Addo Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro

My son went onto the website about the restaurant which gave amazing reviews. When we arrived there the menu was less than grand. The Springbok rack, which we were very interested in, wasn’t available and by their own admission it hadn’t been available for a very long time. The waitress volunteered that “maybe it should removed from the menu”. The toilets were dirty, taps not working properly and soap dispensers broken and/or empty. To think that the catering staff dealing with food may not be washing their hands after using the toilet “facilities”, is very disturbing. There is only one toilet for mothers or fathers to engage in a baby’s nappy change, which also doubles as a disabled toilet, and on several occasions they were used by the women staff; when addressed there was a verbal apology in English then a discussion in Xhosa with a colleague nearby followed by laughter. The toilet roll holder in that same bathroom was broken and the toilet roll was hanging. The orders weren’t correct especially the rib eye which was very rare almost a blue steak in lieu of medium rare. They arrived without the accompaniment of vegetables which was on the menu. Creamy spinach and butternut, and the portion was minimal. We actually had to request it and they appeared surprised. The vinyl bench chairs were worn and frayed. Personally I would not recommend the restaurant to anyone. As a proud South African, I was embarrassed that foreigners were subjected to this display of South African “Hospitality”. I also felt that the friendliness was not genuine but on show for possible tips. This is a genuine review I have photographed the evidence.

Everything was a mess! The service was the worst part of our trip at this restaurant. Took us an hour and a half to receive 5 burgers to which the order was wrong and 2/5 of them were right. Once we gave the order for the wrong burger, the waiter says “Huh, what, repeat that”. Shocking, to ice the cake, she came back after we told her the correct order and it was wrong for a second time. Disaster, this place needs serious attention. Even worse, 1 table was literally closed because of how much bird poop was on it. It looked as if it had not been cleaned in years.

If you ever find yourself in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, a visit to Addo Elephant Park is an absolute must. This gem of a park offers an unforgettable safari experience, where the sheer size and majesty of the elephants will leave you in awe. But it’s not just about the animals—though the sightings are nothing short of spectacular—it’s also about the entire experience. The park is incredibly well-kept, with well-marked routes and knowledgeable staff who make sure you don't miss any of the action. Now, speaking of action, let’s talk about the food. After a day spent marveling at the wildlife, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a delicious meal, and that’s exactly what I found at the park's restaurant. The Nevada Burger is an absolute standout. The perfect balance of juicy, perfectly grilled beef, complemented by melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and a smoky sauce that gives it just the right amount of zing. It was an explosion of flavor that took me completely by surprise. Paired with crisp fries, it was hands down one of the best burgers I've ever had. It's clear they use fresh, quality ingredients, and the portion size is just right to satisfy without leaving you overly stuffed. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a foodie (or both!), Addo Elephant Park delivers on all fronts. The stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and memorable meal make it a destination that’s impossible to forget. If you’re headed to Addo, make sure you don’t miss the Nevada burger—trust me, it’s worth every bite.

We visited The Cattle Baron at Addo Elephant Park in January 2025 as a group of four adults and three children. After an exciting morning exploring the park, we were looking forward to a great meal, but while the experience was decent, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. Food & Drinks The food was good, but very plain. The menu is quite simple, offering all the usual steakhouse options, but nothing that stood out as unique or particularly memorable. The portions were fair, and everything was cooked well, but it lacked the depth of flavor or creativity that we had hoped for. The kids’ meals were standard, nothing special but did the job. One noticeable letdown was the drinks. We were considering cocktails, but our server didn’t recommend any or offer much insight, which made us question how good they were. In the end, we stuck to basics, which was a bit disappointing given the setting. Service The service was one of the stronger aspects of our visit. The staff were polite, efficient, and attentive throughout the meal. Our food arrived in good time, and we had everything we needed, but there wasn’t much engagement beyond the basics. Ambience & Location The location is undeniably beautiful, being inside Addo Elephant Park, and the outdoor seating is a nice touch. However, the atmosphere inside the restaurant felt quite standard—more functional than inviting. It lacked the warmth or character that could have made it a standout dining experience. Overall Cattle Baron is a decent choice if you’re looking for a straightforward meal inside the park, but it doesn’t offer anything particularly special. The food is good but basic, the drinks menu uninspiring, and while the service is solid, it doesn’t elevate the experience. If you’re after convenience, it’s fine, but if you’re looking for a more memorable meal, you might leave feeling underwhelmed.

Had the Yazoo Burger. Delicious! Cattle Baron Addo Elephant National Park is definitely worth a visit.

Five of us enjoyed top class service from Reagan and absolutely delicious steaks cooked to perfection. All the staff were super friendly but Reagan in particular really looked after us. Good value for foreign tourists! Highly recommend.

Reagan was a great server, as was everyone one else we’ve had. Food is hit or miss but there’s something on the menu for everyone. Fair prices for being the only game in town!

Very satisfied with our experience. Food and service was excellent. Very friendly staff and felt really welcome.