El Sombrero Spur: A Restaurant That Gets It Right

When I finished school, I worked in the restaurant industry for nearly ten years, waitressing and managing a variety of establishments. Later, I became the personal assistant to the owner of multiple restaurants. With this background, I understand how restaurants should function and what makes them successful.

This experience, combined with my high standards and attention to detail, means that very few restaurants meet my expectations. I often leave restaurants feeling that something could have been better—whether it’s the meal, service, or atmosphere. However, one place continues to impress me and keeps me coming back: El Sombrero Spur, located in the Scottsville suburb of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

What Makes El Sombrero Spur Special

From the moment you step through the brightly lit entrance, the El Sombrero Spur experience stands out. Here’s why my family and I love visiting this welcoming and comfortable restaurant:

Warm Welcome

• Smiling faces greet you, sometimes even with a hug from a manager like Patrick, who genuinely asks about your day.
• You are escorted to a clean, suitable table for your group, making you feel instantly at home.

Excellent Service

• Polite, well-trained waitstaff remain attentive without being intrusive, ensuring your needs are met quickly.
• Managers check in on your table several times during your visit to make sure everything is satisfactory.
• The team resolves any issues promptly, upholding a “customer is always right” attitude that is rare to find nowadays.

Cleanliness and Organization

• Tables are consistently well-stocked with the correct condiments, and the floors are spotless.
• Small thoughtful details, like providing take-away containers for kids’ sodas to prevent breakages, demonstrate their commitment to customer care.

Amazing Kids’ Play Area

El Sombrero Spur goes above and beyond to cater to families with children. The play area includes:

• A jungle gym with slides and activity areas.
• A safe trampoline.
• PlayStation and Wii gaming stations.
• A climbing wall, a toddlers’ play tree, and padded blocks for building forts.
• Tables with crayons and coloring sheets, as well as face painting.

Parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children. The play area is surrounded by transparent safety glass, allowing for easy supervision. For added peace of mind, TV screens above the dining tables display different views of the play area. Friendly childminders ensure a safe and fun environment, occasionally playing with the kids to keep the atmosphere lively.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

• The staff treats kids like VIPs, offering ice packs for minor bumps and always being friendly and accommodating.
• Parents can enjoy a leisurely dining experience without feeling rushed, as the restaurant creates a comfortable and unhurried environment.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Unlike many restaurants, El Sombrero Spur gets all the details right. From the friendly staff to the clean environment and exceptional play area for kids, it’s a place where my family and I always feel valued. Even a simple request for a glass of water is met with kindness, without any awkwardness about it not being on the menu.

If you’re ever in Pietermaritzburg, I highly recommend visiting El Sombrero Spur. It’s a rare gem where excellent service, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere come together perfectly.

El Sombrero Spur is just one of the many fantastic places we’ve enjoyed in South Africa. If you’d like to see more reviews on products, restaurants, and experiences from my beautiful home country, check out my South Africa page.