For a good meal in the evenings, choose between the Meteor and Le Club; both are quite good. For a lighter snack, or a picnic to take on the road, try one of the small bakeries (Jacob's, below, is a favourite) or the take-aways at the garages.

Le Club

PO Box 1184, Grootfontein; tel: 067 242414

On Bernhard Street, half a block from the main Okavango Road, Le Club has a few rooms to rent (single N$230, double N$300) but is better remembered as the town's best restaurant. It serves breakfast à la carte for N$9–17, lunch-time bites for around N$10–15, and at dinner starters are N$10–15, main courses N$30–40 and sweets N$10. Children's portions are available. There's a bar here with a fine collection of caps, and the restaurant has some excellent murals over its walls – worth stopping for a burger here just to see those!

Bäckerei & Café

F Jacob PO Box 345, Grootfontein; tel: 067 242433

On the corner of the Okavango Road, almost opposite the Municipal Offices, Jacob's is a bakery incorporating a café. It serves a range of tasty snacks and drinks, from pies at around N$3–4, sandwiches N$3–6, and even steaks for N$20. Jacob's milkshakes, toasted sandwiches and hot dogs are especially commended.

It also sells a range of cakes and pastries – which are baked on the premises – and cold drinks. It is on the main road, so ideal for buying a picnic with which to travel. Don't miss the marvellous mobile on the café's ceiling.

Opens: Mon–Fri: 06.00–16.30, Sat: 06.00–12.30.

warning

Beware of leaving your car unattended for even a few minutes if you're passing through Grootfontein. Tourist vehicles from Etosha, often stopping at a bakery, are regularly broken into and luggage is frequently the target. Even one person left in the car may fall victim. Typically a gang will approach a vehicle with open windows, and some will distract the driver, whilst others steal from the other side of the vehicle. (As far as I know, there has never been any violence reported.) This happens in broad daylight, despite the best efforts of many of Grootfontein's citizens – so take care when stopping here with a full vehicle.