During your luxury South African escape, make some time to dine in a few of the best restaurants in Cape Town. From charming waterfront affairs to award-winning eateries, you’ll go on a journey of tastes and flavours. These are some of the magical dining moments you can expect.
The Bungalow in Clifton
There was nothing to come between us and the Atlantic. White and blue linen, umbrellas, large sofas to lounge on and glamorous beach denizens to watch saunter by. The sun slid into the ocean as we enjoyed a sundowner at this sublime spot. Beautiful people. Beautiful seascapes. Then it was delicate sushi, followed by smooth, fleshy slivers of line fish and finally a seductively wobbling panna cotta. Magnificent.
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen in Cape Town’s CBD
In the mood for street food, we opted for this well-known spot, where Chef Liam Tomlin has reconfigured the casual staple within a comfy, laid-back space. We were told the menu changes regularly, based on what’s available and in season, so it’s always fresh and exciting. We opted for the tapas-for-two menu, consisting of eight dishes. With a mix of vegetarian, seafood and meat offerings, it was to die for! Flavours were diverse, tantalising … from Asian to Middle Eastern. Bliss.
The Test Kitchen in Woodstock
The once-industrial setting of the Old Biscuit Mill is carried through into this stunning restaurant – raw walls and a busy, working centre. Here legendary chef Luke Dale-Roberts creates the most innovative of menus, his flavour combinations stretching the limits of the imagination. My favourite tonight was the pork belly with cocoa bean and bay leaf, while my partner raved about the trout tartare with green apple, lime and crème fraîche. On this we agreed: this place was a veritable taste-bud phantasmagoria.
La Colombe in Constantia
We ascended the winding road on Silvermist estate with a sense of anticipation. La Colombe, frequent contender on SA’s Top 10 list, had recently moved to a new, lofty home among the trees. We went big and had the gourmand dinner menu with wine pairing. It was a delight: from West Coast oyster, caviar, kalamansi, apple and soy for starters … to mains such as line fish, squid, mussel, chorizo, coriander and soubise. Elegance, style, subtlety.
La Petite Colombe at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek
We’d spent the day wine tasting in the Franschhoek Valley, and were ready to loosen our belts for one final indulgence: dinner at this spectacular restaurant – sister to La Colombe. The unique menu was surprising, and the eating experience a journey of flavours that evolved and astonished me. At La Petite Colombe, I found every dish to be engaging; refined, with a distinct theatrical touch.
Brass Bell in Kalk Bay
Situated right on the rocks beside a fishing harbour, the Bell is a venerable Cape Town institution. We started our evening with a sundowner in the Cabin Pub, which felt like it had been plucked straight from a ship. Then it was dinner in the main dining area, where we supped on the freshest seafood fare, being serenaded by the waves. On our way out, we got caught up in the live music at the Water’s Edge Terrace. What a gem of a place: convivial atmosphere, unpretentious food and jaw-dropping views.
