For quite some time I would peruse the restaurants on Cape Town’s Kloof Street looking for something to take my fancy. I always ended up at the same old places. Occasionally, we would pass one particular house – colonial, hidden behind gates, candles twinkling in the windows – and would walk on joking to each other that this must be a secret Gentleman’s Club concealed by the slightly haunted looking Victorian House that we didn’t dare enter.
But then the gossip lines of Cape Town began to natter in December last year and we soon discovered that this was the quite aptly named Kloof Street House. It is the perfect addition to the city’s foodie scene. From candle-lit dinners to casual cocktails, it is the perfect spot – whether you’re looking for a lengthy gourmet experience or a quick bite with friends. You can sit inside and relax in the cosy surroundings or enjoy the garden outside with views of Table Mountain and watch the world pass you by.
Swarms of Cape Town locals gather in this ‘not so secret’ location for romantic dates or after work cocktails, drawn by the atmosphere that now spills out of its gates every night. Its homely feel combines with friendly service. The menu can’t be tied to one particular style of food either. East Asian influences come side by side with another dish more likely found in the Middle East, France or even a classic English pub.
– This photo of Kloof Street House is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Wanting to try it all, we agreed on a selection of starters – the Braised Oxtail and Wild Mushrooms on Toast and the Chicken Liver Parfait being our favourites on the night. I’ve also heard the Tempura Tender Stem Broccoli is quite a treat. One of the many reasons to return!
The favoured thing to do is sample a selection of their starters. The mains, though delicious, warming dishes for winter, are less adventurous and more common features found on most South African menus. However, they make Kloof Street House the perfect place for undecided diners or first date couples to dine and keep their options open.
The key to dining here is to save room for dessert! It probably doesn’t matter which one you go for but I can personally vouch for the Chocolate Fondant – the quintessential picture of death by chocolate. My advice: don’t share, you’re sure to regret it.
Kloof Street House is open Mondays for Dinner, Tuesdays to Saturdays 12h00 to late
Stop by for Sunday Lunch when Kloof Street House hosts a Jazz BandTo Book:
30 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town | Tel: 021 423 4413 | info@kloofstreethouse.co.za