Upper Bloem

Saturday, November 3rd, 2018

Reviewed by Tania Kliphuis

This is honestly the best lunch I’ve had in a long time! From the bright and modern interior, to the attentive and warm service, the experience is only surpassed by the delicious and nostalgic tapas-style dishes. The menu is a standard R195 per person (lunch) with optional extras for the bread board and dessert. Starting with the bread board (totally worth it for the additional R35) with the more-ish seaweed butter and snoek paté, followed by the Cape Malay-style onions, with their intense smoky flavor (definitely a highlight), and then on to two more courses that are superbly cooked and well-presented, each course was delicious and perfectly portioned. Even so, by the time the not-too-sweet koe-sisters were served, I was definitely full! I really enjoyed the presentation style: it’s completely unfussy and social. They’re not clearing your plate and bringing new cutlery after every single bite, and that was totally fine with me. The service is good but you’re also not constantly answering the dreaded “Everything okay?” question. Other highlights are the non-alcoholic cocktails (the “grape-thyme” was divine and refreshing) and the triple-cooked potato (I had a hard time deciding between this and the Cape Malay onions as my favorite). Compliments to the chef and staff. I cannot wait to return for another lunch and to try out the dinner menu!