Isiguzoro Onyeoziri

Understated elegance might just be the best phrase that describes this restaurant. Situated on a small side street, it looks like your typical restaurant with some seats in front, but do not be so easily deceived nor discouraged. Step in and be quietly impressed. The wood paneling accentuates the fine dining atmosphere, and it is immediately obvious that this is an establishment that prides itself on being South African. This is the first restaurant opened by the famed Chef Shane Sauvage, who has now opened another restaurant in Hermanus.

Food
Before you order, be sure to listen to the waiter reel out the Chef’s specialties, as they alternate regularly. Hearing the dishes being called out and knowledgably described seems to improve one’s mood, and general meal appreciation. Start with the Bistecca Parmigiana and experience the delicious delight of a blend of Mediterranean flavors, and smooth, flavorful beef steak cutlets that just melt in the mouth. It is served with freshly baked corn-bread that could leave you asking the chef for some to leave with. Lemon haloumi, avocado twist, and port livers are also starters worthy of note. For a main dish, the Quattro Formaggi is as good as or even better than it looks. It is strips of tender beef pan-fried with button mushrooms, garlic, peppercorns and onions, doused with tawny port thickened with cream, and wrapped with four cheeses in phyllo pastry and baked until golden brown. As you cut into it, the blend of aromas is nigh intoxicating, and sit straight when you take the first forkful, as the flavors hitting your palate, as the food melts in the mouth could unseat you for sheer joy. Intergalactic chicken, hake, and Toscana rump are other mains on offer. You cannot go wrong with the Chocolate Terrine, which is the house specialty. So rich and delicious, it is the perfect end to your fine dining experience

Drinks
The wine list is truly extensive, with local and international options, as befits a fine dining establishment, as well as a variety of aperitifs, beers, ciders, cocktails, coolers, and shooters.

Service
You get the impression that the establishment believes in the ethos of happy workers being more productive, as the waiters are all full of smiles, courteous, very professional, and quite knowledgeable about the dishes on the menu.

Ambience
What you expect from a fine dining establishment. Lots of candles and subdued lighting make it especially conducive.

Best for...
Looking to make an impression, or if you have a new love interest whom you want to spoil, then diner would seal the deal.

(2018)

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