Critic's review

Kgomotso Moncho-Maripane

Chef patron Marcelle Roberts’ inspired Mediterranean food is designed with the spirit of sharing in mind.

Food
With exciting flavours that awaken the senses, the seasonal menu boasts inventive dishes made from local and imported ingredients. For starters in the titbits section, you can’t go wrong with the appetising carpaccio that delivers on the tang of the capers, artichokes and lemon oil. It’s all balanced by parmesan shavings and rocket. For a zing, try the ginger-and-lime prawn tails, which are served with wasabi mayo, sesame and sweet soy. Or have the crumbed deep-fried Kalamata olives stuffed with ricotta and served with chilli-herb mayo.

For the mains, the plum-glazed seared duck breast on pancetta and pea risotto, drizzled with white truffle oil, adds a welcome warmth to the palate. The tuna dishes are ones to come back for. On special, the seared tuna coated is a thrilling experience. It comes on a bed of egg noodles in a beautiful broth made from chicken stock, sweet chilli and soy sauce with mushroom, bok choy and sprinkles of peanuts.

End with a triple chocolate brownie with white chocolate and poppy seed ice cream.

Drinks
A special selection of South African wines that can be paired with what you’re having.

Service
Efficient and charming. The staff is so knowledgeable about food, you’ll feel confident in their care.

Ambience
It’s a buzzing environment that combines the casualness of a café with the elegance of fine dining. It allows for the intimacy of a romantic outing and the vibe of a group get-together.

Best for…
A delicious food and wine pairing experience. They have occasional food-and-wine pairing events with carefully crafted menus.

(2018)

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

• Ambience

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• Service

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• Food

  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

• 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

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★