Flavors

Authentic South African Flavors

Savor unique local dishes like skaapstertjies and pap, offering a genuine taste of South Africa in a delightful setting.

Google Review
Exceptional Value & Service

Exceptional Value & Service

Enjoy delicious food and top-notch service at great prices, making it a recommended spot for special occasions or casual dining.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

BLUE CRANE RESTAURANT - PRETORIA📌 ⚜️ Service 10/10 👌🏽 ⚜️ Meal 7,5/10 ⚜️ Dessert 10/10 😮‍💨 ⚜️ Ambiance 10/10 (loved the stillness and quietness) ⚜️ Lunch prices range from R90 to R245 Blue Crane restaurant is super chilled on weekdays (as you can see in the video), but can get busy on weekends. You’ll feel like you’re in Mpumalanga🤭, birds, trees and water views. It was really serene and peaceful w...
@exploringwithakho
3.8K likes • 121.2K views

Dine Al Fresco by the Dam

Opt for outside seating under old trees for shaded views of the bird sanctuary and a relaxing atmosphere.

Try the Sunday Buffets

Visit during Sunday breakfast or lunch buffets for great value and a wide selection of tasty meals.

Things to do in pretoria. Blue crane restaurant. Vula food shack. Where to eat in Brooklyn. Weekend activity just for you. #wheretoeat #restaurant #brooklyn #thingstodoinpretoria #pretoria #whattodo #thisissouthafrica #thingstodoforfun
@whattodo_with_ali
3.4K likes • 100.8K views
Check out @DineXp for more restaurant plugs. Link is in my bio ✨ . . . #fypシ゚ #thingstodo #dateideas #viralfood #foodvid #pretoriarestaurants #joburg #pretoria #fyp #bestrestaurants #ad
@zandileradebe_
619 likes • 24.4K views

Explore Nearby Trails

Enhance your visit with short hiking trails through the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary for added adventure.

Consider Private Events

Utilize exciting areas like the upstairs bar overlooking the dam for private or corporate functions.

A peaceful Sunday lunch at Blue Crane Restaurant, Pretoria 🍽 #bluecranerestuarant #austinrobertsbirdsanctuarypretoria #sundaylunchresturants #placestoeatbrooklynpretoria #NicerestaurantinPretoria #Birthdaycelebrationspot #Cheaprestaurantinpretoria
@mo.traveljournal
1.7K likes • 95.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dine Al Fresco by the Dam

Opt for outside seating under old trees for shaded views of the bird sanctuary and a relaxing atmosphere.

Try the Sunday Buffets

Visit during Sunday breakfast or lunch buffets for great value and a wide selection of tasty meals.

Explore Nearby Trails

Enhance your visit with short hiking trails through the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary for added adventure.

Consider Private Events

Utilize exciting areas like the upstairs bar overlooking the dam for private or corporate functions.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Blue Crane Restaurant is lauded for its exceptional service, beautiful tranquil setting by the dam, and good value for money. Diners frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the pleasant ambiance, and the delicious food, making it a recommended spot for various occasions. However, some guests have reported issues with seafood quality, suggesting it might be an area for improvement.

"We had an absolutely fantastic graduation lunch experience at Blue Crane Restaurant. Amazing experience, the waiter Sphiwe went beyond and above with the customers service as well as the staff very friendly, and their service was quickly, very attentive. The food was tastier than i expected 😋 😘 The prices on the menu are great 👌 I had pie of the day it was cooked to perfection, absolutely delicious 😋 and beautifully presented. From our drinks to mains and dessert, highly recommend for any special occasion. Also, the atmosphere was comfortable and warm. It's definitely a new hidden gem 😃 favorite spot. I will be returning soon. 🤗"

Innocentia

"Exceptional Service and Outstanding Cuisine

The Blue Crane Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience marked by excellent service and high-quality food. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, attentive, and professional, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a variety of well-prepared dishes made with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and every course was beautifully presented. Whether for a casual lunch or a special evening out, The Blue Crane delivers consistently great service and delicious food. Highly recommended!"

Monique Grovè

"Had dinner here the other day.

The atmosphere was great , especially with the fireplace and the wine was also great.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their food but unfortunately my calamari was grainy, almost like it was not cleaned properly. It was quite disappointing since we drove out of our way to get dinner here.

I see a pattern of customers not being satisfied with the seafood. Perhaps re-evaluate your supplier or storage of them.

The staff was incredibly nice and professional. The dessert was also amazing, I love the peppermint crisp cake."

Zoie Does Things

What People Like

Exceptional service and friendly staff
Beautiful tranquil lakeside ambiance
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Inconsistent seafood quality

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant offers a serene dining experience by a lake within the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, allowing guests to enjoy nature and wildlife while savoring their meals.

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Yes, it's a child-friendly restaurant with a play area and a kids' menu, making it ideal for families to relax and enjoy their meals.

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While weekdays are relaxed, weekends can get busy. Sunday breakfast or lunch buffets are popular for great value meals.

TikTokBest Brunch And Breakfast Spots In Pretoria

Yes, the venue has various exciting areas ideal for private or corporate functions, including an upstairs bar overlooking the dam.

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The menu features a blend of classic South African dishes with a contemporary touch, as well as international fare.

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Besides the deck overlooking the dam, there's a Boma area with a bonfire for chilly winter evenings, perfect for gatherings.

15 Romantic Restaurants in Pretoria for the Perfect Date

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Situated next to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Groenkloof, the Blue Crane Restaurant & Bar has a lovely wooden deck, both open and covered, overlooking a dam where you can sit and watch the birds frolic in the water. A play area provides entertainment for the kids, while the Sunday breakfast or lunch buffets will keep you going back for more.

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Set on the edge of the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Blue Crane is right in the centre of things but still feels removed from it all. The deck overlooks a huge dam, where you’ll often see birds gliding past or diving into the water in hope of their own meal. The menu leans classic South African with a contemporary touch.

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You could see our elegant national bird, the blue crane, strutting through the natural vegetation around the main water body of the Austin Roberts Bird Park. This oasis is home to tortoises, small mammals, antelope, fish and many terrestrial and aquatic bird species. Hear them, spot them and enjoy the natural tranquility in the heart of the city, and while doing so, treat yourself to the best value breakfast by ordering the Mini Traditional Breakfast.You can get one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a grilled tomato and toast for only R 40.

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Located within the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Nieuw Muckleneuk, Blue Crane offers a tranquil retreat that feels miles away from the hustle of the city. The setting is stunning, with water views and a large, shaded, fenced-in play area beneath towering trees — ideal for children to safely explore while you savor their signature South African dishes. Their kids’ menu includes classics like toasted sandwiches, fish fingers, and mini burgers, and the environment promotes relaxation and reconnection.

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Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, this elegant restaurant and bar venue (which has undergone some big improvements of late) is perfect for families. With its dedicated kiddies’ menu and custom-built jungle gym, it keeps young ones entertained and well-fed… All while providing parents and grandparents with enticing, wholesome meals, a great vibe and even a classy bar, overlooking the beautiful dam and neighbouring Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Be sure to visit them for a memorable meal for everyone.

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The Blue Crane, situated in the heart of Pretoria next to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary offers various exciting areas. Ideal for private or corporate functions, including an inside dining area next to the fireplace, a coffee deli on the outside deck of the extended restaurant and the classy upstairs bar with its own deck overlooking the dam and the bird sanctuary. Not only do they cater for all sorts of functions, but they also offer the famous breakfast and lunch buffet every Sunday.

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The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar is an elegant and sophisticated restaurant in Pretoria that perfectly blends African and international cuisine. The restaurant’s beautiful ambiance and excellent service make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Service options: Dine-in, Takeaway, No deliveryAddress: 156 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181Hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 08:00 am – 03:00 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 08:00 am – 10:00 pmPhone: 012 460 7615

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Perched on a tranquil lake within a protected bird reserve, The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar features a charming thatched roof and sunlit deck with sweeping water views. Sip signature cocktails like the lavender gin fizz or smoky mezcal mule as cranes glide by at sunset.Experience effortless elegance and world flavors in harmony with nature. Address: Metro Lifestyle Centre, Cnr Veronica Road & Sefako Makgatho Drive, Montana, Pretoria.

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Located in the heart of Pretoria just beside the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, the relaxed and serene ambience of the Blue Crane sets the mood suitable for a romantic meal. There is a sundeck to add to your experience, offering a fantastic view of the lake just beside. For a chilli winter evening, there is a Boma area, a perfect bonfire arrangement to enjoy with family, friends, and your partner.

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Location Address: 156 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa Street Address: 156 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk Website: http://www.bluecranerestaurant.co.za/ Pretoria Phone Number: +27 12 460 7615 Category: Restaurant Monday Opening Hours: 8 am–3 pm Tuesday: 8 am–3 pm Wednesday: 8 am–3 pm Thursday: 8 am–10 pm Friday: 8 am–10 pm Saturday Closing Hours: 8 am–10 pm Sunday: 8 am–3 pm

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Highlights: Set against the backdrop of the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Blue Crane offers a unique dining experience with its South African-inspired menu and stunning views. Blue Crane Restaurant offers a tranquil dining setting. The menu features a variety of traditional South African dishes, making it a great spot to experience local cuisine.

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The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar, one of the top restaurants in Pretoria, offers many private or business event options. There is a formal dining area next to the fireplace, a coffee deli on the outside deck of the expanded restaurant, and a bar on the second floor with a view of the dam and the bird sanctuary. Contact: 012 460 7615

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The serene and tranquil atmosphere of The Blue Crane is the perfect setting for a romantic meal. It is located next to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary and features a sundeck with a breathtaking view of the lake nearby. Enjoy both cocktails and mocktails at the upper bar, which has a picturesque outlook.

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Situated by a tranquil lake, the Blue Crane Restaurant Pretoria offers a picturesque dining experience. The serene ambiance and stunning views make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Savor delicious dishes while watching the sunset over the water, creating an unforgettable evening.

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