Jess Spiro

Food

Everything about the Raptor Room is a little tongue-in-cheek, including the menu. The food is described as traditional blended with quirky, and so you can find dishes such as the Benebagel (eggs Benedict served on a bagel), modern gatsbys, a mac and cheese that already has cult status, and a prego vetkoek.

They play heavily on nostalgia too – the big kids out there will find it hard to resist the updated version of fish fingers and chips. The crumbed white fish fingers with a chunky home-made tartar sauce and sweet potato fries is as satisfying as the original childhood staple.

Brunch runs into the afternoon, with the avo toast already having made a name for itself. Served on sourdough, the creamy avo is topped with soft feta, slow-roasted rooibos tomatoes, candied lemon and a sprinkling of the Raptor Room’s own dukkah. This is best paired with a serving of hand-cut fries and a fantastically garlicky aioli, to keep things from feeling too virtuous.

Sweet eaters can keep the good times rolling with a deep-fried Romany Cream – aka Romany Dream – and a chocolate Dutch baby topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Drinks

The wine selection is impressive, with names like Alphabetical, Radley & Finch and Cape Rock setting the tone. A nice mix of local beers, from independent as well as bigger brewers, includes Tafel, CBC and Union. Or if you’re really embracing the childhood indulgences, go all out with a float.

Service

The service is switched-on, welcoming and efficient.

Ambience

As a self-appointed safe queer space, the Raptor Room is one of the coolest spots in town with a clientele to match. A newly added lounge section accommodates bigger tables and the venue’s monthly cultural events.

Best for…

A casual vibey dinner.

(August 2019)

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