New Cape Restaurants

This section aims to be an update of new restaurants that I have tried or want to try in Cape Town and the surrounding wine regions.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list – merely a list of what looks really exciting for this season.  We are blessed to live in Cape Town, a creative hub where new restaurants open all the time.  As such our aim is to keep working our way through the exciting offerings in our city! Note that this section is divided into two sections – the first section covers new restaurants in Cape Town and the second covers new restaurants in the Cape Winelands – simply scroll down to see this part.  A reminder to local Capetonians – this list will still include restaurants that have been open for a while – the reason is that they will still be new to those that last visited us last summer – and we don’t want them to miss out on what we have found!

New Cape Town Restaurants:

1. The Boat House - celebrating the Art of Table d’ Hôte – yes – book to dine in one of South Africa’s most well known chefs – Bruce Robertson’s home in Scarborough Cape Town.  This opens on 1 Feb 2012.  Note that the drive is about one hour from the city of Cape Town area.  Open Mon- Sat for lunch only.  To book call Bruce on 083 305 85 33 or e-mail chef@chefbrucerobertson.com.  Address: 36 Beach Rd, Scarborough.   I am really quite excited about this one and cannot wait to get out there and try it!
2. Camps Bay: Lots of new spots that I want to try out!  
   • The Grand Cafe Camps Bay – is now being operated by the guys that had Sand Bar next door.  The Sand Bar was forced to close as the rent got too high.  It was an institution among us locals as a favourite spot to chill and to enjoy reasonably priced meals such as their famous spinach salad and steak burger.  Update Jan 2012 – apparently the Sandbar menu is only for breakfast & lunch.  The Grand menu is operating in the evening – a pity as I prefer the Sandbar menu!! I did however have an outstanding prawn and mushroom pasta there last night.  The staff were so lovely and welcoming and we had an amazing evening with a Brit called Matt! 
   • Blues Beach House  - I think they were also under strain of the high rentals and lower tourism numbers – as such they have gone for a smaller space and gone for more of a Bistro feel and price range – lets hope this attracts more people to them.   Blues was the first fine dining establishment on the Camps Bay Strip and is an institution. I love the new decor and I have love the write up on the chef – read about him here – so wonderfully down to earth.  Could it be that Camps Bay will start getting its foodie act together and start having some good chefs on the strip – ohhhhh that would be sooo amazing – imagine great views with great food!! What a treat!  To book: 021 438 2040 or info@blues.co.za   
   • Tides at the Bay Hotel – Press release 22/11/2011: (Pam –  the fact that he opened the Noisy Oyster in Paternoster which is one of my favourite restaurants of all time – means that I definitely want to try this one out!!!) We are delighted to welcome Brian Smit as Head Chef of The Bay Hotel and Tides Restaurant.  Brian discovered his passion for food when he started as a kitchen porter whilst travelling through Europe. After returning to South Africa he trained at top class restaurants in and around Cape Town such as The Garden of Africa in Stellenbosch, The Railway House in Muizenberg and The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay. In 2006 he partnered a friend in opening the very popular Noisy Oyster Restaurant in the West Coast town of Paternoster. “The Noisy got busier every year and became a sort of cult status. We were definitely doing something right, but the success of the restaurant was, and still is hard work and determination.” Brian is adventurous in his cooking, combining French cooking techniques with local produce, and a slight Asian twist. His menus are inventive as they change daily incorporating fresh, local and organic produce where possible, and every dish is freshly prepared. Open for dinner Tues – Sat To book tel  +27 (0) 21 430 4444
   • Mezopolina - ok so this is a wrong name – I am searching everywhere for the right one!! But alas cannot find it – it sounds like this name!! It is on the Camps Bay strip near the Pick n’Pay end -and it is Greek and I have heard good reports – I am hoping to try it out on Friday – so will be back on this site to correct my typo
   • Mussels - new spot offering Mussels in front of the Bay Hotel – it looks interesting – will revert!! 
3. Harbour House V&A Waterfront – opened in October 2011 in the Waterfront.  The Harbour House in Kalk Bay is renowned for providing a fine dining seafood experience combined with excellent service.  This has been carried through to the new spot in the Waterfront.  This is now my new favourite restaurant in the Waterfront – we have spent many many many hours on the roof here over Xmas.  It boasts the best location in the Waterfront – upstairs is the drinks bar – think “champers & oysters” or vodka and sushi – yes – this is decadent and fun and you can lurk all afternoon or evening up here for drinks and boat watching – I love it!!  Should you wish to have a proper meal the main restaurant is downstairs – design is slick, white and gorgeous.  The owner Michael certainly has great taste!!  The food is as good as Kalk Bay – the service is fab too – the setting is also great.  Make sure you book for outside on the terrace.  Note – make sure you book – this is new and anything new plus good in Cape Town is very difficult to get into.  To book call 021 418 47 44
4. The Dog’s Bollocks – new no frills gourmet bar in a garage!  Read this review by a fellow blogger (my love affair with cape town) by clicking here - I have to get there – it looks such fun! 6 Roodehek Street Gardens, Mon – Sat 5pm – 10pm – she suggests getting there early as they only make a certain amount of burgers and you may miss out!
5. Toro – new gourmet wine bar in De Waterkant.  This is getting exceptionally good write ups – so I plan to get there ASAP!   There is a lovely article on Eat Out on it – click here to read it.  Open Mon – Fri 10am to late, Sat 4pm to late and closed on Sundays.  68 Waterkant Street, De Waterkant.  Call 021 418 2846 or visit their website on http://www.torowines.co.za
6. The Test Kitchen by Luke Dale Roberts – For foodies this opening is really exciting.  Luke won the award for the top chef in South Africa and also ensured that La Colombe restaurants stayed in the ranks of being rated as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world by British Restaurant Magazine.   He will still be involved with La Colombe as a consulting chef – he has however decided to branch out and open his own restaurant.  The choice of location is interesting being in the up and coming hotspot for new cafes – Woodstock.   The area is a little rough and tough!   So be prepared for an interesting drive to get there!  The location is the Biscuit Mill – an old mill premises that has been converted to include an interesting assortment of shops and is home to the Saturday morning “foodie” market called the Neighbourhood Goods Market.     This is top of my hitlist to visit and try out.   The concept is to have an ongoing presentation of imaginitive dishes.  The kitchen is open plan and Luke plans to spend half the week creating new dishes and the rest of the week presenting them to the guests!  Sounds like fun.  Ideas for the future are to have cooking demonstration evenings and to have food and wine pairing events at his new restaurant.  Note that it is already difficult to get bookings – so book well in advance.  Call +27 (021)-4472337. www.thetestkitchen.co.za Physical address: Unit 104A, Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert road, Woodstock, Cape Town  Lunch: 12:30pm – 2:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday   Dinner: 7:30pm – 8:30pm, Wednesday to Saturday
7. The Planet Restaurant - opened its doors in December 2010.  This was a much needed change from the old restaurant that was at the Mount Nelson Hotel.  A few years ago the Mount Nelson opened the Planet Bar, which is a champagne bar with fun modern decor which includes a ceiling with stars that light up.  This has become a favourite for drinks on a Friday among the Capetonians.  The Planet theme has been extended to the very stylish new restaurant on the property.  Chef Rudi Liebenberg is already impressing the “foodies” in Cape Town with his menu.  You can either opt for the a la carte or for the Journey Menu – which is a 6 course tasting menu designed around local fresh produce that is available.    This is a fine dining restaurant and would be recommended for those wishing to experience Cape Towns best restaurants.  Open daily evenings only.  Tel no +27 (0)21 483 1000.  Mount Nelson Hotel. 76 Orange Street. (Note for foodies: The Mount Nelson is famous for its High Tea which is served daily.  Make sure you book to enjoy this during Summer.)
8. Cafe Paradiso – same name, new ownership and recently renovated by the team who own Madam Zingara.  All the quaintness is back!  This is well worth booking to go to on a warm evening or during the day.  They have a wonderful front courtyard with lots of ambiance.  The food is Mediterranean in style and really good.  In addition they now cater for children during the day as the kids can be whisked off to go and make a ginger bread man or cupcakes or to simply watch the guys work in the bakery at the back.  There are also colouring in books to keep them happy.  As with all of Richard Griffiths properties it has a slight air of eccentricity and fun.  Check out my blog on Cafe Paradiso for more info by clicking here. Cafe Paradiso Tel +27 (21) 4238653  bookings@cafeparadiso.co.za Address: 110 Kloof Street,  Gardens, Cape Town (location is just above the city).
9. The Grand Cafe &  Beach Granger Bay - This is my absolute favourite as a place to really feel like you can kick back, relax and have that holiday feeling.  It is all about the amazing setting and ambiance that has been created here.  They took an old abandoned building – lobster shed – and kept the exterior as it was while restyling the interior completely.  The interiors are funky and fun.  The exterior has a large terrace for tables and a fake beach has been created to overlook Table Bay and the Waterfront area.  Add couches and chairs on the beach, with a great cocktail menu and you have a winning formula with half the city trying to get a booking!   Ratings on the food seem to vary from average to nice.  We have not ventured past the delicious gourmet pizzas which are excellent.  Note that the pizza’s are R200 a pizza – but they are large enough to feed 3 people.  Of note is the parma ham pizza which is delicious.  So, book for lunch or dinner – but whatever you do – make sure you make a booking as it is the new favourite place for the locals to visit (note you can go for drinks without booking).  Of interest is that you can simply text them your booking!  Granger Bay Road, off Beach Road, Granger Bay,  Cape Town. Tel+27 (0)21 4250551 For Reservations: Email: beach@thegrand.co.za or sms: +27(0)72 586 2052 (Note that they have now been open over a year and it is still a favourite spot for a sunny day!)
10. New Mexican Restaurants – there seems to be a theme of opening authentic Mexican restaurants this season.   This has been great fun as I am advised that what we were offering previously was more “TexMex” and not a great reflection of a country that has diverse cuisine offerings.  This new trend was started with the opening of Cosecha Restaurant on Noble Hill Wine estate last year.  This is a fabulous addition to the Mexican offering!  Two new Mexican restaurants that have opened in the central area of Cape Town are:
    1. El Burro – this is a wonderful new addition to our restaurant scene.   It is intimate, chilled out and a fun spot to hang out for an evening with friends.  Note this is not fine dining – it would best be summed up as a Mexican cafe.  The food is interesting – not gourmet.  It is well priced, great for drinks, funky decor including cactuses, skeletons and fairy lights.   It is a great place for a relaxing evening.   81 main road, greenpoint, 1st floor exhibition building, Cape Town.  Tel +27 (21) 433 2364  Open Mon-Sat 12pm-11:30pm
    2. San Julian – This is the first time I have actually been to a Mexican restaurant in this country that is owned by real Mexicans.  The family that has opened this spot are really warm and lovely.  You will want to go back just because of the fact that they are so warm and welcoming.  As with any Mexican restaurant opening in this country they face the challenge of finding the correct ingredients.  They quickly realized that they would need to be making their own fresh tortilla’s and most things from scratch as the basics were completely missing.  We really enjoyed our evening here – they have done the decor themselves and you can see it is a mix of items from their home and their lives.  The food was surprisingly a little bland, the margarita’s however were really good and we had an amazing evening here.   I would rate this spot highly as a really friendly local where it is fun to experience something a little different.  Tel: +27 (21) 419 4233.  Address: 3 Rose Street, Between Waterkant and Strand Street, Greenpoint, Cape Town (Note it is just above Truth Coffee) Open evenings only Mon – Sat.
11. Clarkes Dining - just opened early 2012 and fab and funky – very much a cafe style spot – will report back once I have been to check it out.  I love their blog after their first week - click here!  133 Bree Street.  e-mail: info@manfood.co.za  (021) 424 7648

New in the Cape Winelands:

1. The new restaurant looks fabulous at Vergelegen.  It is called “Stables At Vergelegen” and will be serving breakfast, lunch and *tapas (*currently served from 15h00 to 19h00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday).   Bookings are recommended and can be made by telephoning 021 847 2156 or via email on stables@vergelegen.co.za  (Opening times: Daily for breakfast & lunch – tapas as per above)
2. The Table at De Meye - people are starting to “buzz” about this addition to the Stellenbosch Winelands – so my curiosity is up and it is on my “hit list”!  They have kept it very simple – they offer one starter, one main and one dessert for R225 (this weeks price – perhaps it changes each week??).  The menu changes weekly.  As my sister says: “Think of it as visiting someones home for dinner.”   I do however think it would be best not to take a fussy friend along!!   The blog reflects their love of fresh ingredients – click here to check it out.   Kids under 12 dine at half of the main meals price.  To book contact Russel 083 252 9588 or e-mail rwasserfall@eca.co.za
3. The Kitchen – The Tasting Room at Maison Wine Estate – this restaurant is owned by Chris Weylandt of Weylandts furniture design fame.  It reflects his style – simple, beautiful, stylish and the perfect spot to relax in summer.  It is built out of a Victorian architecture farm cottage, they have simply added a stoop and some nice long tables out of the oak trees.  With the view of the lawns and the vines – it is just lovely!  The pricing is great – it looks like good value for money – so the locals are likely to be attracted to come through and try it out.  The wines are good – I love their chenin, their viognier and their shiraz.   I can’t wait to come and try out the food with a big group of friends – this spot needs a lovely long afternoon with good mates! Maison, Main Road, Franschhoek. Tel (021) 876-2116.  www.maisonestate.co.za Twitter: @MaisonEstate. Wednesday – Sunday 10h00 – 17h00.  (Note – the name of the restaurant is confusing!! So close to sooooo many others in the Cape!)
4. Pierneef at La Motte – I would highly recommend you book this restaurant
5. for lunch on your stay in the Cape.  A visit to the La Motte wine estate is wonderful experience.   The estate is owned by Hanneli Rupert.  The Rupert family are one of the most wealthy families in South Africa and have always had a love affair with art.  Here you can visit the art gallery and view some local art which includes a fairly large collection of one of our most famous artists – Pierneef.  The estate also boasts great sauvignon blanc (one of which is organic) and shiraz.  In the tasting room you are welcome to walk around the barrel maturation cellar and enjoy a very civilized wine tasting. The staff are extremely professional in the tasting room and focus on elegant presentation in a beautifully appointed room.  I love the lovely touch of bringing the glasses on a silver tray with either a ciabatta bread roll or crackers to clear the palate between tasting.  Located between the gallery and the tasting room is the beautiful Pierneef restaurant.  If you are a slightly larger group – make sure you try and secure one of the rustic wood tables under the oaks – if you get it, you will not want to move for the rest of the day.  The chef at Pierneef has tried to bring in historical Afrikaans flavours from the past in a contemporary way.   This does make the menu a little bit of a challenge as there are unknown and unusual flavour combinations (ever for us locals!).  They have however balanced it well with a daily specials menu that caters for the slightly less adventurous.  I have now eaten there a couple of times, and each time the food has been excellent, the service good, the atmosphere wonderful and the temptation to spend the whole day there – very large!  On the property you are welcome to wonder around the vegetable gardens and to go for a walk (well signposted – but not explored by me yet!).  They also have a deli/shop which is well worth popping into – it has everything from barrel wood chopping boards to the most delicious looking mini cakes such as lemon meringue and cheese cakes. (Location: on the R45 Franschhoek).  Tel+27(0)21 876 8800 or e-mail pierneef@la-motte.co.za Website: www.la-motte.com Note: closed on Mondays.
6. Babel at Babylonstoren is a wonderful new addition to the Cape Winelands. Babylonstoren is a new wine estate and boasts a fantastic 5* farm style accomodation which is both rustic and modern and extremely suited to those who are foodies!   They have been cultivating organic gardens for the last two years and their garden now boasts over 300 types of vegetables, herbs and types of fruit.  The estate recently launched their restaurant Babel, which is a celebration of the fresh produce of the farm and the surrounding region.  Open Wed – Sun for lunch. To book email enquiries@babylonstoren.com Or call them on +27 (0) 21 863 3852. For more information on Babylonstoren and Babel Restaurant check out  my blog on Babel on http://capefusiontours.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/babel-a-delightful-fresh-foodie-paradise-in-the-cape-winelands/
7. Sofia’s at Morgenster is named after Sophia Loren – which is quite appropriate as the estate is owned by Guilo Betrand (an Italian who has lived in SA for many years).  Sophia’s is the new venture of Craig Cormack.  Craig is co-owner of Overture Restaurant (one of SA’s top 10 restaurants) and is also a joint partner in a catering business with Chef Bertus Basson who is the head chef at Overture. Craig’s cuisine has been less accessible in the last few years and as such this is a really exciting restaurant opening.  The restaurant is located on Morgenster estate, which produces the best quality olive oil in the country, as well as award winning wines.  The restaurant is located in a little cottage on the property and actually has quite a relaxed homely feel to it.  Expect relaxed outside tables under the trees and a menu that will change every week.  The idea is to keep the creative juices of the kitchen running and to continually be inspired.  Secondly the idea is to change everything based on freshness and seasonality.  Note that dishes can be ordered separately from the menu – however I would strongly recommend doing a couple of courses so that you can sample as many dishes as possible.  Craig is talented, innovative and provides beautifully plated dishes.  I loved the fact that the staff are very accommodating – eg want to swop this dish with another – the answer each time has been “no problem”.   I would highly recommend a visit to Sofia’s at Morgenser.  A favourite touch that  I loved, is that they give you a mini ginger bread man with the coffee.  Tip: While in the area do not miss out on visiting the main tasting room to learn how to taste olive oils properly and stop at Vergelegen next door for a walk in the gardens and to see the historical homestead.  For more info on this region, check out Pam’s favourite Wine farms list on this website.  Open Lunch Wed – Mon (note this one of the few good restaurants open on a Monday), Dinner Wed – Sun.  Tel +27 21 847 1993. Location: Morgenster Estate, Vergelegen Avenue, Somerset West.
8. Ryan’s Kitchen – this is a new small fine dining establishment with a focus on incorporating local flavours into the dishes.  It is quaintly located in Rusthof Guesthouse on the main drag of Franschhoek (Huguenot Street – near Le Quartier).  The kitchen is open plan and as such you are very welcome to watch the dishes being prepared by Chef Ryan Smith.  www.ryanskitchen.co.za Open Tues to Sunday.  Tel no 021-8764598  Note from Pam: I think this chef is very talented and would highly recommend you try this spot if you are staying overnight in Franschhoek
9. The Common Room at Le Quartier Francais- my initial reaction was devastation that they had closed iCi at the hotel, which was a favourite of mine. Secondly, I was quite floored when they said that the new restaurant would not take bookings, it would be a first come first served.  Both thoughts were unfounded concerns.  Firstly, lets put this restaurant in context, the head chef at Le Quartier is the hugely talented Margot Janse who is rated as one of our top chefs in the country.  She is the chef behind the hugely award winning The Tasting Room restaurant, which is only open at night at the hotel.  The Common Room’s concept is to be a tapas bar that offers simple tapas style bites which are simply best described as mini flavour explosions.  The concept is to order a couple of items and share over a bottle or two of wine.  The setting is lovely; you can sit on the front terrace, inside with funky bright tables or in the back courtyard in the garden.  The dishes are well priced, the wine list is sadly on the high price end – so much as you would love to lurk for the whole afternoon – after you finish the tapas – chances are that it would be best to move onto coffee or to move further down the road to continue relaxing at one of the other side walk cafes!   I love the new restaurant.  Note that they have now decided to take bookings – however in quieter seasons, I don’t think you will need to worry about making a booking. Note that the tapas are only available at “meal times” – we tried to pop in for a snack at 4pm and were told they do not serve at that time!  So stick to meal times! +27 (21)8762151 www.lequartier.co.za Address: Le Quartier Francais, 16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek.  Open daily lunch and dinner.
10. The Long Table at Haskell Wine Estate (Also know as Dombeya Wine Estate) – this is an absolutely delightful addition to the Stellenbosch winelands.  It is set on the side of a small mountain and the tables are right next to the vineyards.   The Long Table offers a relaxed setting, delightful accessible dishes that will appeal to all tastes and is great value for money.   The menu boasts something that will appeal to everyone in a group visiting.  The food is not unnecessarily fussy, yet is beautifully plated with great attention to detail.   It is a winning combination and I would highly recommend it for a relaxed afternoon with friends.   For those that are fans of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, Haskell is importing it and offering it at a very reasonable price on the menu.  Dombeya is their range of accessibly priced wines, Haskell is their premium red range of wines that are extremely good.  Tastings of the Haskell range of wines is only available on the weekends – as are tastings of their imported range. HASKELL VINEYARDS, STELLENBOSCH. Tel: 021- 881 3746 / 021-881-3895 . www.longtable.co.za Open Tues to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.  Open Thurs and Friday early evening for sundowners and snack platters.
11. Tokara – has been slightly redecorated and re-launched with a new owner and new chef – Richard Carstens.   Carstens has for some years followed the El Buli style of deconstruction cooking.   In his former career he headed up the kitchen of Lynton Hall in Natal, he teamed up with Monolo in Cape Town and launched his own restaurant in Cape Town.  There is no doubt that he is an excellent chef.  Tokara restaurant boasts one of the loveliest views of Stellenbosch from its terrace, as such to get the best enjoyment out of the visit, it is recommended that you book on the outside terrace.   The restaurant is relaxed, there is no need to dress up to visit.  Note that the service is formal and that the food is fine dining at its most complicated.  For the average person, you would need to have extensive foodie knowledge to understand the menu!    Despite the challenge and lack of any idea of what is coming once you have ordered – the food is extremely good and the dishes highly creative.  TOKARA RESTAURANT, Tokara Estate, Hellshoogte Pass, STELLENBOSCH For reservations, call +27 21 885 2550 or email reservations@tokara.com www.tokararestaurant.co.za Open Tues – Sat for lunch & dinner.