Dress up and get spoiled at the showy Zsa Zsa Restaurant
Attention-grabbing cocktails, a decadent menu + surprise performances
What would Zsa Zsa Restaurant’s namesake think of the swanky double-volume eatery and bar on Hout Street? The sparkling crystal chandelier; the rich velvet booths lining chic bare brick walls downstairs, and the well-lit cocktail lounge upstairs where the barman bounces to the beat from the DJ booth next to him?
OODLES OF HIGH GLAMOUR
The glamorous, quick-witted and irreverent Hungarian-American actress Zsa Zsa Gabor would be charmed by the sensual and sultry interiors that resurrect the glamour of the 1960s and `70s with bespoke murals and sensational lighting.
She would be enchanted by the company, too. “She (Zsa Zsa ) was renowned for her witty quotes that encapsulate the playfulness of her persona, which is what the restaurant is all about,” says restaurant co-owner Shaun Westwood.
ZSA ZSA’S COME TO TOWN TO PLAY
Zsa Zsa guests epitomise glamour and never shy away from a bit of party and celebration. Like Zsa Zsa, or, if you’re too young to remember her, the Kardashians (Gabor was the first celebrity famous for being famous), they sparkle in the limelight.
They come for the glamorous nights out with fiery, attention-grabbing cocktails, surprise performances and the decadent French, Italian and Mediterranean-style menu.
Decadence was always the intention, says Shaun. “Guests should feel like they can dress up, get spoiled, let their hair down while enjoying amazing food and ambience while making special memories.”
INSIDE IT’S GLAM, LUXURIOUS AND SPARKLY
If the atmosphere is effervescent, the food is a gentle combination of luxurious ingredients and humble recipes which draw inspiration from French and Italian Mediterranean coastline, says Shaun.
A dish that Zsa Zsa’s hostess would recommend is the parmigiana di melanzane starter. “I’m not a vegetarian, but I’d happily change diets for this,” she says while stealing a break from the front door. As for your main, the sole meuniere pan-fried in lemon butter is a must. So is the deadly, boozy Don Julio lemon sorbet – it’s completely worth trying.
ORDER YOUR COCKTAIL WITH A SHOW
Like the food, you’ll have a tough time picking a favourite cocktail. For a bit of theatrics, go for the Mexican Christmas. It’s made up of orange juice with a heavy-handed shot of Don Julio tequila.
Before you sip, the waiter sets your tequila alight with a handheld blowtorch before encouraging the flames by squeezing over the zest of an orange peel. While the fire grows, the waiter finishes off your cocktail with a dash of cinnamon powder for an added bit of sparkle.
SIT BACK & ENJOY SURPRISE ENTERTAINMENT
The music and acoustics at Zsa Zsa are incredible. Zsa Zsa’s host can control the volume of each speaker according to your preference. So, no matter where you sit, you can choose to be in the thick of the action or opt for a more intimate vibe at your table. In France, you dance at your table or wherever you are.
No matter your location, you won’t miss the surprise performances which flood the restaurant during dinner. Expect unannounced Pop-up cameo shows on random evenings, anything from opera singers, Pop musicians & Disco Divas to legendary star impersonators or even a full brass band to walk through the restaurant.
“My artist management business works with some fantastic acts, and my production company allows me to put together amazing shows quickly. The idea is to make it weird and wonderful,” says Shaun Westwood.
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DISCOVER MORE UNIQUE SPOTS
Can you keep up with the fun at Zsa Zsa Cape Town?
You’ve got a hotel, an office and entertainment options at Cartel House Hotel.
If Zsa Zsa’s cocktails pique your interest then Cape Town is full of more cocktails to try.
Have you visited Sea Point’s newest arrival, the Grand Pavilion?
Article Originally appeared on Cape Town Magazine