Our tried-and-tested choices.
In Cape Town, where brand-new dining establishments open quicker than you can knock back a tequila, it’s simple to get captured up in the “hot-right-now” buzz. However there’s a lot more depth to the city’s food scene. Here are tried-and-tested favourites for a regularly exceptional gastronomic day or night out.
Pier
The most recent addition to Scot Kirton’s dining establishment empire is not “simply another” La Colombe experience. Pier assures cooking experience and theatrics, as anticipated, however with John Norris-Rogers in charge, the focus is plainly on the very best flavours coaxed from the very best regional fruit and vegetables. Available is a set of 9 or 11 meals running the onslaught of the La Colombe group’s abilities with aplomb– from the really first “treat” to the petit fours used with the bill.We were especially impressed by the depth of flavour from the bone marrow butter with the bread course; the superb tableside-poached oysters (in MCC velouté, and simply warmed through to excellence); and the smooth combination of mussels, soubise and Black Forest ham. When it comes to the crayfish course … so sensitively ready, you might taste the sea.
Have you checked out the FOMO app yet? It’s FREE to download and use to find restaurant and activity specials nearest to you:
The lamb and aubergine with Israeli couscous and harissa took the program, an extreme ras-el-hanout jus completely matched by the young pinotage served alongside.The additional cheese course (all South African) is a pleasure to anybody averse to dessert, and the very best we’ve had in your area. The group passes through a spider-silk thread in between theatrics, molecular gastronomy and old-fashioned French method, eclipsing even the floor-to-ceiling vistas of the harbour and the elegantly downplayed design. A dining experience of this excellent quality in the Waterfront is long overdue.Opening times Monday– Sunday; 12pm– 3pm; 6:30 pm– lateContact 021 879 6328, [email protected] to discover it Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia
Claire Gunn The lovely sibling to the extraordinary Chefs Warehouse Pinchos & & Winebar in the city centre, this buzzed-about dining establishment provides a set menu of fine-dining-calibre international tapas, provided with marvelous views throughout the well-known vine-clad valley.Chef Ivor Jones, who co-owns Beau Constantia with Liam Tomlin, has actually prepared a delicious selection of creative meals with a focus on newly gathered fruit and vegetables from the farm’s gardens, and an injection of Southeast Asian flavours. Combined with the sensational setting, elegant interiors and breathtaking vistas, this is a dining experience worth composing house about.Good to understand Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic is making waves with its magnificent ocean vistas and a set menu concentrated on marine delights.Opening times Monday– Saturday, 12pm– 2:30 pm; 5.30 pm– 8.30 pmSunday, 12pm– 2.30 pmContact 021 794 8632, [email protected] to discover it Beau Constantia, 1043 Constantia Main Road, Cape Town
FYN
Bruce Tuck The idea had actually been simmering in chef Peter Tempelhoff’s brain for 22 years prior to he opened FYN, the 50-seater metropolitan restaurant that he co-owns with Jennifer Hugé (service and drink director) and Ashley Moss (cooking director)– a vibrant and ensured threesome. The menu (and design) is African-inspired, with an overarching Japanese visual, producing an absolutely sexy (and scrumptious) mix of tastes, flavours, textures and styles.FYN’s hectic innercity notifies the menu– a condensed five-course kaiseki– design experience– with a few of the most initial red wine pairings, thanks to Jennifer (who invested 17 years at La Colombe as sommelier and supervisor). Bravo!As for the setting, the dining establishment sets down on the 5th flooring, boasting sky-high views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. The interiors are advanced, warm, red-hot, with the cooking area in the centre of the space.One of the numerous highlights of my meal was drinking bubbly from a coupe. So chic!Good to understand FYN was voted 92 in San Pelegrino The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021. Opening times Monday, 5.30 pm– 8.30 pmTuesday– Saturday, 12pm– 2pm; 5.30 pm– 8.30 pmContact 021 286 2733, [email protected] to discover it 5th Floor, 37 Parliament Street, Speakers Corner, Church Square, Cape Town
Salsify
Neglecting an elegant stretch of the Atlantic Ocean in a leafy pocket of Camps Bay, Salsify at The Roundhouse is owned by 32-year-old Ryan Cole (who functioned as Luke Dale Roberts’ head chef at the erstwhile Test Kitchen). A nod to its ocean-facing setting– and Ryan’s dad who was an expert angler– fish functions plainly on the menu, masterfully and sensitively prepared.Each meal is a mini marvel: improved, sustainable cooking at its unshowy finest. The interiors, too, are flawless: a cautious mix of edgy elegance, with progressive art set versus delicious materials and home furnishings. And, as you ‘d anticipate, service is exemplary.Opening times Tuesday– Saturday; 12.30 pm– 3pm; 6pm– 11pm (last seating is 8.30 pm) Sunday, 12.30 pm– 3pmContact 021 010 6444, [email protected] to discover it Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay
Homemade by Matt
The simple front door to this Blouberg hotspot opens onto a drape– a proverbial website, if you will– that shelters the dark and cosy dining establishment from the hectic street. Candlestick and dimmed copper-pipe lights set a romantic state of mind; rollercoasters and placemats made from wood pallets sit atop exposed wood tables– an unwinded setting for the premium journey that takes restaurants from Europe to Asia and house again.The five-course tasting menu with white wine pairings starts with Matt’s twist on ceviche served in a bed of steaming shells.Good to understand A 2nd Homespun opened at Andros Boutique Hotel in Claremont recently.Opening times Tuesday– Saturday, 5pm– 9pmContact 021 556 2824, [email protected] to discover it Porterfield Road, Table View
Love a fun activity? FOMO has tons of deals on activities, beauty and spa’s such as diving, paragliding, white water rafting, couples massages and more. Check the deals out here:
ëlgr
Warren Heath The creation of 28-year-old chef Jesper Nilsson, ëlgr weds his Nordic roots with a gratitude for the fruit and vegetables and red wine of South Africa, where he has actually lived considering that his teenagers. Taking its hint from minimalist Scandinavian style, ëlgr is appropriately worn a calming scheme of charcoal, black and pops of sage green and peels back from the buzz of Kloof Street to a plant-filled courtyard.The menu is developed to be shared, with meals pertaining to the table in an uncomplicated and amazing parade. The charcuterie plates and raw-beef salad have fans all over the city, and Jesper’s capability to change regular veggies like kohlrabi and beetroot into showstoppers is making food critics stay up and take notification. His “I make and serve food that I like to consume myself” technique encompasses using genuine Neapolitan pizza together with the shared plates– and it works remarkably. The clincher at ëlgr? The dedication to luxury quality in what is a laidback and deeply city environment and the refined sommelier service that advises you simply how seriously they take their craft.Opening times Tuesday– Saturday, 5pm– 11pmContact 021 422 0384, [email protected] to discover it 75 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
The Foodbarn Restaurant
Worldwide prominent chef Franck Dangereux is extensively identified as one of the leaders of the fine-dining scene in Cape Town, having actually developed the initial La Colombe dining establishment on Uitsig farm over 20 years earlier. Franck’s next experience was beginning The Foodbarn in Noordhoek Farm Village: “I wished to bring great dining to the streets.” Here, restaurants are dealt with to decadent seasonal food in an unwinded, family-friendly (and even dog-friendly) environment! Franck’s roots in southern France notify his hearty, earthy design (bouillabaisse, slow-stewed tripe and trotters), however it is the bonhomie of this transformed barn, with its farm-inspired design, and the unwinded Noordhoek Village ambiance that make dining here a terrific day out for the whole clan. Pick in between the unwinded Café or Bistronomy menus, (vegetarian and plant-based alternatives, too). From Tuesday to Saturday, the Café changes into a climatic Tapas Bar with amazing meals to delight.Opening times Daily, 12pm– 2.30 pmTuesday– Saturday, 7pm– 9.30 pmContact 021 789 1390, [email protected] to discover it Noordhoek Farm Village, Corner Village Lane and Noordhoek Main Road, Noordhoek
La Colombe
High up on the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains, Silvermist Wine Estate is a genuine gem in the Constantia Wine Valley’s crown. And it is here, on this farm, that you’ll discover La Colombe, headed by multi-award-winning chef-proprietor Scot Kirton and executive chef James Gaag. La Colombe has actually circled around the upper tiers of the awards lists for over twenty years and seeded lots of a leading chef’s profession, however the Scot-James duo has actually even more raised the bar. The elegant dining establishment’s pared-down interior is the best canvas for James and his group to conjure imaginative French-Asian meals utilizing foraged components that they amazingly finesse into immaculately plated dishes.Good to understand La Colombe was voted 81 worldwide’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021. Other dining establishments in the La Colombe steady consist of La Petite Colombe, Foxcroft and Protégé, Epice, Pier and Waterside.Opening times Monday– Sunday, 12pm– 1.30 pm; 6.30 pm– 8.30 pmContact 021 794 2390, [email protected] to discover it Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town
Grub & & Vine
” So, this is Grub & & Vine,” states chef Matt Manning as he invites us into his restaurant on Bree Street. “Small, vibey, sincere, plain,” he includes his signature Essex accent– a description we find to be a gross understatement after taking a mouthful of our beginners: new-season asparagus, ricotta beignet, hen egg, mushroom catsup and hazelnuts.Thirty-three-year-old Matt has actually definitely struck a cooking sweet area– and filled a space in the discerning-foodie market: perfectly ready and performed meals that taste divine– with none of the pomp and ponceyness that frequently accompany high end dining experiences.The characterful interiors– distressed concrete floorings, bird prints, rattan chairs, climatic hanging lights and pot plants all over– boost the buzzy ambiance in the compact 50-seater. That, and the truth that the galley is on program, so restaurants can see Matt and his hectic group while they wait on their meal.Good to understand Across the passage, within the exact same structure, is Culture Wine Bar (likewise owned by Matt). And after that there’s The Blue Room, a new live jazz venue.Opening times Monday– Saturday, 12pm– 3pm; 6pm– lateContact 087 153 5244, [email protected] to discover it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Stubborn belly of the Beast
This online-booking-only fine-dining dining establishment emerged rather sneakily on Harrington Street when owner-chef Neil Swart selected to pursue imagine unrestricted cooking imagination, trapping veteran pal Anouchka Horn, whom he satisfied while operating at Terroir Restaurant. An exposed kitchen area lines one side of the little area, with a street-facing window on the other. The industrio-mod restaurant serves an optimum of 24 visitors per service, as Neil thinks smaller-scale cooking boosts the depth of flavour in each element.There are no set menus– you’re dealt with to a variety of outstanding courses (be gotten ready for a sustainable banquet), along with bread service, a (life-altering) combination cleanser à la Anouchka, and an after-dessert pleasure (” a last hoorah”, as Neil calls it). Opening times Monday, 6.30 pm– 11pmTuesday– Saturday, 12.30 pm– 11pmContact 0762 205 458, [email protected] to discover it 110 Harrington Street, Cape Town
The Pot Luck Club
From world-feted chef-patron Luke Dale Roberts, whose Test Kitchen was the very best dining establishment in Cape Town for the 11 years it was functional, The Pot Luck Club is headed by chef Jason Kosmas, whose ravishing menu is developed to motivate plate-sharing so that can restaurants can experience the gastronomical range of all 5 flavour profiles (salty, sour, bitter, sweet and umami). Located on the leading flooring of the Silo at The Old Biscuit Mill, the elegant restaurant boasts killer city views, particularly at night.Opening times Monday– Saturday, 12.30– 2pm; 6pm– 10pmSunday, 11am– 12.30 pmContact 021 447 0804 Where to discover it Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373– 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Thali
Claire Gunn From Liam Tomlin (head honcho of the Chefs Warehouse group of dining establishments), this amazing Indian-tapas restaurant is a case of the more (meals you share), the merrier. The popular Tapas for Two, curated by head chef Nate Coe, makes up 8 meals, consisting of sambals, poppadoms and tandoor, culminating in the most incredible curries that, integrated with the unique interior design and lighting, will transfer you to the aromatic streets of Delhi.Good to understand Thali caters for vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians, and does not take reservations.Opening times Monday– Saturday, 4pm– 9.30 pmContact 021 286 2110, [email protected] to discover it 3 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town Aubergine An oldie however a gift,
Aubergine
Restaurant in Gardens has actually been setting about its service of serving thoroughly developed and innovative meals for more than 25 years, undisturbed by the consistent and disorderly flurry of dining establishment openings and closures around it. The 19th-century house has actually been tastefully transformed into a warm and welcoming dining location, where a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar takes centre stage.Committed to the ethical and sustainable procurement of fruit and vegetables, chef Harald Bresselschmidt and his group alter the menu routinely, however restaurants can anticipate thrills such as the Cape Sea Harvest seafood banquet; slow-roasted lamb rump and loin in strudel; springbok loin medallion and Iberico pork. The dessert round includes souffléd ginger crêpe; chocolate fondant; toffee parfait; crème brûlée; along with a South African artisanal cheese selection.Opening times Thursday + Friday, 12pm– 2pmTuesday– Saturday, 6pm– 10pmContact 021 465 0000, [email protected] to discover it 39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Tjing Torii
You’ll discover this brilliantly coloured street-food joint at street level, where the pulsating speed, ultra-cool electro-indie beats, Harajuku-inspired decoration and on-the-ball service are the ideal background for flavour-popping, Japanese street food.Torii serves a range of choices, consisting of ramen and yakitori (skewers), rice bowls, tebasaki (chicken wings), and traditional Japanese confections (such as mochi truffles with a Tjing twist and fluffy Japanese cheesecake). Great to understand Pop into the continually cool roof bar where top-drawer tipples, Torii’s complete menu and ice-cool beats are the order of the night. Both Torii and the roof bar run on a first-come-first-served basis.Opening times Tuesday– Saturday, 12pm– 11pmContact 021 422 4374, [email protected] to discover it 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
See FOMO voucher deals:
Hemelhuijs
Owner Jacques Erasmus’ enthusiasm for travel appears in the ever-changing, completely contemporary and whimsical decoration of this sanctuary in the CBD. The extremely innovative seasonal menu is rupturing with alternatives, another tasty than the next. Whet your cravings with a newly squeezed juice, then settle in for a soothing homemade potato rösti with gently smoked trout, soft whipped herb cheese and a soft poached egg, or old-fashioned grilled farm-style sausage in an abundant tomato smoor with buttered toast.Good to understand Jacques co-owns Jonkmanshof, a shop guesthouse In Montagu. If you ever discover yourself because neck of the woods, book a stay!Opening times Monday– Saturday, 9am– 3pmContact 021 418 2042, [email protected] to discover it 71 Waterkant Street, Central Business District, Cape Town
Athletic Club & Social
Fine-tuned yet edgy, this social club stimulates the bar and dining establishment scene in downtown Cape Town, with 3 floors of remarkable interiors, an easy-eating Mediterranean-themed tapas menu (of remarkably generous parts) and friendly service.The Edwardian structure’s vibrant history is on display screen in the trophy-filled cabinets, classic sports devices and souvenirs and framed paper clippings of erstwhile stars who frequented it. (The initial owner was a radical pharmacist and sportsfan, who transformed the basement into a speakeasy for individuals of all races to collect without worry of being apprehended under apartheid’s Group Areas Act throughout). A night at ACS constantly seems like an accomplishment, practically as if a scattering of the place’s pioneering spirit has actually rubbed off on you!Opening times Monday– Thursday, 12pm– 11pmFriday + Saturday, 12pm– 11pm (cooking area closes at 10pm) Contact 084 087 5566, [email protected] to discover it 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Beyond
Peter Tempelhoff (chef-patron of FYN) goes back to his old stomping ground, the Constantia Winelands, with his newest opening at Buitenverwachting, bringing skilled chef Ashley Moss and basic supervisor Jennifer Hugé along for the trip. Helmed by Julia du Toit (likewise from FYN and Greenhouse), the cooking area provides an engaging lineup of pitch-perfect à la carte meals that are pared-back and available. Capture a vineyard-facing table and ensure Jennifer keeps topping you up with the 2019 chardonnay– intoxicatingly aromatic; I might’ve sprayed all of it over my body.Opening times Wednesday– Saturday, 12pm– 3pm; 5.30 pm– 9pmSunday, 12pm– 3pmTuesday, 5.30 pm– 9pm (from 1 December 2021) Contact 021 794 0306, [email protected] to discover it Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
The Waterside
The La Colombe household of dining establishments has actually gathered a well-deserved credibility for superior dining in the Mother City for close on twenty years. The most current addition to its seven-strongstable is a harbourside restaurant at the V&A Waterfront– a light, brilliant, pared-down area with views and a deck that make you feel as if you’re on a superyacht. Roxy Mudie’s imaginative five-course Chef’s Menu exposes fine-tuned, magnificently plated food– in the La Colombe design, however more casual than its brother or sister, Pier, upstairs. From the distinct Japanese-inspired milk bun stack for beginners, through a Cape Malay-tinged prawn salad; snap-pea risotto with zucchini and asparagus; grass-fed beef; and exceptionally ready seabass, to a “treasure chest” of handmade bonbons for a sweet surface. At R795 for basically 5 courses, this is unbelievably great worth for money.Opening times Monday– Sunday; 12pm– 2pm; 6:30 pm– 8pmContact 021 879 6328, [email protected] to discover it Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Read More About the FOMO app:
