DINE
Where to go for your gastronomic needs
JAPANESE
Geisha Wok and Noodle Bar
Two Oceans House, Surrey Place, Mouille Point. 021 439 0533
For those who like to slurp their noodles in style, the newly opened Geisha Wok and Noodle Bar in Mouille Point will certainly suffice. Contemporary interiors with plenty of low-level seating for lounging and a menu that’s bursting with Asian noodle dishes and wok-fried specialities ensure an all-round sensory experience. Must tries? The duck spring rolls with mango and bean sprout salad are a sweet-spicy, crunchy taste sensation while the likes of pastrami and salmon with pickled pear and ginger are evidence of chef Conrad Gallagher’s penchant for inspired fusion offerings. The launch of their new fusion sushi menu is an exciting twist on traditional favourites. Think rare ostrich fillet in a salad of Asian greens with tempura calamari and spicy miso dressing. Alongside Geisha’s already superb traditional sushi made with the freshest ingredients will be crayfish mango rolls, Alaskan shell crab rolls, seven-spice ostrich tempura, seared mackerel with pickled daikon and avocado, and spicy abalone rolls with ginger, chilli, avo and caviar.
TREAT
PLATINE
6 Watson Street, Cape Town. 021 424 6696
With an impressive CV as a sous chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant in London, Matt Kneipp knows his way around a kitchen. Together with his South African partner Catherine Calcott-Stevens, he is seducing Capetonians with his brand of French-infused fare – think delicately braised garlic and parsley snails to start or a manly rump steak with a purée of caramelised onion for lunch. At night, choices like the seared scallop and pork belly duo or the Karoo lamb with a slick of red pepper purée do the trick. Reasonable prices too.
ESCAPE
Pure
Hout Bay Manor Hotel, Baviaanskloof, Hout Bay Main Road. 021 791 9393
An elegant overhaul has breathed new life into this Hout Bay hotel, with a new restaurant proving to be a sophisticated drawcard. The menu by chef Alexander Mueller features complex choices that marry classic cuisine with Afro touches – think silky lobster cappuccino to start and the likes of home-smoked salmon with coriander foam or the pan-fried springbok with its tangy sweet
potato and nut crust. Exquisite presentation too.
CHILL
BLUE WATER CAFE
Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Main Road, Kommetjie. 021 783 2007
Graham Isaacson is one of Cape Town’s cafe kings, with a knack for producing menus that brim with wholesome laid-back fare. A stickler for local organic produce, the menu at this cafe, situated in a historic homestead overlooking lawns and a wetland, features the likes of eggs Benedict served on sweetcorn potato rösti for breakfast, multilayered and crammed free-range chicken and farm-bacon club sandwich or a zingy Caesar salad for lunch, and a red wine sauced slab of seared steak for supper. The gourmet pizzas are fab (try the caramelised pear, blue cheese, bacon and rocket).
AWAY
Muisbosskerm
Lamberts Bay. 027 432 1017, www.muisbosskerm.co.za
Yearning for a seafood feast where seemingly never-ending piles of mussels jostle for your attention along with braaied crayfish and slabs of just-caught line fish? West Coast legend Muisbosskerm has been whipping guests into a seafood eating frenzy for more than 20 years
– the open-air beach restaurant’s brand of hospitality and wholly South African-inspired menu ensure its popularity. Freshly baked bread is served with lashings of home-made preserves and farm butter, while a selection of traditional stews and side dishes accompany the extensive spread of fresh-from-the-sea offerings. A day trip from Cape Town – go hungry.
Templeton’s @ Four Oaks
46 Long Street, Montagu. 023 614 2778, http://fouroaks.lando.co.za
When Stephen Templeton upped sticks and left his position as Executive Chef at the Mount Nelson for a comparatively quieter life in Montagu, many thought they’d never hear from him again. But the city’s loss is Route 62’s gain. He and wife Jo-Mandi have set up shop with his restaurant, Templeton’s, based at their guest house, The Four Oaks. With a national restaurant award already under his belt, it seems the move was a good one. Beautifully plated and executed offerings abound – from an elegant take on the classic steak and frite to sublimely seared fillets of salmon and perfectly cooked Karoo lamb cutlets. The desserts alone are worth booking for while the fuchsia-coloured bar is a must for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
GREEK
MARIKA’S
38 Victoria Road, Bakoven. 021 438 2727
Surrounding Bakoven may be filled with glamorous homes and nearby Camps Bay chock-a-block with chichi eateries, but down-home, no frills Marika’s is where the locals flock to. Now in its third year of operation, the restaurant has made a success of a notoriously difficult site and though small, it is bursting with personality and crammed with grateful diners. The menu is Greek and you’ll do well to order a selection of the meze, from the moreish keftedes to the crispy fried brinjals, their excellent spanakopita and as many dips as you can manage. For main courses, any of the souvlaki will do the trick but it’d be a shame not to try their lemon and herb baked lamb or their famous moussaka. Great for early supper when you can’t face cooking – just as good for an after-sundowners feast.
FRESH
Josephine Boulangerie et Patisserie
The Piazza, Parliament Street. 021 469 9750
Let the universal language of must-eat-now mouthwatering pastries and cakes seduce you at this swanky new city stop. Luscious images of melting chocolate and fancy cakes and the elusive Josephine provide eye candy at every turn, while the sight of bakers, hard at work, reinforces the sense that what you’re getting really is straight from the source. From the simplest French baguettes to the most sublime cakes (presented in a pretty hat box) – this is a sensory journey of note. Stop in for a flaky, buttery croissant and enjoy with a steaming caffè latte or pick up a gourmet sandwich for lunch on the run. Beautifully bottled preserves and the prettiest of macaroons are perfect gifts for foodie friends.
SHARE
Anatoli
24 Napier Street, Green Point. 021 419 2501
Step through the imposing carved doors into a Middle Eastern lair where traditional music, lantern-lit interiors and staff carrying laden platters to and from tables set the scene for a memorable feast. A smorgasbord of shared mezze is a must, though you’ll find it difficult to choose from the astonishing variety – cracked wheat salad, just-made hummus, grilled halloumi and mountains of piping hot pita breads to enjoy it with. On weekend nights, the traditional beef döner kebab with all the trimmings is excellent while the large array of traditional spice-infused lamb offerings is sure to tempt too.
NOURISH
Birds Boutique Cafe
127 Bree Street. 021 426 2534
Birds is the kind of establishment where you leave feeling that your soul and senses have been fed. Start your day here with carefully considered and beautifully executed choices. The crêpe with creamed egg and mushroom (and organic bacon) is both wholesome and decadent, while Mathilde’s muesli – an old family recipe – or honey-laced banana yoghurt shake, is sure to put a spring in your step. Mid-morning slump? Try the fig-studded scones with butter, jam and cream and a carrot and beetroot juice and you’ll leave re-energised by this no-nonsense food, made with love.
INDULGE
The Tasting Room
Le Quartier Français, 61 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek. 021 876 2151
Winner of numerous local and important international (Top 50 Restaurants in the World) awards, this is one bastion of cuisine to put on your ‘to do’ list. Executive chef Margot Janse and her extensive team perform magic in the kitchen and a menu featuring the best local and seasonal produce will leave you with stars in your eyes. Careful flavour combinations, the subtlest sauces and reductions and an unwavering attention to turning the seemingly simple into the sublime, ensures this restaurant’s success. The wine list too, is a joy.
DELIGHT
Aubergine
39 Barnet Street, Gardens. 021 465 4909
A seat in these understated contemporary surrounds is a hot spot indeed. Award-winning chef Harald Bressel-schmidt is a master at making a union of European classic cuisine with South Africanised and Eastern twists. From the luxury of a cocoa-dusted foie gras and brioche terrine to start, to his famous East meets West dish where two pieces of fish prepared in two very different styles make their appearance on the table, the menu offerings are inspired and always a delight – mouthful after delicious mouthful. A resident sommelier and the finest attention to dessert details ensure an outstanding experience.
CELEBRATE
THE Africa Cafe
108 Shortmarket Street. 021 422 0221
Take your pick from a pan-African selection of mouth-watering specialities at this festive restaurant in the city. Enjoy your pre- and post-dinner drinks on the outside terrace then take your place in the buffet line where everything from Moroccan lamb stew to Malawian mielie meal patties, and Moroccan zeilook (an aubergine and coriander dip) tempts. Gumboot dancing, lively singing and a shop filled with local crafts ensures an all round sensory feast.
INDIAN
Chandani
85 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock. 021 447 7887
Step into an Indian jewellery box that’s dressed in rich colours and a slew of authentic furniture and colourful decorations to set the scene. A welcome addition to Woodstock, Chandani has plenty of headily flavoured vegetarian offerings as well as the ubiquitous butter chicken et al. Choose your level of fieriness and soothe your palate afterwards with a sweet and cool yoghurt lassi. Be sure to take your own wine.
Bukhara
33 Church Street. 021 424 0000
GrandWest Casino, Goodwood. 021 535 4444
Corner of Dorp and Bird streets, Stellenbosch. 021 882 9133
Being one of the few South African restaurants to serve North-Indian cuisine, this is the place to go if you’re hankering after the Brick Lane variety – for non-Brits, think delicious Chicken Tikka Masala and all that good stuff.
FEAST
BIZERCA BISTRO
Jetty Street, Foreshore. 021 418 0001
Since opening, this elegant and understated city eatery has had the gourmands raving. South African-French couple Cyrillia van der Merwe and Laurent Deslandes hit our shores by way of foodie capital Sydney and judging by the throngs who visit regularly, Australia’s loss is SA’s gain. You’ll find bistro food that’s sophisticated yet just so simple – homemade duck sausage with a tangy Asian salad, braised pig’s trotter served with seared scallops or how about slow-braised beef shin with mash potato? The desserts alone are worth making a booking for.
Kitima
Kronendal Estate. 142 Main Road, Hout Bay. 021 790 8004
Hout Bay locals are thrilled that one of the city’s best Thai eateries is slap bang in the middle of their hood. Situated in the historic Kronendal Manor House, the space is awash with Thai silks and elegant gold detailing. A smorgasbord of Asian delights awaits – choose platters of sushi, dim sum and satays to share then move on to lemongrass and chilli infused stir fries and steamed specialities. The nua pi roed (spicy beef with crunchy veg) is a must. The desserts are suitably authentic too.
CHILL
Home again
21 Derry Street, Vredehoek. 021 465 8463
With the constant influx of twenty- and thirty-something urbanites, Vredehoek restaurants and bars are perfectly placed for feeding those who can’t face cooking or who would rather have a drink before heading straight home. The sister restaurant to the ever popular Harfield Village Home restaurant, this laid-back spot does a roaring trade in Mediterranean-inspired tapas and mezze while the home-style offerings off the blackboard hit the spot every time. For real comfort food, the creamy mushroom chicken is tops while the seared tuna is always superb.
Cozy
Cafe Gainsbourg
64 Kloof Street. 021 422 1780
While Kloof Street mushrooms as the breakfast/lunch/dinner destination of choice for urbanites, this Belgian-owned eatery unobtrusively does its thing on the sidelines. Expect a comfort-food variety of breakfasts, pastas, salads and mains in an intimate environment. Eager locals in-the-know return time and again for scrumptious winter specials like oxtail stew and their famous seared tuna or Italian meatballs.
Green
The Square Restaurant at The Vineyard Hotel
Colinton Road, Newlands. 021 657 4544
For a more casual dining experience than at the popular Au Jardin Restaurant, the green theme here is hard to miss, with its glass-roofed ceiling and indoor trees. The innovative menu takes the health slant one step further – they even cater for diabetics, cancer prevention and low cholesterol preferences without losing the good stuff. The menu is peppered with blissful morsels like asparagus, Emmental and basil mascarpone as well as oriental and local influences. If that doesn’t have you covered, there is a sushi bar too.
Offbeat
Olympia Cafe
134 Main Road, Kalk Bay. 021 788 6396
Somewhat of an institution in Kalk Bay, this arty spot is always humming with Kalk Bay window-shoppers, bargain hunters, entrenched locals or curious visitors who have heard rave reviews. The on-site bakery makes it a great place for a quick cappuccino and croissant, or indulge in something more substantial from the menu.
Local
The Cape Malay Restaurant
at the Cellars-Hohenort, Constantia. 021 794 2137
The menu focuses on our Cape Malay heritage, with its unique mild spice nuances. Munch on signature dishes like smoor snoek (smoked snoek), vegetable breyani or masala fish. The four slightly different menus rotate weekly, so be sure to check in advance if you’re after something specific.
FRESH
Jardine
185 Bree Street. 021 424 5640
This minimalistic two-level eatery offers sublimely good food in the form of two different menus to suit two different food moods. Upstairs is for fine dining while downstairs serves unfussy yet sophisticated snack foods in a more informal environment.
CONTEMPORARY
Bowl Restaurant
31 Adderley Street. 021 469 1909
If you’re wondering about the name, it’s because all Euro-Asian dishes are served in bowls. Interior red brick walls contrast with sexy black furniture to communicate a hint of industrial chic. The tone on the terrace is somewhat softer, with energising views of the CBD.
HISTORIC
Riboville Restaurant & Cellar
ABC Bank Building, 130 Adderley Street. 021 426 0324
The biggest wine cellar in the Cape with over 10 000 bottles from 50 different wine estates, and three diverse kitchens – you’ll be spoiled for choice. A whisky bar, oyster bar and Italian deli cater for the most discerning diner.
FAST
Cafe Mao
Mandela Rhodes Place, St George’s Mall. 021 422 0699
This Asian-style eatery has a good selection of exotic nibbles at great prices. Tuck into their tasty Chilli Chicken Ramen before the theatre or over lunch.
VIEW
Salt at the Ambassador Hotel
34 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay. 021 439 7258
Salt proves there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing. Where other restaurants substitute a good view for a lousy menu or wine list, the experience here is one of well-rounded excellence. Consulting chef Peter Goffe-Wood’s menu is a cocktail of experimental, lively and ultimately tasty dishes, while executive chef David Winton turns these concepts into delicious realities. All wines (about 70) are available by the glass. Enjoy cocktails and tapas at the bar beforehand, and watch the sun set from your rocky water’s edge.
Wakame
Cnr Beach Road and Surrey Place, Mouille Point 021 433 2377
Expect fantastic ocean views, Asian fusion and fine sushi. With the recent addition of an upstairs bar and sushi restaurant you may find it difficult to get through the door.
HARBOUR HOUSE
Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay. 021 788 4133
Located above the Kalk Bay harbour, right on the water’s edge, seafood is the speciality here. If you sit close to a window make sure you keep an eye on the water levels – it is not unheard of to be sprayed. Suitable for big groups.
PLUSH
Pepenero
Shop 1, Two Oceans Beach, Bay Road, Mouille Point. 021 439 9027
A wrap-around shopfront ensures uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean from the plush interior as well as the spacious terrace. The menu is extensive but highlights are the traditional seafood dishes and Italian fare, which includes old favourites like spaghetti Bolognese and cannelloni.
OUTSIDE
Andiamo
Shop no 2, Cape Court Centre, Waterkant Street Green Point. 021 421 3687/8
Grab a picnic hamper – they offer selections suited to breakfast, sundowners and in-between – prepared by this world-class deli and eatery and head for your favourite piece of the great outdoors.
FAMILY
LA PERLA
Beach Road, Sea Point 021 439 9538
A local favourite that’s outlasted the ins and outs of glitz eateries, this Italian great dates from the Fifties. Effortlessly stylish and warm, with great marinara and eccentric staff.
Food Barn
Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek. 021 789 1390
Foodie parents fear not, Frank Dangereux has moved to a kitchen very close to a playground. Fresh out of his award-winning kitchen at La Colombe, Dangereux – whose book Feast was voted best cookbook in the world – has taken on the Noordhoek Village Farm Stall, making this out-of-the-way spot well worth the drive.
INTERNATIONAL
TWIST AND SHOUT
The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 – 375 Albert Road, Salt River. 021 447 7447
Contemporary global flavours and industrial decor in one of the greatest regeneration developments to date. A great escape from market madness.
95 Keerom
95 Keerom Street, Gardens. 021 422 0765
Authentic and delicious Italian cuisine in a Scandi setting. Think custom-made stripped-wood chairs, raw-brick national monument walls and some of the best carpaccio this side of Italy.
ORGANIC
Ginja
121 Castle Street. 021 426 2368
Occupying the ground floor of an old two-storey building in the Bo-Kaap, the rich red walls and Art Deco furniture give this spot a French brasserie feel. Acclaimed chef Mike Bassett cooks organic food with consummate skill.
COMMUNITY
Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill
373 - 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock. 021 448 1438
This is a good place to get to know the locals and sample food and wine (and more) from the Cape. Market food: strawberry- and Nutella-filled pancakes, Cape curry, brilliant tarts and home-made ice cream are some of the good things on offer.
OLD SCHOOL
THE RITZ HOTEL RESTAURANT
Cnr Camberwell and Main Road, Sea Point. 021 439 6988
Prawn cocktail, surf and turf and crème caramel lovers look no further. This twenty-first-floor revolving restaurant has loads of retro appeal and will warm your heart with its tasty favourites.
FOODIE
REUBEN’S
Oude Stallen Centre, 19 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek. 021 876 3772
Something of a celebrity chef on the local scene, Reuben Riffel cooks up simple and delicious food in his Franschhoek restaurant and doesn’t look bad doing it either.
AWAY
Moreson Bread & Wine Restaurant
Happy Valley Road, La Motte, Franschhoek. 021 876 3692
With beautiful views of the Môreson vineyards and lemon orchards, in the famous Franschhoek Valley, Bread & Wine restaurant combines food and wine with laid-back grace. You’ll want to take some of this good stuff home with you, so try a spot of bread-making with Tina Jewell at the restaurant on Saturdays or grab one of their delicious loaves.
TOKARA
Tokara Wine Estate, Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch. 021 808 5959
Vineyards, great architecture, significant design cred and delicious food make this a must-do weekend lunch – in heels. Award-winning chef Etienne Bonthuys cooks up French-influenced modern South African fare, that tastes heavenly with a glass of one of the much-coveted Tokara wines.
THE OLD GAOL COFFEE SHOP AND RESTAURANT
26 Swellengrebel Street, Swellendam. 028 514 3847
The Old Gaol will take you back to a time when traditional breads were cooked over coals. Sip local reds and fill up on home-made chicken pie, lamb shanks or bobotie while gazing at the Langeberg mountains.
SMART
THE CAPE COLONY
Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens. 021 483 1000
This grande dame of Cape Town restaurants is as good a reason as any to put on your finery and head out colonial style. Expect excellent service, white linen, a refined atmosphere and live jazz. Delicious contemporary South African cuisine with a touch of the exotic and an award-winning wine list await you.
EARLY
MANNA EPICURE
151 Kloof Street, Tamboerskloof. 021 426 2413
Perfect for breakfast, lunch or a quick bite after work, this Kloof Street eatery is an inner-city oasis. The food – sweet, savoury and sour – is clever and delicious. An all-white interior with fresh flowers and home trinkets on sale, and piles of freshly baked bread, says simple, stylish and sophisticated.
SOCIAL
Haiku
33 Church Street (entrance on Burg Street). 021 424 7000
All dark wood and lounge beats, Haiku is oriental chic and full-on in flavour. The three open kitchens filled with hand-picked chefs will have you hooked and hankering for more of their meticulously prepared Asian tapas. It’s best to go in a group so you can order copious amounts to share.