Millflour Cafe and Baking Co

Millflour Cafe and Baking Co sits on Fig Tree Farm on Inanda Road in Hillcrest, in the inland suburbs on the way to the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It describes itself as a family-friendly cafe bistro, and it makes a convenient stop for visitors heading inland from the coast. Regional tourism guides list it among the area's farm-style cafes for breakfast, lunch and tea.

Baking is at the heart of the place. An in-house bakery turns out sourdough bread, cakes and pastries, so it is a good choice for a mid-morning coffee and slice of cake or a loaf to take home. Breakfast and lunch menus include vegan and gluten-free options, which makes it easy for mixed groups with different diets. Millflour is especially known for its wood-fired pizzas, and children can assemble their own at a make-your-own pizza bar, which keeps younger visitors busy while adults finish their coffee. The cafe holds a liquor licence, so you can order a glass of wine with lunch.

There is a seasonal outdoor seating area on the farm, which is the place to be on a mild day, and the cafe hosts small functions and events. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and it suits families with young children, groups of friends and anyone who wants a slower lunch away from the coast. Book through the cafe's online booking page for weekend lunches and for larger groups, as it gets busy.

Millflour opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, so plan it as a breakfast, lunch or tea stop rather than for dinner. Exact times are best confirmed on its social media pages or by phone before a special trip.

Hillcrest is inland from Durban along Old Main Road, which makes Millflour an easy pairing with a visit to PheZulu Safari Park at Botha's Hill or other stops in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Other cafes are found along Inanda Road and Old Main Road, including The Harvest at Camp Orchards nearby, so you can make a day of it. There is public parking close to the cafe.