The first of our nominees for the Boschendal Style Award, an annual prize bestowed on the most stylish restaurant in South Africa, has an owner who’s as creative with design as he is with food. And, as its name suggests, Cape Town’s constantly evolving Hemelhuijs is a heavenly house for the senses.

The restaurant

Owner and chef Jacques Erasmus opened Hemelhuijs in 2010 for the love of food and beauty. Centrally located along the Fan Walk in Cape Town, the elegant eatery turns breakfast, lunch and coffee into decadent escapes for city dwellers and office workers.

The interior at Hemelhuijs. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The food

The indulgent bistro-style food is inspired by childhood favourites, world travels and seasonal ingredients. As with the decor, the menu evolves with each season, but perennial favourites include Szechuan pepper calamari and the open beef burger.

Slow roasted salmon and garden peas salad on the menu at Hemelhuijs. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The style

As an artist and designer, Jacques is particular about rejuvenating the décor with each season as well as the food. Past themes have included Delft revivals, vintage botanicals and floral art, and are often accompanied by an entirely new bespoke crockery and linen range developed by Jacques (also for sale to patrons). The look and feel of winter 2014 evokes a flavour apothecary with a burnt-orange-hued feature wall displaying gold-labelled bottles. Each one is filled with intense tastes that have been distilled in the kitchen. Extending the alchemy theme, the handcrafted tableware is embellished with liquid gold glaze.

Does Hemelhuijs have what it takes to win the 2014 Boschendal Style Award?

The new golden crockery at Hemelhuijs. Photograph by Micky Hoyle