When you're in Cape Town, have you checked out The Test Kitchen? How about Salsify at the Roundhouse? And of course, you've heard about Grub & Vine, right? These places are just some of the best restaurants in the city. In a country that proudly proclaims itself as the 'Rainbow Nation,' you'd easily expect a lot of great eats here. And in Cape Town alone, there is a handful of culinary hotspots that offer all sorts of exciting flavors and even a few exotic cuisines. Some may be expensive, sure, but they're a small price to pay for you to indulge in some seriously
haute cuisine!
The Test Kitchen
Named as one of the world's best 50 restaurants, The Test Kitchen really is a must-try in Cape Town. That is if you're lucky enough to get a table. Just how popular is this place? Well, you'd need to reserve a table three months in advance. And even then, there's no guarantee that there will be one available. If you do score a table, then you need to get your tummy and taste buds ready! Their 21-course menu will take you on a culinary journey you won't ever forget, complete dishes from Asia, the Mediterranean, and of course, Africa too.
Source: The Test Kitchen
The Pot Luck Club
Located in the
Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, The Pot Luck Club is another Cape Town culinary staple you shouldn't miss. The space itself is pretty chic, evoking a
New York Loft-like ambiance that's urban yet sophisticated. Though it's run by the same guys behind The Test Kitchen, reserving a table here isn't as challenging. And as for the food, it's as international as ever! You can start with a plate of their signature fish sliders drenched in mojo dressing and served with miso mayo. Some lime fish sashimi paired with mung bean noodles makes for quite an exotic meal. And for dessert, a selection of three South African cheeses invites some local flavor.
Source: The Pot Luck Club Facebook Page
Fyn Restaurant
For a new twist on African cuisine, however, look no other place than Fyn Restaurant on Parliament Street. Local culinary legends Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss run the joint, putting together an amalgamation of local flavors with hints of other cuisines. Tempelhoff specifically, thanks to his fascination with Japanese cuisine, has put a deliciously Eastern spin on various African dishes. Trout, for instance, is served with smoked barley, sashimi, and daikon. If you want a more plant-based dish, you can always go for some sweet potato tataki or tomato fondue with ginger sake veloute. Don't they all sound divine?
Source: Fyn Restaurant
Salsify at the Roundhouse
“
Inspired by nature; driven by the seasons,” say Salsify at the Roundhouse's website homepage. And to be fair, it is a pretty accurate description of what the place is all about. The restaurant's location on Camps Bay alone, which offers an amazing view of the Lion's Head mountain, places you closer to nature. And their 10-course Chef's Menu is chock-full of natural delights. There is goat's cheese mousse, spring truffle, pan-roasted line fish served with spiced lemongrass cream, wagyu sirloin, slow-cooked duck breast, and more. With such a feast on your plate and a feast for the eyes in front of you, you'd never forget about Salsify at the Roundhouse!
Source: Salsify at the Roundhouse
La Colombe
Located in the Constantia
neighborhood of Cape Town, La Colombe offers a soothing culinary oasis. The peaceful ambiance and rustic aesthetic offer a calming retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of course, it also helps that head chef Scot Kirton's menu is made up of such hearty and healthy treats. Sweet potato bread, for example, has fewer carbs yet tastes more delicious than an ordinary loaf. Roasted garlic hummus, on the other hand, adds an exotic flavor to perk your taste buds up. And if you want something sweet, some sweet corn will do the trick!
Source: La Colombe Facebook Page
Beau Constantia
Also located in Constantia is Beau Constantia, an upscale restaurant that overlooks the valley in the area. The moment you get here, you wouldn't know which to focus on first: the incredible view or the exciting Asian fusion menu. Not to mention their fine selection of wine too! These locally-produced bottles will certainly pair well with what head chef Ivor Jones whips up, be it the best-selling Korean chili cauliflower tempura with corn masa mayo or the more underrated but equally satisfying 'Gai Yang' chicken with tamarind dressing. Just thinking about them will already make your mouth water with anticipation!
Source: Beau Constantia Facebook Page
Grub & Vine
Grub & Vine on Bree street is sort of like a
bistro in Paris. The space is chic and trendy but the menu is short and sharp. Many of its dishes have that umami taste, making it impossible for you not to fall head over heels at your first bite. Their rainbow trout with pea and bacon fricassee, for instance, will captivate your palette unlike any other! It'd sooner be your favorite on the menu. That is if you haven't tried another bestseller, pork belly served with braised apple and pomme puree, yet.
Source: Grub & Vine Facebook Page
Willoughby & Co.
And finally, there's Willoughby & Co. on Dock road at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This is arguably the best sushi place in all of Cape Town. While many of the aforementioned restaurants have their fair share of Japanese dishes, many here are a cut above the rest. Not the least of which is its array of rolls and sashimis. These bite-sized delicacies pack some serious flavorful punches! Though, if you prefer other cuisines, there are always some Mediterranean salads, English-style fish & chips, or Norwegian salmon to look forward to. What's not to love?
Source: Willoughby & Co. Facebook Page
These Cape Town restaurants are popular for a reason. They serve delicious food, provide a great ambiance, and offer excellent service. Eating in any one of them will give you a culinary experience you won't soon forget!
