Critic's review

Nicola Jenvey

Food
Sharing is encouraged here – the menu is divided into titbits, bit parts and big bits – so go with an appetite and enjoy a smorgasbord of flavours. There’s a reason the deep-fried calamata olives stuffed with ricotta are a go-to nibble. These crunchy pillows of salty, creamy heaven are extremely moreish, dipped lavishly in chilli-herb mayo.

Chef Patron Marcelle Roberts serves up a seasonal menu that pays special attention to showcasing both local and imported ingredients. Share a few titbits to start. The char-grilled calamari tentacles and chorizo with parsley, chilli and caper sauce has a wonderful bite, as do the ginger and lime prawn tails with wasabi mayo, sesame and sweet soy.

Move on to the bit parts and big bits, or enjoy a café pasta or fresh salad – the roasted pear and Gorgonzola combination served with walnuts and a Malay-style dressing is simple but magical. Specials should include linefish served with sweet chilli roasted potato wedges, topped with an avo, coriander and red onion salad. Big bits include char-grilled sirloin or whole roasted spring chicken, and vegetarian options include roasted cauliflower served over hummus and a spinach, butternut and chickpea curry. A roasted brown mushroom risotto is just one of the reasons to return.

The delicate vanilla and rooibos crème brûlée is a wonderful end to a delicious meal.

Drinks
They offer a carefully considered selection of South African wine and bubbles that match the hues and aromas of the menu.

Ambience
Décor includes rich wood panelling and delicious monster leaf pendant lights, making it cosy enough for a romantic twosome, but there’s plenty of room for groups at long, sociable tables and evenings can get very festive.

Service
This team is slick and extremely knowledgeable, proving an asset when looking to pair wine and food. Discrete when necessary and affable when you’re up for conversation, the staff make you feel as if you’ve popped into their beautiful home for dinner and are gracious hosts.

And…
Look out for regular wine pairing evenings where large tables are assembled and everyone socialises together.

(October 2017)

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

• Ambience

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• Service

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• Food

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★