Fine Dining. Aubergine Restaurant. Catharina s at Steenberg

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1 New Frontiers has made every effort to ensure that the information contained within this article is correct at the time of publication and we are constantly updating information as it becomes available. Please do however note that restaurants open and close continuously, menus frequently change and chef movements are common throughout the city. These are our tried-and-tested picks and include many old favourites, as well as some of the hot-right-now restaurants, taking the Cape Town food scene by storm! Fine Dining Aubergine Restaurant 39 Barnet Street, Gardens - Tel Aubergine has been featured as a top restaurant numerous times and has a loyal following. Owner and Chef Harald Bresselschmidt uses classical techniques, and both European and Asian influences appear through the degustation, à la carte and winter bistro menus. Menus change regularly and you re encouraged to mix and match items. This historic old house, which used to be the home of the first Chief Justice of the Cape, dates back to 1830 and is packed with character. Aubergine is sophisticated but not stuffy. Catharina s at Steenberg Steenberg Hotel, Steenberg Estate Tokai Road, Constantia - Tel

2 Fresh, seasonal Cape fare and a menu that harks back to the history and origin of Steenberg Wine Estate and its first owner, Catharina Ras is the key focus for chef Archie Maclean. Local growers are the heroes of his seasonal menus showcasing local produce alongside the more unusual meat types such as zebra, wild boar and crocodile, as well as the popular pork. This chic space is designed for modern dining, accompanied by spectacular vineyard and mountain views. It s made for long social lunches and intimate dinners. Foxcroft Shop 8/9, High Constantia, Corner Groot Constantia Rd and Constantia Main Road, Constantia - Tel Voted New Restaurant of the Year in South Africa at the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurant Awards in 2016, it has been one of the most talked-about restaurants in Cape Town and deservedly so. The food at Glen Foxcroft Williams bustling finedining restaurant (which he co-owns with feted La Colombe chef, Scot Kirton) is inspired and utterly sensational. Scot is known for his rigorous attention to detail, immaculate plating and boundary-pushing dishes, while Glen who is behind the restaurant s name and inspiration is a patisserie whiz. The menu, remarkably simple at first glance, delivers bold, thoughtfully put-together dishes and the wine list is comprehensive but not overwhelming. La Colombe Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Nek - Tel La Colombe sits proudly on the list of SA s top 10 restaurants, and S.Pellegrino s World s Best 50 Restaurants and for good reason! Sitting pretty on the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, it boasts breath-taking views over the Constantia wine valley. Executive chef Scot Kirton s philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards. The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Impeccable service and an award-winning wine list. Pre-payment of R500 per person (via credit card only) is required to secure your reservation online. All credit card transactions are processed through a 3rd party secure payment portal by visiting the restaurant s website directly. La Mouette 78 Regent Road, Sea Point - Tel Inspired by his mother s homely French cooking, chef-patron Henry Vigar uses classic techniques and fresh seasonal ingredients to create good food with simple, natural flavours. His three- or six-course menus are elegantly plated, layered with ethereal sauces and purées - and complemented by an excellent wine list. Dine in the airy courtyard with its koi pond and fountain, or in the elegant intimacy of three dining-rooms, in an exquisitely restored old double-storey residence. Nobu One & Only Hotel, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront - Tel A fantastic culinary experience, infused with a Peruvian-style and possibly the best raw seafood experience in Cape Town. The menu is so extensive that it is tempting to select one of the set dinners, but be sure not to miss out on the flagship dishes. This has been dubbed the most affordable Nobu in the world due to the favourable exchange rate against the Pound and US Dollar and a visit to this famed institution will not disappoint. Whilst Nobu does struggle to shake off the hotel feeling somewhat, once the food arrives you will no longer be paying attention to anything else. Signal Restaurant Cape Grace, West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront - Tel Housed inside the Cape Grace hotel at the V&A Waterfront and led by Executive Chef, Malika van Reenen, Signal s menu draws inspiration from several of the cultures that have influenced the Cape, with a strong classic French thread running throughout. Simple, delicious and wholesome fare is on offer for lunch and dinner with more sophisticated options over dinner, including the wine-pairing tasting menus (also available for vegetarians). Expansive views of Signal Hill coupled with high-volume ceilings, gleaming crystal, striking bouquets of proteas and crisp white linen add to the elegant feel. The Foodbarn Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek - Tel

3 The Foodbarn has always been a great choice for a lazy weekend lunch and boasts a loyal following of diners who appreciate Chef Franck Dangereux s French-style sauces and techniques. The building, with it dark blue and crystal accents, is no barn but rather a modern and relaxed venue and it s worth making the trip out to Noordhoek to sample the delights of this local eatery. The Greenhouse at The Cellars The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia - Tel Chef Peter Tempelhoff stays on the cutting-edge of South African cuisine with ever-changing seasonal menus showcasing modern cooking techniques and culinary styles. Inspired by the natural tastes and textures of artisan ingredients - and organic greens and heritage vegetable varieties from his kitchen garden - his creations offer sublime flavour combinations. Dining takes place in a Victorian glass greenhouse with fern print wallpaper and plants opening up into magical views of the property s famous gardens. A relaxed, contemporary space for intimate, sophisticated dining. The Roundhouse Kloof Road, The Glen, Camps Bay - Tel With sweeping views over Camps Bay and the undulating waves of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, the heritage-listed building has assumed multiple guises first functioning as a guardhouse for the Dutch East India Company and most famously, Lord Charles Somerset s hunting lodge. Executive chef, Dylan Laity s dishes are a creative blend of local ingredients, innovative techniques (think dehydrated watermelon) and a classic French flair that lead to his inclusion in the Gourmet Guide s Top 20 chefs in South Africa. And... If you re after a more relaxed affair, the restaurant s outside section, known by the lovely name of The Rumbullion, offers a laid-back setting in which to enjoy drinks and tapas-style food during the warmer seasons. The Test Kitchen The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock - Tel The Test Kitchen (TTK) has been a foodie front-runner since its inception, racking in awards locally and abroad, including the World s Top 50 at 22nd position currently and Eat Out Restaurant of the year since The latest menu by Luke Dale- Roberts and his ever-enthusiastic brigade of chefs features The Light Room and The Dark Room and plays host to a mere 40 guests. The restaurant transformation now sees the space split in two by a full height, charred wood wall - on one side, a dark, moody lounge; on the other, a light, elegant dining space juxtaposes. Diners begin their culinary journey in The Dark Room, sharing exquisitely prepared and presented tapas-style offerings. From here, things progress to a more formal fine dining space The Light Room. With twenty-one (21) courses in all, each plated on a specifically chosen plate or vessel, a visit to the new The Test Kitchen is something of a pilgrimage - a sensory journey. The equally arresting visual aspect of the experience was conceptualised by Luke s talented designer wife Sandalene, who worked with a number of local artists and architect Maurice Paliaga to create a space worthy of the extraordinary food. Sommelier Tinashe presides over a clever wine list showcasing South Africa s best and the service is slick, confident and understated. Pre-payment of R500 per person (via credit card only) is required to secure your reservation online. All credit card transactions are processed through a 3rd party secure payment portal by visiting the restaurant s website directly. Online bookings open one month prior to the preferred date at 08.00am (South African time). For example, from the 01 st March you are able to book for the following months of April, May and June. With TTK only open for dinner and seating reduced to only 40, tables are being snapped up in seconds. Whilst we are avid supporters of this exceptional institution, we will happily recommend some of the city s other world-class eateries to visitors wishing to enjoy fine dining in the city. Bistro Bistro Sixteen82 Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai - Tel This is bistro cuisine at its absolute best and Bistro Sixteen82 rewards diners with excellent food that is simply irresistible. Expect treats like the best steak tartar in the valley, hand-chopped, with a painting of beetroot to support it. Also popular are the

4 charcuterie platters: the meat option consists of some excellent salamis, and equally tempting is the seafood platter. Housed in a large, delightful double-volume space with a gorgeous outside seating area featuring ponds and some sculptural pieces, this is a wonderful dining option in summer. Black Sheep Restaurant 104 Kloof Street, Gardens - Tel: This neighbourhood local is right on trend and is conveniently located on Kloof Street, commonly referred to as the hipster hill of Cape Town. The menu is bursting with flavour and interesting dishes like grilled rabbit or lamb kidneys, wrapped in bacon and sage, and the wild rocket soup with parmesan also comes highly recommended. The small but friendly team deliver swift and cheerful service and the wine list consists of a great selection of local choices. The three-tiered design of the restaurant creates a relaxed café, bistro-style ambience with views of Table Mountain. This it s a great spot to soak up the local scene whilst enjoying a great meal. Bouchon Bistro 95 Hout Street, City Bowl - Tel: The ever-changing seasonal tapas has the same Mediterranean-inspired flavours as sister restaurant La Boheme, only at Bouchon the dishes are more elegantly plated and are served in smaller, refined portions. Owner Faisal Khakoo and coowner and winemaker Christophe Durand are a hands-on duo, often present and happy to chat about the food and wine offering. This inner-city restaurant capitalises on the earthy, industrial charm of its urban wine cellar setting. A glass wall that separates the working cellar from the restaurant space lends the feeling of being in a quaint winery in the heart of the winelands. If you re looking for an intimate venue for a truly special occasion, reserve the exclusive cellar table between the wine tanks and barrels! Carne on Kloof 153 Kloof Street, Gardens - Tel: Giorgio Nava, chef and owner of the esteemed Carne SA (winner of Eat Out s Best Steakhouse for 2013) has opened a second, smaller Carne on Kloof Street to supply growing demand for his excellent, meaty fare. As a smaller version of the Keerom Street restaurant, Carne on Kloof features a suitably trimmed-down menu and as the name indicates, there s a great range of meaty fare available. It s easy to see why Carne on Kloof is, after only recently opening, already drawing full crowds of locals, as well as the occasional visiting celebrity. Elegant, classy but totally relaxed, the venue has an industrial feel; nevertheless, it exudes warmth and comfort. The Grand Café & Beach (Granger Bay) Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town - Tel: Located in a secluded cove from the main road on Granger Bay, a man-made beach and an abandoned warehouse pair up to offer you one of Cape Town s most popular beach-dining experiences. Wildly popular in summer for sundowners and the venue of choice for languid weekend lunches, this establishment draws a crowd from all over the world. The massive, made-to-share wood-fired pizzas, seafood pastas and cocktails are perennially popular, and the views over Granger Bay are simply beautiful. Hemelhuijs 71 Waterkant Street, City Bowl - Tel Familiar café classics in this comfort zone get a makeover, served on designer crockery created by quirky stylist and owner Jacques Erasmus. Unusual ingredients infuse every dish with robust natural flavour and the bistro-style menu reflects the seasons as they change. The fare is down to earth and satisfying, but the dishes are presented with a flourish, gorgeously plated, ready to be photographed and eaten. A great place for breakfast, brunch or lunch in an avante garde sanctuary in the city, with black Zen interiors filled with flowers and objet d art. Kloof Street House 30 Kloof Street, Gardens - Tel

5 Buzzing Kloof Street House is often packed to the rafters over weekends with locals setting in for long social gatherings and the menu here can best be described as a bistro-style eatery, with a showcase of Mediterranean and Moroccan-style dishes. The wine list is impressive and the service is friendly and swift, even during the busier periods. The interior oozes glamour with a dark colour palette, chandeliers and beaded lamp shades, combined with a touch of Moroccan mystery. Attracting both beautiful young things and well-to-do middle-aged patrons, the space is divided into several dining areas, including a busy bar. La Tête 17 Bree Street - Tel Ever since it swung open its monochromatic doors in November 2016, La Tête has been wowing local gourmands (and the international foodie set) with its fresh, original and utterly delicious French-bistro fare. Chef Giles Edwards has honed the art of honest, unpretentious dishes and, even though the restaurant has become famous for its staunch nose-to-tail stance (where no part of the animal goes to waste), it is his vegetable dishes are worth mentioning too (specifically the fresh, finely chopped kohlrabi salad; broccoli vinaigrette and the wonderfully retro celeriac salad). The austere aesthetic if you will is all part of the charm: the all-white walls bear no art, and the wooden chairs could have come straight out of a monastery. Service is knowledgeable, professional and enthusiastic, and the wine list discerning and superb. Mink & Trout 127 Bree Street - Tel Mink & Trout has joined the buzzing Bree Street food ranks! You ll find it in the same spot that was home to the now-defunct Birds Café, having undergone a complete make-over with a brand-new concept in tow. It is named for its hands-on chefowners, Leigh Trout and Kevin Mink, who work from the open kitchen. The menu offers a selection of lunch and dinner options with fresh, seasonal ingredients leading the way that can also be tweaked for dietary requirements with timely notice. The affable Front of House Manager, Jeremy Motaung runs a tight ship and the service is slick and attentive. A chic palette of olive-green and gold prevails with quirkily cool light hangings, exposed-brick walls, and a small (yet perfectly formed) bar area as you enter. The concise menu features an array of cleverly-crafted salads, home-made gnocchi and more all beautifully plated on hand-made crockery produced locally from earth and clay at The Potter s Gallery. Societi Bistro 50 Orange Street, Gardens - Tel Run by the same team behind Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia and The Brasserie in Tokai, you can t fault Societi Bistro. From seafood to free-range meat, grill and roast-based dishes and even a vegan curry, the options are tasty and accompanied by an extensive wine list which you can order by the glass. Not only is Societi Bistro s patio perfect for those peachy Cape Town days when you want something cold and wet in your hand and a view of Table Mountain for a backdrop - but it s also a great choice in winter with its cosy fireplaces. A good all-rounder and a local favourite. The Stack Leinster Hall, 7 Weltevreden Street, Cape Town - Tel The Brasserie (open to the public) and Private Members Club by hotelier Nigel Pace (ex-cape Grace & Singita) and Sarah Ord (of Sarah Ord Interiors) is bursting with colour, flair and creativity. A simple, well-executed menu, honouring timeless bistro classics keeps the locals coming back for more and the daily plat du jour offers old-time favourites such as coq au vin or Toulouse cassoulet. The Brasserie s wine list is small, but carefully and imaginatively compiled and the Stack team are amiable, professional and knowledgeable about both the menu and the story behind Leinster Hall. The bold and eclectic bar is the perfect spot to take in a pre or post dinner drink. Modern ASH Restaurant 81 Church Street - Tel

6 Gutsy and inventive dishes are what you will savour at Ash Heeger s eponymous restaurant, where the menu changes often. The one-page menu is heavily slanted with meaty options and big, robust flavours, as well as modern takes on oldfavourites such as the modestly named cheese on toast - and all the dishes are prepared over open flames using seasonal and free-range ingredients. The wine list has a handy by-the-glass section and one of the most interesting selections of lesser-known and boutique bottles in town, and the space is moody and dark (in the basement so-to-speak) reminiscent of its history as the Frankie Fenner butchery (which services the restaurant but has moved mostly off-site). Chefs Warehouse & Canteen 92 Bree Street - Tel: Tapas for two is the way to go at this sublime little eatery, rated the best by some of the city s top chefs. Chef Liam Tomlin s creations appear in a parade of copper pots, baskets and slate plates. You might get crispy calamari, saucy risotto, slowbraised beef short-rib or beautiful seared tuna, all served tapas-style on simple wooden benches in a canteen-style setting. The dining room with its narrow tables can get tight on a busy day but it s perfectly in keeping with the bustling vibe of the city. The flavours are superb and this is surely one of our favourite city eateries. Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia Beau Constantia, 1043 Constantia Main Road - Tel: When seven of the country s top chefs rate a restaurant among the best in Cape Town, you pretty much know it s the real deal. The eatery in question is Liam Tomlin s Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on burgeoning Bree Street. The good news is that Liam has added three restaurants to his stable in the short space of a year namely Thali, Chefs Warehouse at Maison (in Franschhoek), and Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia bringing his tally of eateries to four. All feature Liam s signature global tapas, but it is the setting, chic interiors and panoramic vistas at the Constantia branch that take the dining experience to the next level. Chef Ivor Jones (former head chef at The Test Kitchen) is in charge of things and, with his able team, concocts imaginative dishes, whose flavours will stick in your mind long after you ve taken your last bite. The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront Tel: There are NO better views of the city, than The Granary Café. Located on the sixth floor of the new Thomas Heatherwickdesigned Silo Hotel and tastefully decked out by interior designer Liz Biden (who owns The Royal Portfolio collection of hotels), the restaurant is headed by chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert (formerly Ellerman House and The Belmont Mount Nelson), whose contemporary comfort food is pitch perfect! And if you don t have to dash home, round off your evening with a digestif at The Willaston Bar on the same floor. Reservations recommended to avoid disappointment. The Silo Rooftop is for in-house guests only and is open to the public by prior reservation only. Janse & Co 75 Kloof Street - Tel: City slickers (who resent having to schlep to the winelands for haute cuisine), you re in for the mother of all treats! Chef Arno Janse van Rensburg (of Maison in Franschhoek fame) has opened his own spot on Kloof Street, no less with his partner Liezl Odendaal (who also sports an impressive culinary CV, having worked with Franck Dangereux and Luke Dale-Roberts, to name a few). As he did for six delicious years at Maison, Arno is serving up his signature humble-haute cuisine, but instead of a relaxed farm setting, diners can now enjoy his palate-popping dishes in a laidback inner-city environment. His starting point, as always: the best ingredients, prepared with passion, with a strong focus on provenance and seasonality, of course. This is one to watch! Mulberry & Prince 12 Pepper Street, Corner of Bree Street, Cape Town City Bowl - Tel When Mulberry & Prince first opened its doors, the locals in-the-know flocked to the elegant eatery based on swinging Bree Street, to grab a slice of New American cuisine expect to be bowled over by inventive and beautifully plated dishes. It s been a favourite since then, and when it started serving brunch a few weeks ago; even more so! Inspired by the Big Apple, Mulberry & Prince has brought NYC s wildly popular brunching trend to Cape Town, with its lazy Sunday menu. The up-to-the-minute space is a delicious mix of exposed-brick walls, stained glass, lush velvets, mid-century modern-inspired furniture, with beautiful artwork by Kurt Pio (available for purchase) on the walls.

7 Open Door Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia - Tel: The dream team behind Bocca and Burrata opened its third restaurant in 2015 in the space formerly occupied by the River Café at Constantia Uitsig. There is a promisingly short à la carte menu, with highlights including lamb neck and tasty panroasted line fish with oyster velouté complemented by an impeccably curate wine list. It s a comfortable, stylish space. Bay windows, white walls and wooden tables with cast iron legs give a nod to the history of the building which was once a schoolhouse. And there s a fantastic-sounding children s menu - cookies and steamed milk included! The Pot Luck Club Silo Building, Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill, Albert Road, Woodstock - Tel Cape Town has been on the tourist radar for decades, but it was arguably Luke Dale Roberts who put her on the international fine-dining map back in In all three of his exceptional Cape Town restaurants, you ll find intelligent, seasonal cooking that s, most importantly, incredibly tasty. Sporting killer city views, this is undoubtedly one of the best settings in the country, with an energetic energy to match. It feels like going to New York for the night - well, maybe Brooklyn, which is perhaps the bigger compliment. It s accessible but sensational. Sticking to what works, The Pot Luck Club s tapas-style menu is divided into themes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami) and abounds with extravagant flavour and edgy dishes. Attentive and well-trained staff members are clearly pleased to be working here, and are eager to ensure diners satisfaction. Pre-payment of R500 per person (via credit card only) is required to secure your reservation. Should you cancel or amend your booking up to 24 hours prior to the start of your booking, a full refund will be granted. All credit card transactions are processed through a 3rd party secure payment portal by visiting the restaurant s website directly. Reverie Social Table 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory - Tel The brainchild of young Cape Town chef Julia Hattingh, Reverie Social Table is a unique home-style dining experience that sees a group of strangers seated around an 18-seater table and sharing an immaculate seven-course food-and-winepairing dinner. Julia s wealth of experience belies her age she s just 28 as she s worked for some of the best chefs in the country, and also at two Michelin-star restaurants in London and Paris. Julia changes the menu weekly to keep herself on her creative toes, while giving guests top-class food. The Shortmarket Club 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town - Tel When Luke Dale-Roberts revealed his plans to open a restaurant in the city with his protégé Wesley Randles and restaurateur Simon Widdison from The Pot Luck Club (TPLC), it was bound to cause a stir. The menu is more conventional and bistro inspired than its sister-restaurant, TPLC and though there are some Asian touches, it s the modern interpretations of the classics that sets it apart. The wine list has some unusual and delicious options and there s a limited selection available by the glass. The Shortmarket Club has got atmosphere in spades. Booths with scalloped black-and-grey leather and gold-and-glass dividers, along with white table linen, ooze the understated glamour of an upscale members-only club from the fifties and these seats are perfect for a celebratory meal, or simply grab a seat in the bar area overlooking the kitchen for a casual snack. Pre-payment of R500 per person (via credit card only) is required to secure your reservation. Should you cancel or amend your booking up to 24 hours prior to the start of your booking, a full refund will be granted. All credit card transactions are processed through a 3rd party secure payment portal by visiting the restaurant s website directly. Thali 3 Park Road, Gardens - Tel An Indian-style tapas bar conceived by none other than Chefs Warehouse guru Liam Tomlin, in partnership with Dimo Papachristodoulou (Fat Cactus and Long Street Cafe), and with head chef John van Zyl at the helm. Thali takes you on a visual journey where intricate postcard art, kaleidoscopic patterns, vibrant colour and Indian intrigue abound. The interiors (five different sections) and garden area make for an exotic and unique eating experience indeed! Try the tapas for two

8 which includes eight dishes, with the likes of tantalising tandoori chicken, as well as golden lamb and chicken curries included in the mix. Italian 95 Keerom 95 Keerom Street, Gardens - Tel Authentic, really well made Italian food is the name of the game. Fans (and there are many) rave about the butternut ravioli with sage butter, the perfectly light gnocchi with gorgonzola, and the fillet with olive oil and rosemary. It really is hard to a wrong decision at this restaurant, from the various pastas to the expertly presented mains. This remains one of the most stylish restaurants in town, with clean lines, pale wood, and an enormous glass front facing the city and that old, famed olive tree now in its senior years. The small downstairs bar should not be overlooked - it s a lovely spot to enjoy an excellent martini before heading upstairs for dinner. Burrata The Old Biscuit Mill, Albert Road, Woodstock - Tel Expect contemporary plates of modern-italian food - not piles of mama s past at this stylish eatery and winner of Eat Out s Best Italian Restaurant in Apart from authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with moreish, chewy crusts, there are also exquisite mains to choose from. The wine list has been carefully curated by the owner, Neil Grant, also a qualified sommelier with a superb selection of hidden gems and lesser-known varietals. Raw brick, wood-panelled walls and steel blend together in that industrial-chic style that is ever-present at the Biscuit Mill. Il Leone Mastrantonio 22 Cobern Street, corner of Prestwich Street, Greenpoint - Tel While most Italian restaurants worth their salt can serve excellent Parma ham and melon, it takes someone really special to make the most delicious Carpaccio di manza! Famed for serving the best gnocchi in town, this little gem will surprise and delight with its excellent cuisine and impeccable service. While the terrace is popular in summer, the downstairs and upstairs dining rooms are elegantly casual, with plenty of light coming in from the sash windows, the tables set with crisp white napery and art works, which are for sale, adorning the walls. Villa Bree Street - Tel Housed in a heritage building on Bree Street, this three-in-one Italian emporium has a little something for everyone. Locanda at street level does delicious traditional Italian dishes; Seta on the first floor is a sexy cocktail bar that s perfect for a pre- or post-dinner tipple (and a whirl around the dancefloor); while Pierino Penati on the top floor is headed by a Michelin-starred chef whose painstaking creations are, ironically, simply delicious. Coupled with that, his attention to the guest experience makes dining here a pleasure. Seafood Bilboa Shop 120, First Floor, The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay Tel

9 For delectable seafood, uninterrupted ocean views, and very friendly service, the latest restaurant from the Kove Collection is the place to be. Modern furnishings from recessed timber ceilings to slick lighting and gold accents throughout create a sophisticated vibe. On a perfect wind-free summer s day, the see-through blinds that span the length of the restaurant are rolled up for guests to soak up the exquisite surrounds. The menu offers a variety of seafood from prawns and langoustines to salmon; as well as a varied selection of meats. If you re a seafood lover, you won t be disappointed. Chapman s Peak Hotel Restaurant Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay Tel This established landmark on the scenic Chapman s Peak Drive has a covered outdoor patio that s perfect for a long, lazy lunch, while you take in the sweeping views of the bay, harbour and the Sentinel. The fresh seafood menu includes mouthwatering pan-prepared calamari, prawns and linefish, and the widely renowned seafood platters that come with chips or rice. Their legendary pan of succulent calamari pan fried and served with a bowl of tangy tartare sauce remains perhaps the best reason to visit! Harbour House V&A Waterfront Quay 4, V&A Waterfront Tel As the name indicates, the speciality here is seafood and this restaurant, by the same group, is formulated after the original one in Kalk Bay, established in The Waterfront branch is the more contemporary, upmarket outlet. A new small plates concept has been introduced at this branch of Harbour House. Think game fish crudo, crispy prawns and white fish goujons. Have sushi with friends upstairs or share a lavish seafood platter with a glass of local wine. Live Bait (Muizenberg) 70 Beach Road, Muizenberg Tel Lunching at Live Bait is like enjoying a meal inside a seashell. Enjoy mouthfuls of fresh seafood as waves crash metres away. Mains to try include grilled calamari with olive oil, aioli, chilli salsa verde and chips, and charred sardines right off the coals. Finish with a trio of sorbets served on pineapple carpaccio. Live Bait is beautifully decorated in a mesh of white, blush sand, stone and wood. With large, ceiling-high windows, the restaurant invites the ocean in. Enjoy a cool glass of wine while gazing at Muizenberg s colourful beach huts, or drink in the ocean at a table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Pesce Azzurro 113 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock - Tel The menu at this cosy neighbourhood Italian eatery is dominated by fishy choices. Yes, there are meat options like sirloin and lamb, and primi piatti such as gnocchi di ricotta and pasta carbonara, but the highlight are the dishes, fresh from the ocean. The wine list is basic but there is sufficient choice to match most dishes on the menu satisfactorily. This is an Italian restaurant where Italians love to eat. No frills with whitewashed wood tables an eclectic mix of chairs, a bare brick wall and sea-themed paintings all add up to a relaxed and cosy space. SeaBreeze Fish and Shell 213 Bree Street - Tel A new seafood restaurant on perennially popular Bree Street (where else?) offering sustainably sourced seafood dishes. Its Scottish owners Alex and Ruth Grahame left the icy climes of Aberdeen, where they owned a seafood restaurant, opting instead to open shop in Cape Town. At SeaBreeze, fresh and exciting versions of traditional seafood offerings are the order of the day. The one-page wine list is cleverly curated for pairing with seafood. The interior section of the restaurant is a calm oasis, with soothing blue walls, pale wooden tables, and tasteful ocean-inspired accents. In warmer weather, opt for one of the wooden bench tables outside. There are also high counters with stools lining the Bree Street sidewalk. Asian Downtown Ramen 103 Harrington Street - Tel

10 This inner-city restaurant s menu is small but to the point: the main event is four types of fragrant, flavourful bowls of ramen all comforting and charming, you almost want to climb in the bowl. The only other thing on the menu is a (fantastically tasty) selection of bao steamed buns exploding with fragrant fillings. This is no fuss, no frills Asian. Communal wooden benches, bar seating and basically no décor to speak of but it suits the simple food, and makes the beautiful bowls shine. Haiku 58 Burg Street, City Bowl - Tel It s been around since 1995 and is still serving dim sum, robata, sushi and wok dishes. The duck in pillow-y bao buns and the Peking duck with pancakes remain favourites. The dark but glamorous interior can get a little loud, so opt for a table by the bar at the front if you want more privacy. Don t forget to order bowl of fragrant coconut rice with the mains! Kitima at the Kronendal 140 Main Road, Hout Bay - Tel This cosy Cape Dutch building offers a delightful setting to enjoy an evening attempting to sample some of the vast Asian menu. Delicious dim sum is a signature feature, try the Golden Secrets steamed dumplings, filled with prawns, shitake mushroom and vegetables! The service is professional and friendly, staff members have been well-trained, and deliver efficiently and unobtrusively. The interiors are eclectic and attractive, with an Asian flare, and it s almost always bustling (booking is advised). Kyoto Garden Sushi Japanese Restaurant 11 Lower Kloofnek Road - Tel This is easily the finest Japanese food in the city and is consistently ranked among the best by some of Cape Town s top chefs and connoisseurs (Franck Dangereux, Peter Tempelhoff and John Maytham, to name a few). While the sushi is certainly superb, you d be foolish to miss out on the wide-ranging menu of dishes that take classic Japanese ingredients and flavours and reinvent them into a new realm of Asian cuisine. Flavours are clean and elegant don t expect sweet chilli sauce or deep-fried California rolls here. Bamboo and blonde wood make for a serene dining experience. SHIO 49 Napier Street - Tel From the owner of Cheyne s and Lucky Bao, SHIO is Cheyne Morrisby s latest offering. Nestled in the heart of De Waterkant Village, Shio offers modern Japanese cuisine in a very stylish setting, with seating inside and out, and a smooth interior to boot. The menu offers a wonderful array of flavourful Asian fusion tapas dishes to share (if you re willing to part with even one portion, that is!) and delicious desserts to round it all off. Adjoining the Grey Hotel, SHIO is edgy, urban and modern, with dim lighting and touches of charcoal and red. For a street snack of an altogether different kind, pop into Morrisby s latest invention. The itsy-bitsy eight-seater Lucky Bao bar in Hout Bay drips with character, and serves the tastiest steamed bao (buns), ramen (noodles) and gyoza (dumplings) around and you can now sample some of these tasty titbits at his second branch, in De Waterkant, no less that s even smaller than the Hout Bay branch! Just a stone s throw from Shio, this six-seater pavement bar is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinners. Tjing Tjing Torii 165 Longmarket Street - Tel Situated on the first floor of 165 Longmarket Street in Cape Town, Tjing Tjing Torii feels like a brilliant secret. This stylish restaurant serves up modern Asian tapas paired with a brilliant wine selection, and was voted Best Asian Eatery in the Western Cape in The cosy and trendy interior make for a great spot for that after-work drink and dinner with the cool crowd. Three Wise Monkeys Shop 1, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point - Tel

11 The latest addition to Sea Point s burgeoning Regent Road is an izakaya (informal Japanese gastropub) that s fast becoming an after-work favourite. From Monday to Saturday evenings, it s bursting at the seams with Atlantic Seaboard locals, popping in for a bowl of ramen after a promenade stroll. The menu is small but offers variety: ramen (noodles) with chicken, beef or vegetables; kushiyaki (from the grill), which changes daily; poke (sliced raw-fish salad) and sushi. The space is compact and simply, yet tastefully styled with exposed bricks and navy accents. Casual Eateries Café du Cap 113 Loop Street - Tel This vintage- and French-inspired café on Loop Street in the gorgeous Cartel House doubles as a retail space, selling stylish homeware and furniture, and a dazzling range of women s kaftans. With an eclectic playlist of bygone classics Edith Piaf, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones, for example you ll feel like you ve stepped into a Hemingway novel. All that s missing are the ceiling fans overhead Clarke s Bar & Dining Room 133 Bree Street - Tel Another favourite hangout for the young and beautiful, Clarke s is bang up-to-date. This is where the hip crowd comes for generous sandwiches, tasty free-range burgers and hearty breakfasts. Potted plants line the walls, adding pops of greenery to the pared-down natural-wood palette and it is especially popular at happy hour between 5pm-7pm daily for after-work drinks with colleagues. Don t leave here without trying to the legendary Clarke s cheeseburger. The Company s Garden Restaurant Company's Gardens, 19 Queen Victoria Street - Tel Madame Zingara has breathed new life into this historical restaurant. Paying homage to authentic South African fare, the menu gives Cape cuisine a gourmet twist in dishes like the bobotie roti starter, which arrives fragrant and full of flavour with homemade sambals and chutney. The vibe is casual and family orientated, but the neutral colour scheme and use of natural materials like wood and stone gives the restaurant an air of understated elegance. Alfresco tables beneath the shade of ancient trees are hard to come by - while fascinating nest-like weaver baskets by a local designer are a favourite amongst younger dining patrons, making this one of the city s most child-friendly restaurants. El Buro 81 Main Road, Green Point - Tel This trendy, loud and lively first-floor Mexican restaurant is much acclaimed for its décor and service, as well as its great food. At street level there s the popular Cabrito bar, serving bar meals, but the best (and quietest) place in the restaurant upstairs is on the deep balcony overlooking all the action on Somerset Road urban decadence at its best. The restaurant is always busy, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Whether or not it is authentic Mexican food, as the owners claim, is debatable, but fans consider it the healthiest Mexican food around a long way from cheesier, greasier Tex-Mex options in town. Veg lovers will be well satisfied. For a scaled-down, more casual version of El Burro that focuses on simpler dishes with bold flavours, head over to El Burro Taqueria. The spot is perfect for an in-and-out dinner dash thanks to its fast kitchen, informal seating and individual taco servings. Haas Coffee Collective 19 Buitenkant Street - Tel On the edge of Cape Town's business district, the Fringe is another regenerated neighbourhood with an art and design focus and Haas has recently relocated to its new home in this rising area. Specializing in rare and exotic single-origin coffees from relationship farms such as their Jamaican Blue Mountain (all their beans are roasted in house) they serve great coffee in-house, to-go or freshly packed blends to-take-home. Coffee is served with oven-fresh baked goodies amongst beautifully displayed and locally designed bits and pieces - also for sale!

12 Jason Bakery 185 Bree Street (corner of Bloem Street) - Tel In the mornings, egg and chorizo tartlets and bacon croissants sell like hotcakes, while a steady queue of Bree Street locals hums around the hatch in search of their potent artisan coffee. The bakers are busy from the early hours of the morning, preparing the spectacular breads and pastries at this much-loved local institution. Gourmet sandwiches are stuffed to the brim with all kinds of delectable fillings. You can grab a quick meal or coffee at some of the outside standing tables (there are a few benches as well), or perch at the counter seating available indoors, with either a window-seat view of this trendy part of town, or of the very busy goings on of the coffee hatch. Our favourite baker boy has closed his Loop Street shop, and has relocated his second branch to Green Point Main Road. Captain Bread (as he s affectionately known) makes the best (almond) croissants in town, and his Saturday-morning doughssants are already drawing the crowds. The Kitchen 111 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock - Tel This bustling little eatery is always crammed with regular diners who come for the generous portions, fresh and colourful salads and the great vibe, as set by amiable owner Karen Dudley. The culture at The Kitchen allows for customers to create their own salads and sandwiches, which bring so much freedom at this breakfast and lunch deli spot. An eclectic mix of antique crockery adds to the feeling of visiting a beloved aunt s house. Loading Bay 30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant - Tel One of the city s long-term loves, Loading Bay serves up great coffee (locally roasted), comfort food (seasonal, local & fresh), luxury apparel and design, all under one roof. Loading Bay s epic Thursday burger nights is a Cape Town institution with ethically sourced beef from local farmers served with truffle salted fries. Regulars and creatives flock here for good food, free Wi-Fi, networking and to stock-up on Aesop (located upstairs) as well as designer labels such as Acne and Apc. Olympia Café and Deli 134 Main Road, Corner Windsor and Main Roads, Kalk Bay - Tel It s hard to fault the generous portions of bistro fare that emerge from the kitchen of this Kalk Bay institution. The chalkboard menu of simple, rustic food delivers on flavour every time although the service can be erratic at times. Half the charm of Olympia is its casual, ramshackle feel of cramped wooden tables and the occasional dog at your feet. Charming and bustling on good days, chaotic when crowded, the bar counter is best for watching the world pass by on weekends. Sababa Kitchen & Deli 231 Bree Street - Tel An exceptional and interesting combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare, this is a great spot to dip into for a casual lunch if you re exploring the inner city and Bree Street environs. A delectable selection of colourful salads is beautifully and temptingly displayed and served in lunchbox-style portions, accompanied by a fresh and enticing meat or fish choices. The dessert buffet is equally appealing and may include decadent dark and white chocolate brownies, baked cheesecake or orange Florentines. This is unpretentious, delicious and wholesome lunchtime fare reminiscent of London s Ottolenghi. Truth Coffee 36 Buitenkant Street - Tel Aside from their now-famous coffee, Truth offers a comprehensive breakfast menu and satisfying lunch options in a rising and evolving corner of the city. The café pays homage to the Victorian science fiction hobby of futurism, or steampunk and is a space filled with exposed metal pipes, vintage typewriters and staff dressed in leather suspenders and top hats it s the antithesis of the bright-light franchised cookie-cutter coffee shops. A British journalist anointed the café with

13 the title of best coffee shop in the world last year - and with a focus on well-made coffee, expert barista training and customer comfort, he can t be too far from the truth. Speciality Haunts Quirky eateries with a limited menu or menus dedicated to a specific food item. Bacon on Bree 217 Bree Street - Tel It s all happening in Bree Street and this new eatery is dedicated solely to this universally popular item. The brainchild of Richard Bosman (famous for his range of Quality Cured Meats), the spanking new eatery is neatly sandwiched between Mother s Ruin gin joint and Culture Club Cheese Bar (see below). BLT s with a twist are the order of the day - simply order and pay at the counter, grab a stool at the blonde-wood counters or alternatively, wander down the stairs to peruse the boutique art gallery, or grab a seat in the secret courtyard. Burger & Lobster 105 Bree Street, Heritage Square - Tel New York-glam meets inner-city grunge at this fun new Bree Street bar and restaurant. The loud, dimly lit space is long and narrow, typical of those found in the Big Apple, with red uplighters at the bar, and exposed brick walls paying homage to the heritage building its housed in. There are two things on the menu: a B&L Burger and a Lobster Roll served with hand-cut French fries and herb salad. It works for a quick and casual bite, whilst exploring the inner-city haunts. Culture Club Cheese 215 Bree Street - Tel The big cheese of the growing café culture on Bree Street is this enterprising hybrid of cheese shop and café. A bright yellow façade houses a front-of-shop cheese bar stocking, at any one time, at least 50 fresh, local artisanal cheeses, and a warm and friendly café selling Deluxe coffee and delicious cheese-themed snacks and meals including, naturally, a delectable equivalent of the ubiquitous cheese toasty. Culture Club Cheese also hosts a number of events, including cheese-and-champagne and champagne-and-oyster tastings, as well as cheese-making workshops. Hokey Poké (City Bowl) 1 Church Street, Cape Town City Centre - Tel or Like its tongue-in-cheek name, this popular inner-city spot doesn t take itself too seriously, although the food on offer is straight-up, simple, fresh and delicious. Poké is traditionally Hawaiian fare fisherman would cut up and marinate their catch of the day to keep it fresh for longer. Owner Max Botha fell in love with poké in Singapore and spent six months experimenting with ingredients and flavours before opening Hokey Poké. Freshness is the name of the game and the rules are flexible, letting you choose between six house dishes or build your own. The decor is light-hearted too a fresh white interior with Miami-Deco-meets-downtown-Tokyo touches. Pop in for a quick and easy lunch or linger longer in the evening when they turn down the lights and crank up the volume. The Hungry Herbivore 11 Orphan Street, Cape Town City Centre - Tel % vegan, this inner-city eatery bridges the gap between comfort food and healthy, plant-based nutritious fare. Grab a stool at the bar for a quick choco chia smoothie or nestle into a table for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We love the nachos, vegan mozzarella pizzas and creamy cashew and garlic sauce with their spaghetti alfredo. The dessert menu is a marvel for those harbouring a sweet tooth, with raw vegan cheesecake, cupcakes as well as waffle and ice-cream options. If you re just looking for a snack, grab a choc chip cookie or their coconut chips in sweet and savoury flavours. Honest Chocolate 64A Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre - Tel

14 Housed in the historic Commune 1 building with its bay windows and dark wooden floors and door frames Honest Chocolate lives up to its name in every way. The organic cacao beans are ethically sourced from Ecuador and turned into chocolate using old-school tempering methods, with the slabs then wrapped in eco-friendly paper designed by a handful of local artists. The café menu boasts a seemingly endless array of items made with their signature raw chocolate that s free from preservatives and artificial flavourings. They have plenty of vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options on their menu, so those with special dietary requirements can enjoy the good things in life too. The Light Side Café 109 Waterkant St, De Waterkant - Tel Neil Roake is your quintessential maverick: five-time cookbook author/ restaurateur/ ex-hotelier/ marketing consultant/ design guru/ etc. His latest offering Now Showing is part fashion store and part restaurant: The Space on ground level stocks a delicious selection of local designers garments, while The Light Side Café on top is a haute pop-up vegan café. The café is open daily for breakfast (and organic coffee, naturally), but it is Neil s four-course vegan tasting menu, served every day from 12pm until 3pm, that deserves a whirl. It s fresh, boundary-pushing, and creative (rather like the cook himself), and is served with a delicious glass of Rosalie Rosé (a Provence-style, artisanal wine). Do not wait too long before visiting because, come February 2018, The Light Side Café will be transformed into a darker space to reflect the arrival of autumn. Scheckter s RAW 98 Regent Road, Sea Point - Tel Raw, organic and suitable for both vegans and veggies, the food at Scheckter s RAW couldn t possibly be any more virtuous. But if you think it s all kale and cucumber you d be wrong. While one can enjoy vegan scrambled eggs, organic matcha flapjacks, Buddha bowls from this seaside cafe, you d be remiss for leaving without trying some of their indulgent raw organic superfood smoothies the likes of which include Snickers, or their gluten and sugar-free desserts; the Twix Bar with crushed nuts and a gooey, caramel centre proving in no uncertain terms that pudding can be both decadent and guilt-free. Sip on an organic coffee, or try one of their golden lattes with turmeric and almond milk. Spirit Café 26 Dunkley Square, Gardens - Tel You don t have to be vegan, vegetarian or even health-conscious to enjoy the utterly delicious, made-from-scratch dishes at Spirit Café. A long-time favourite with the Southern suburbs set, Spirit Café has just opened their second eatery in Gardens, much to the delight of city-dwellers. Breakfast includes a selection of free-range eggy dishes however, it s their legendary lunch buffets that have everyone talking. Choose the Spirit Café Bowl of the Day and munch on a portion of all four of the daily salads, washed down with a freshly pressed juice or lip-smackingly satisfying smoothie. Unframed 45 Kloof Street - Tel All the flavours at this extremely popular parlour have a perfectly smooth texture while remaining light. Flavours are exciting and may include peanut butter; dirty milk chocolate, with chunks of brownies from The General Store; or matcha green tea. There are even sorbets with flavours of pear or black currant, and vegan ice creams with options like turmeric latte or dark chocolate. Order a scoop on a sugar cone or in a cup, and choose from toppings like dirty sea-salt caramel, crumbled raw coconut macaroons, or crumbled Amaretti biscuits.