Chapter 2: Fine Dining
If you’re on the hunt for a posh meal – somewhere preferably smart, with white tablecloths and a sense of occasion – you’ll be sorted at one of the following culinary bastions. Please note that reservations for these restaurants is essential.
Fyn
The fast-paced, innercity location informs much of the menu at Fyn, which reimagines the refinement of Japanese cuisine by subverting it into a local context. It has also been dubbed as No.37 The World's 50 Best Restaurants and the best in Africa 2022.
Why go?
Amid its downtown aesthetic and lofty views, South Africa’s wild freedom is tempered by the rigours of contemporary cuisine to create a restaurant at the very edge of it all.
Tuna sashimi, hamachi tataki, binchotan grilled blue prawn, ikura and chirizu sauce, Image Credit: FYN
Details
a: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
w: fynrestaurant.com
t: +27 21 286 2733
e: info@fynrestaurant.com
h: Lunch: Monday to Saturday, 12h00 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 18h00 – 20h30
La Colombe
One of the most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining experiences in South Africa. Dishes comprise a seamless fusion of Asian and French cuisine created from fresh seasonal produce, clean flavours and classical elegance.
Why go?
Look forward to contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining. La Colombe is one of Cape Town’s most well-loved and awarded restaurants and is no stranger to S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining, Image Credit: La Colombe
Details
a: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town
w: lacolombe.restaurant
t: +27 21 794 2390
e: reservations@lacolombe.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 13h30 (last seating)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 20h00 (last seating)
Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo
Seaside dining has never looked or tasted this good. Join Liam Tomlin and Chef Braam Beyers as they take your tastebuds on a journey right at the ocean's edge.
Why go?
The view paired with sustainably sourced, marine dining that pays homeage to the ocean breaking right in front of you, makes this an unforgettable experience.
Courses draws inspiration from the endless Atlantic ocean views, Image Credit: Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo
Details
a: Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay
w: chefswarehouse.co.za/cw-tintswalo
t: +27 21 541 0165
e: tintswalo@chefswarehouse.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 16h30 (last order for tapas at 14h30)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 22h00 (last order for tapas at 20h30)
Belly of the Beast
The menu changes daily and is made up of what the chefs can grow, find, source or steal. All you have to do is show up and trust them to satisfy with their seasonal fair.
Why go?
It’s all about sustainable eating at this nose to tail institution. The name referencing their no-waste, ethically-raised meat approach.
All you do is show up and trust to be satisfy with their seasonal fare, Image Credit: Belly of the Beast
Details
a: 110 Harrington Street, Cape Town
w: bellyofthebeast.co.za
t: +27 76 220 5458
e: eat@bellyofthebeast.co.za
h: Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, from 12h30
h: Dinner: Monday to Saturday, from 18h45
Pier
Offering an intimate, multi-course fine-dining experience at the V&A Waterfront, PIER offers diners an opportunity to escape to the tranquillity of waterside dining – with the iconic views that have made this location famous worldwide.
Why go?
With Norris-Rogers as Head chef, diners can expect the finest local produce to take centre stage, with a special emphasis on inspiration from the ocean – and, the table-side theatrics guests have come to expect from the team.
Offering an intimate, multi-course fine-dining experience, Image Credit: PIER
Details
a: 9 Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: pier.restaurant/food
t: +27 21 879 6329
e: reservations@pier.restaurant
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 13h30 (last seating)
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 19h30 (last seating)
Salsify
Tradition and history are interpreted with an irreverent but affectionate graffiti-art twist at Salsify, reinvigorating the old Roundhouse building and its storied past into a menu that pushes gastronomical boundaries with delicately intense seasonal flavours.
Why go?
The magical setting on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head overlooking Camps Bay is well worth the trek for Luke Dale-Roberts and Ryan Cole’s inventive seven-course tasting menu.
Pushing gastronomical boundaries, Image Credit: Salsify
Details
a: The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay
w: salsify.co.za
t: +27 21 010 6444
e: reservations@salsify.co.za
h: Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h30 ‒ 14h00; Sunday, 12h30 – 15h00 (Last lunch booking at 14h00)
h: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 18h00 ‒ 20h30 (Last dinner booking at 20h30)
The Waterside
Superbly located away from the crowds in the V&A Waterfront along the ocean's edge, The Waterside offers a casual yet refined dining experience with world-famous views.
Why go?
Appreciate the ideal setting from the outdoor dock while savouring a sophisticated but more casual menu prepared by accomplished head chef Roxy Mudie, which is nothing less than a unique and delightfully delicious experience.
Harbour views and an outstanding fine-dining experience, Image Credit: The Waterside
Details
a: Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
w: thewaterside.restaurant/about
t: +27 21 879 6329
e: reservations@thewaterside.restaurant
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h30 – 20h30
Foxcroft
Guided by the French principle of "soigné" each course is meticulously crafted and served with sophistication, care, and elegance.
Why go?
Hidden in the beautiful suburbs of Constantia, Foxcroft excels in creating impeccable fine dining experiences in a more casual and approachable format. Chef Glen Williams and the team create delicious dishes by treating even the most simple ingredients with care, making this a perfect lunch or dinner choice for special occasions.
Chef Glen Williams creates masterpieces like these, Image Credit: Foxcroft
Details
a: Groot Constantia Road, Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Cape Town
w: foxcroft.restaurant
t: +27 21 202 3304
e: reservations@foxcroft.co.za
h: Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12h00 – 14h00
h: Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 18h00 – 20h30
Homespun
Stepping from the outside world into Homespun is designed to transport you to a stress-free haven through Matt Shreuder's delectable creations.
Why go?
Every dish contains flavour combinations thoughtfully crafted into a gastronomy masterpiece, sure to win over your heart (and tastebuds). Every part of Homespun tells a beautiful story, from the decor to the menu, and you’re welcome to be a part of it.
Indulge in this artistry inspired by Asian, local and worldly flavours, Image Credit: Homespun
Details
Homespun Blouberg
a: 3C Porterfield Road, Table View
w: homespunbymatt.co.za/homespun-blouberg
t: +27 21 556 2824
e: reservations@homespunbymatt.co.za
h: Tuesday to Saturday, 17h00 – 00h00 (Last order at 21h45)
Homespun Claremont
a: 5 Phyllis Road, Claremont
w: homespunbymatt.co.za/homespun-at-the-andros
t: +27 22 300 0295
e: reservations@homespunandros.co.za
h: Lunch: Saturday, 12h00 – 16h00
h: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 17h30 – 23h00
Reverie Social Table
Reverie welcomes you to a five-course social dining experience where chef and owner Julia Hattingh creates dreamy menus focusing on seasonal and local produce from around South Africa.
Why go?
Unlike the typical restaurant experience, Reverie celebrates the social aspect of dining out by hosting a dinner party. Guests enjoy delicious food made to complement selected wines from local wineries while getting to meet others around the shared table. It's a five-course, one-table affair that ticks every box imaginable.
Tuck into the exquisite feast and conversation around the Social Table, Image Credit: Reverie Social Table
Details
a: 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
w: reverie.capetown
t: +27 79 060 6971
e: info@reverie.capetown
h: Wednesday to Saturday, 18h30 (one seating only)
RIKŪ
Limited to 12 guests per sitting, this intimate restaurant invites you to discover a new realm of fine dining where the rules are redefined and new flavour combinations are invented.
Why go?
With a wealth of knowledge and talent, Michelin-winning chef Rikku O'Donnchu is the culinary maestro behind the chef's counter. Not only will you be blown away by the food, but you'll also be entertained by the skilled team of chefs preparing your food in front of you. Plus, you'll have Old School Hiphop as the soundtrack to your experience.
Abstract, artistry, food for thought, Image Credit: RIKŪ
Details
a: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
w: riku-chefscounter.com
t: +27 66 136 6595
e: chef@riku-chefscounter.com
h: Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 12h30 (one seating only)
h: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 18h00 and 20h30 (two seatings only)
Galjoen
This responsibly-caught seafood restaurant showcases the beauty of sea life with its tasting menu unlike any other.
Why go?
Chef Isca Stoltz's ability to work magic in the kitchen creates a feast for the eyes and mouth with every course served.
Local is most certainly 'lekker', Image Credit: Galjoen
Details
a: 99 Harrington Street, Cape Town
w: galjoencpt.co.za
t: +27 79 093 0559
e: eat@galjoencpt.co.za
h: Lunch: Thursday to Saturday, 12h30
h: Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 18h45
Please Note: This building is, unfortunately, only accessible by stairs.
Chapter 2/14
