Francis Wheeler
17-May-2012
I'm sorry, but an excellent setting and good menu does not compensate for poor service.
My wife and I dined for lunch at Overture on 18th April, and we were really excited having heard such good things and, having never succeeded in getting a table, we were sure to make the booking well in advance. The setting is splendid, with views overlooking the Winelands. Upon arrival, the welcoming was very polite, but things deteriorated from there. Single glasses of champagne which others were enjoying was not to be found on the menu so we had to ask. When both our starters and mains arrived, the waiter gave us each the wrong meal. Twice we were forgotten about, and when we asked for service from waiters that weren't allocated to us, our requests went ignored. We noticed a gentleman at a neighbouring table having something which we didn't see on the menu, and were told it was available upon request. That with the champagne issue made us wonder what the point of the menu was. At R900 for the lunch, I don't think it is unreasonable to expect more.
Karine Dequeker
5-May-2012
It's that simple, Bertus Basson and team are the best in the Winelands. Food is inventive yet classical and simple. 7 courses later, no fault, no dislike and the most favourite was the pickled sardine dish! Service was super friendly and most efficient, it is really nice to be welcomed "back" by the same service team!
Nicola Paine
1-May-2012
What an incredibly special experience. It was our anniversary lunch and we were treated like royalty. We were made to feel incredibly special. The food was sublime! Well done to Chef Bertus and your team! The wine pairing was spot on, the setting so perfect. A very memorable occassion for my husband and I. Thank you. X
Geraldine Redfern
14-Feb-2012
Absolutely outstanding - from the service to the setting to the food. We will definitely be back.
Marianne Engvall
17-Jan-2012
If it's time for fine dining, Overture at Hidden Valley Estate is one tempting option. Ambitious menu, well known chef, great wines from the estate itself, and fantastic reviews. The venue itself offers stunning views over wine fields and False Bay. So - we had very high expectations when we arrived for a long foreseen lunch. It was a sweltering hot day so it became a very warm lunch - as Overture does not have air conditioning. Reason is to avoid unnecessary use of electricity. Good enough reason, but very hot. Before the lunch we had a very nice wine tasting, just next to the dining area. Indoors, phew. A restaurant like Overture will have to live with quite a critical eye from its visitors - it's ambition of serving haute cuisine and a high price level. So when the butter is left to melt in the sun onto the table cloth, and the wine arrives after the starter, it's not really acceptable. One of the guests decided to just have one glass of wine of one choice, instead of having the recommended wines that goes with each course. We could all see a raised eyebrow from our waiter, and that is not in place at such a venue. Please. It all started with simple and yummie olive tapas and fresh good bread. Starter with raw tuna was marvelous, while gazpaccio soup was too creamy without the usual punch. Everyone had the most wonderful sweetbreads and polenta pure. Fantastic! Hake was a genereous piece of well grilled fish, matured sirloin with gnocchi was cooked to perfection but not the most tender sirloin we have had. The cheese platter is top top notch! Excellent with great cheeses, figs, almonds - and lots of it! Chocolate tarte was absolutely melting in the mouth, while the tarte with berries and sherbet a little too messy - but maybe it was the heat. All wines good and well chosen. We enjoyed our wine waiter, while the rest of service was not really on top. We had to wait for our water, the black pepper, and we just has a feeling of not getting all the attention you expect in such a restaurant. All in all a nice and delicious experience, but not without room for improvements.
Marion du Plessis
13-Jan-2012
Brilliant food and superb service.
Marion du Plessis
13-Jan-2012
Brilliant food and superb service.
