The best new restaurants in Cape Town

Summer FOODOF

The best new restaurants in Cape Town

While we remain devoted to restaurants that have stood the test of time, sometimes only something shiny and new will do. We’re always the first in line to try the buzzy new spot on the block – and then tell you about it. Lately, Cape Town has seen an emergence of new restaurants attuned to cosmopolitan crowds with a penchant for contemporary cuisine and design. The industry’s most pioneering individuals are debuting new concepts and reimagining the old. Ready to dig in? Here, a selection of standout spots in a city dense with incredible food.

OUZERI

Mentored by restaurateur Natasha Sideris of Tashas fame, chef Nic Charalambous is regarded as a rising star of Cape Town’s food scene – and he’s in full creative flight at Ouzeri. He succeeds, completely and beautifully. Named after a type of Greek tavern which serves ouzo and mezedes, this eatery fittingly focuses on a collection of small plates usually paired with booze (and there’s plenty of it). The décor has a distinct whiff of Cyprus’s irresistible promise of sea, sand and sun all year round. A whole palette of ochre tones can be admired. Every detail – from the plastered white walls and the brass light fittings, to the cosy corners dressed with embroidered cushions and the textured bar fringe under the wooden stairs – breathes refinement. It’s one of those restaurants that have a welcoming feeling and always feel right, no matter the occasion. A lively playlist and subtle, engaged service perfectly match the laidback elegance. Ouzeri serves Greek-Cypriot cuisine taken up a notch with modern flourishes and organic and artisanal produce. The

menu is a superbly balanced mash-up: Start with the precisely plated taramasalata and chickpea fries as well as the green olives – served warm to accentuate the paprika oil, spicy citrus and coriander marinade’s lemony flavour. Savour it with a Caperitif vermouth spritz, or the ultimate bittersweet negroni with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. Then, work your way up to their famed anari and spinach dumplings, Cream of the Crop halloumi, warm, just-baked potato bread topped with pork neck kalamaki, and sweet and sour whitebait savoro – lightly fried fish with blackcurrants, fennel salt and hibiscus vinegar; an experience that will make all seafood enthusiasts yearn to return. Evenings are for meat aficionados with fine cuts from the best origins. Book ahead for dinner, where the ante is upped with a parade of road-less-travelled flavour and texture combinations. Regional dishes are made with flair … the likes of lahanodolmades (cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice) and fennel broth, say, and lamb ribs with skordalia (a rich and hearty Greek potato dip) and ladolemono (like a supercharged vinaigrette). It’s all good, often sublime, including the finely tuned wine list. Get the mahalepi, a refreshing summer pudding featuring pomegranate, Campari and clementine sorbet for dessert – you saved room, didn’t you?

58 Wale Street, Cape Town 061 533 9071 www.ouzeri.co.za

HACIENDA

You absolutely can’t leave Cape Town without trying this new coastal Mexican restaurant. Those who love to be surprised and experiment with new flavours will adore Hacienda on the Bree Street strip. It’s a dark and stylish culinary temple with exposed brick walls, natural wood touches, a variety of earthy tints, gold accents and one of the best high-end menus in town. Energy pulsates through this restaurant headed by executive chef Justin Barker and sous chef Michael Badenhorst all seven days of the week. It’s as great a spot to snack and sip margaritas as it is for a multi-course meal. The team turns out pricey, pristine and market-fresh Baja California fare, bolstered by from-scratch ingredients, such as homemade totopos, mole sauce and tortillas made with masa harina. Crispy beef brisket, frijol negro, sea bass ceviche, chorizo prawns, a few tacos, marinated lamb chops – the cooking style here beautifully melds coastal Mexican tropes and ingredients. Warm tortillas beg to be dipped in authentic mole sauce featuring spicy, smoky and earthy-sweet notes. Must-have dishes include the guacamole prepared tableside; freshly shucked drunken oysters with Los Danzantes Espadín Joven Mezcal salsa verde, salmon roe caviar, burnt corn and cholula; chorizo chicken with embutido, tiger’s milk aioli and a garlic, onion and oregano crumb; and the signature flame-licked wagyu denver steak with truffle, blackened onion purée and papas a la cono. Whatever you do, don’t miss the

Baja-style lobster tacos, a pitch-perfect sensory experience that revels in exciting flavours. Succulent tempura lobster, spiked with fennel salsa, pomegranate aioli and dried grapefruit, pops with colour. The tortilla-to-meat ratio is perfectly balanced and the black tortillas are thin and springy. The cool kids aren’t just here to dine, however. They’re also here to drink and improve their understanding of tequila. Inspired cocktails – like a paloma, an añejo old fashioned or a michelada flavoured with Clamato tomato juice – are always a good idea, as are the churros with burnt banana dulce and a moreish chocolate guajillo ice cream. The carefully curated set menu for two and tequila flight certainly shouldn’t be missed, but is best saved for a ravenous moment. It’s also worth noting that the service really stands out here. The result of the floor team’s winning blend of knowledge and charm is a truly memorable meal. Straight fire!

92 Bree Street, Cape Town 021 422 0128 www.hacienda.co.za

THE WATERSIDE

One thing about Cape Town – there’s a great view wherever you look. Nowhere will you feel more in love with the Mother City than at the V&A Waterfront, where you can stroll along the swing bridge at the Clock Tower or gaze across the water. In summer tourists can be a little overpowering, but at The Waterside you’ll miss all the hustle and bustle. The latest restaurant in the La Colombe Group’s stable is an absolute cracker – vibrant, exciting and alive with creativity. The modern dining space found in the Pierhead Building has all the trimmings of fine dining, but without the unnecessary pomp. Natural light spills across the spacious interior, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, light natural wood and glistening bar. You’ll be forgiven for wanting to wallow in the beauty of the harbour views. Yet for all the laidback charm, it’s clear that head chef Roxy Mudie – along with an all-star lineup of floor staff – brings exceptional talent to the equation. Make the most of the warm weather and dine waterside.

A beef tartare, oat and jalapeño tartlet and a meltingly soft, almost buttery milk bun with a cloud-like texture set the tone for the nine-course Chef’s Menu. It’s served with two dips – roasted garlic, smoked pine nut and rosemary as well as chicken liver parfait and rhubarb. Next, prawns arrive grilled to perfection, reclining in Cape Malay apricots, sweet potato and an intense slick of green asparagus espuma. Punchy Thai broth enlivens fresh salmon, shimeji mushrooms and avocado; celeriac risotto is a silken base for sage and goat’s cheese; and Szechuanspiced pork belly is chicly accessorised with a caramelised scallop, sunshine-hued corn and peanuts. Grass-fed beef is anything but prosaic teamed with smoked garlic and a Madagascan green peppercorn sauce, while raspberry sorbet, peaches, vanilla and prosecco loaded up with coarsely torn croissant provides a tasty excuse to linger. Coffee bonbons from the bonbon chest send diners sweetly on their way. Wine is sourced from near and far – B Vinters Haarlem to Hope from Stellenbosch rubs shoulders with The Wine Thief Costa del Swart from the Swartland and Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet from the Hemel-en-Aarde wine area. However, like the relaxed dining room, the wine pairing plays a supporting role to the food. Whether you’re celebrating life’s milestones or simply treating yourself, dining at The Waterside is a must-do. The perfect expression of self-care.

Pierhead Building (between the NSRI and Life Grand Café), V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, Cape Town 021 879 6329 www.thewaterside.restaurant

2022 FESTIVE SEASON

EVENTS AND SPECIALS

Yebo Gogo – it’s that time of the year again! Time to plan where to go for your Summer holidays, Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve celebrations! To make your Festive Season planning a breeze, here are some fabulous specials offered at a few top independent hotels from around the country and Cape Country Routes establishments in the the Western Cape.

TURBINE BOUTIQUE

HOTEL AND SPA

The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa - that funky boutique hotel housed in an old power station - situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, also a honeymoon suite and self-catering suites. Delicious food is a given at both the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub, the Turbine Water Club offers various water-based activities and the Turbine Spa a wide range of body and beauty treatments. Great Festive season specials include the ‘valid to 11 December 2022’ Accommodation Packages: 2 Nights Pamper Package - per couple R4 800 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Spa treatment per couple and complimentary bottle of House Wine for Dinner; 2 nights Activity Package - per couple R4 300 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Couples Sunset Cruise, complimentary bottle of House Wine for Dinner and the 3 Night Pamper Package - per couple R6 300 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Spa treatment per couple. The ‘valid to 11 December 2022’ Turbine Spa Special - choose any TWO 30 min treatments for R599 pp – back, neck & shoulder massage/appetiser Theravine facial/ foot & leg massage/express pedicure. The Gastro Pub’s December line-up on Fridays from 18h30, includes Johnny Wolf on the 2nd, William on the 9th, Suzi on the 16th, Fat Alice on the 23rd and Daan-Louie on the 30th. And at the Island Café celebrate with your family and friends on 24 December, Christmas Eve Dinner from 19h00 at R395 (kids u/12 half price); on 25 December, Christmas Day Lunch from 12h30 for 13h00 at R495 (kids u/12 R250) with music by Graham on the piano and Christmas Day Dinner from 18h30 for 19h00 with Minx on the violin from 18h30 to 21h30 at R395 (kids u/12 R250) and bring in the new year on 31 December at the New Year’s Eve Dinner Party from 19h30 (for 20h00) with live music by Marike from 19h30 pm to 12h30 - R750. All bookings are subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply. Raw Africa Boutique Collection’s ‘perched-on-ahilltop-overlooking-the-bay’ Sky Villa Boutique Hotel for luxury accommodation and The ‘toes-inthe-sand…sipping cocktails on the deck’ Bungalow for a more informal style have great music and events lined-up for December and the new year: 16 and 17 December - the Plett Wine & Adventure Festival, 23 December - Watershed, 25 December - Christmas Lunch from 12h00 until 17h00 - R790 per person (kids half price), 29 December the ‘ We Love Summer Festival’, and on 31 December bring in the New Year in style at a party-in-the-sky at the Sky Bar with live music, on 4 January 2023 rock on with Springbok Nude Girls, and Ross Learmonth from Prime Circle on 6 January. Bookings are essential. Ts & Cs apply.

Email:

enquiries@rawafricaboutiquecollection.co.za www.rawafricaboutiquecollection.com

SKY VILLA

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

WALKERSONS HOTEL & SPA

The 5-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa, set in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, with its endless vistas, well stocked trout dams, private hotel rooms and self-catering family and luxury cottages and spa is renowned for its stylish country charm. And it is the perfect place to relax and unwind and to indulge in a superb Christmas Day luncheon - the delicious three-course set Christmas Day lunch menu with various choices – R 440 per adult, with a kids menu for younger children (with accompanying adults) is from 12h30 to 15h30. Ts & Cs apply.

Booking is essential - 013 253 7000, reservations@walkersons.co.za, www.walkersons.co.za

DE HOOP COLLECTION

A member of Cape Country Routes, De Hoop Collection in De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and a short three hours’ drive from Cape Town is the perfect destination to wind down the year. It offers - aside from world-class whale-watching and a bird enthusiasts’ paradise with more than 260 species of birds including the endangered Cape Vultures - pristine beaches, incredible food and wine, stunning views and a wide range of accommodation options. These accommodations - the Opstal Manor House, the Cloete & the Otter Suites (all dinner, bed and breakfast), the self-catering Equipped Cottages and Melkkamer Manor House plus five Campsite Rondawels, are available over the Christmas period 24 to 26 December 2022, on a ‘first come - first served’ basis. in-house guests can look forward to a delicious Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and on New Year’s Eve, a lovely evening with dinner and music. To enhance your festive stay you can book guided activities for the whole family – from boat cruises on the 19 km wetland to nature drives or marine walks at the Marine Protected Coastline or order a delectable picnic basket and explore the reserve on foot or bicycle.

Book your stay for the upcoming festive season. Ts & Cs apply.

Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com

CAPE COUNTRY ROUTES

A leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments located along popular road travel routes in the Western and Eastern Cape.

4-STAR

ARNISTON SPA HOTEL

The Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s great getaways - a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town it is where you can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy excellent cuisine. Celebrate the year end with a Christmas Day lunch buffet at R760 (R660 excl vat) per head (R380 per child u/12), and the start of the new year with the New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, 5-course set menu and a Midnight Fireworks display and a glass of MCC Sparkling Wine - R1 095 per person. The hotel’s ‘Kids Club’ runs from the start of the school holidays until schools reopen in January. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

EENDRACHT

HOTEL & APARTMENTS

A member of Cape Country Routes, the elegant award-winning 4-star Eendracht Hotel & Apartments situated in the heart of Stellenbosch and an excellent base from which to explore Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Route and the beautiful West Coast. It is that time of the year! Time to prepare for Christmas. Senobia’s Christmas Lunch from R 375 per person - a glass of bubbly welcomes you and then indulge in a slow cooked venison & cherry pie, and roast leg of lamb, sliced glazed Gammon and Beef Tongue and end this superb meal with a traditional Christmas pudding served with Nobi’s homemade ice-cream; you can come back for more on Boxing Day for the two-course Lunch at R250 per person, with a choice of traditional Lamb Pie, Bacon & Smoked Pork ‘Oepsies’, Lemon & Herb Chicken Fillets followed by the grand finale - Malva pudding with homemade custard or Fruit Salad and Nobi’s homemade ice cream. New Year’s three-course Lunch features Lamb Bredie and Pulled Pork Pie and Milk Tart with Nobi’s home-made ice-cream for dessert at R189 per person. All lunches from 13h00 – 16h00. Ts & Cs apply.

Tel: +27 21 883 8843 | Email: reservations@eendracht-hotel.com | www.eendracht-hotel.com

MONTAGU

COUNTRY HOTEL

Cape Country Routes’ charming 4-star Montagu Country Hotel in Montagu, nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of and within a comfortable driving distance from Cape Town is the perfect destination for a getaway. An original Art Deco hotel - the only one in the country it offers comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities, and warm hospitality and is gearing up for and two end-of the-year celebrations. On Christmas Day, a Christmas Buffet Lunch with a selection of starters that include Venison Pie served with Pear & Date Chutney & Balsamic Roasted Baby Beetroot and Malay Spiced Duck Consommé served with Fondant Potato, Cured Duck Breast & Carrot Puree; Mains - Roasted Lamb Loin served with Pommes Anna, Garlic Sauteed Green Beans & Red Wine Rosemary Jus OR Pork Duette: Smoked Pork Belly & Sweet Spiced Pork Fillet served with Pommes Anna, Cinnamon Pumpkin Tart & Spiced Apple Sauce, and the delicious dessert, Brandy & Date Pudding served with Malt Ice Cream, “Honeycomb” & Brandied Cranberry at R435 per person. The New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance on 31 December is R395 per person. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com The Cape Country Routes’ 4-star Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale, just off Route 62 and close to the Tradouw Pass will be celebrating the Christmas season in a classically decorated vintage Christmas style. It will be hosting a few events in its Belanti Ballroom - on 11 December - Barrydale Fight Night - a fun celebrity boxing fundraiser for local charities with one of the headline bouts being between the Mayor of Swellendam, Francoise Du Rand and the ‘Mayor’ of Barrydale, wine maker and owner of Joubert Tradouw wine estate Meier Joubert. Tickets: R500; and on 17 December - a treat for music fans with the reuniting of the 80s SA rock sensation Ella Mental - Ella Mental Live at 18h00 - Tickets from R250 / VIP R300 (only 40 VIP seats). Taking place at the same time - 16 to 18 December - just up the road, within a taxi ride of the hotel is the iconic Karoo Saloon’s ‘Under Karoovian Skies’ Rock Festival, and 16 December also sees the opening of the new Barrydale Cycling Loop - 80kms of awesome jeep track riding through a combination of lush fruit farms and the endless Karoo horizons. And to bring in the new year 31 December will see the return of last year’s sensational New Year’s eve street party - the hotel and neighbour Bistro Blues will close off the street for a party of note. With the theme ‘You are the light’, revellers are requested to come draped in LED lights - as a guarantee that load shedding will definitely not disrupt the spirit of Barrydale! The hotel hosts a weekly movie night in its bioscope on Fridays – with featured films all 50 years and older Classics, a weekly Open Mic night in the bar paired with a Happy Hour from 18h00 to 20h00 (free of charge and open to the public) and it co-ordinates a ‘Barrydale To Do’ list - over 30 fun adventures in and around Barrydale ranging from a ’spirited’ alcohol orientated tour of local distilleries, the local brewery and top wine producer, to a meditation walk, history walks, various runs, visits to artists’ homes, cycles and visits to an eclectic selection of local emporiums. It is also an ideal base for anyone attending the Barrydale Analogue Festival (the art and work of South Africa’s top analogue photographers) from 9 -19 December (www.bapf.co.za) Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

KAROO ART HOTEL

Roughly 325 kms from Cape Town, Cape Country Routes’ newest member, Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve is situated - travelling by car from Matjiesfontein on the R354 - 15 kms before Sutherland in the Roggeveld, in the South African Great Karoo region. Its inclusive, fully catered accommodation, situated within the Rogge Cloof Eco-Village (12 kms from the Rogge Cloof main entrance) comprises eight luxurious, open plan Orion Suites and the unique and cosy ‘ideal -for-couples’ Heike’s Cottage and its self-catering accommodation comprises Cedar Cottage, Oryx House, The Stables 1 & 2, The Waenhuis Homestead and Wolskuur Cottage (the original shearing barn). Celebrate Christmas at Rogge Cloof - inhouse guests and ‘outside’ guests Christmas Eve Dinner - 24 December - at R400 (adults), R185 (kids 4 -12) and kids u/4 free. Appetisers – selection including Smoked Haddock Salad, Biltong & Cheese Platters, assorted Vegetable quiches, Breads – cocktail rolls, garlic bread, cheese and onion loaf with assorted spreads. Entrees include gammon, leg of lamb, spinach & feta ravioli and the desserts – trifle, mocha sticky toffee pudding, lemon meringue pie, lamingtons and creme anglaise will have you asking for seconds. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

For something completely different - celebrate December at Cape Country Routes’ Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Cruises – a shark cage diving and viewing and boat-based whale watching Company based in Kleinbaai, Western Cape. Marine Dynamics Whale Tours has a fantastic Christmas gift for loyal South African supporters. Instead of a 30% discount there is now a 45% discount on the standard rate. Book a Marine Big 5 Adventure - a 2.5 hour long life changing marine adventure for all ages and you’ll get to see seals, sharks, whales, penguins and dolphins in their natural habitat around the world-famous Dyer Island Ecosystem. SA Locals can book from 1 December 2022 to 10 January 2023 at a 45% discount on full rates - this only applies to the adult rates – children rates remain the same as the current SA Special rate. • Rack Rate: Adult: R1450 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R1040 P/P + R30 p/p • Current SA Special Rate: Adult: R950 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R300 P/P + R30 p/p • December Special Rate: Adult: R800 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R300 P/P + R30 p/p Free entrance to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com

CAPE COUNTRY ROUTES’ MARINE DYNAMICS/DYER ISLAND CRUISES