Celebrating Winter 2016: Eating Cape Town

I know they say “summer bodies are made in winter” but if you can’t take the next few cold, rainy months as an opportunity to wrap yourself in a blanket of comfort food, then what even is the point? I’ve heard the term “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” thrown around as many times as you have, but I think we can all agree that there’s nothing like a big bowl of warm, creamy, salty, truffley risotto to warm the cockles of your heart at the end of a long, cold day. Similarly, a big glass of spicy red wine can take your wintry Sunday afternoon from zero to hero in one easy sip. So with this in mind, here’s a list of all the places I’ll be eating this winter. I suggest you do the same.

WHERE TO EAT IN CAPE TOWN THIS WINTER

Chef’s Warehouse

The tapas for two set menu at Chef’s Warehouse changes very often, so you can go back over and over all winter long and try something new every time. They don’t take bookings, so arrive as early as possible to ensure you get a table. The food is exceptional and the wine list extensive and pleasantly reasonable. One of the best things about winter is that you probably won’t have to fight your way through a hoard of tourists for a table!

Details

Location: 92 Bree Street, Cape Town

Bookings: Nope

Price: R540 for a substantial selection of tapas for two people

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 12PM – 2:30PM and 4:30PM – 8PM. Saturday 12PM -2:30PM

Kyoto Garden Sushi

The home of Cape Town and probably South Africa’s best sushi – one of my absolute favourite restaurants! They also serve a variety of authentic Japanese dishes like scallops in a half shell and the most deliciously light tempura you’re ever likely to taste. The cocktails menu is also unique, so don’t leave without trying a couple. Their famous winter special offers three courses and a glass of wine for only R170 – undeniably one of the best meals you’re likely to find for anywhere near that price.

Details

Location: 11 Lower Kloofnek Road, Cape Town

Bookings: +27 21 422 2001

Price: R170 for three courses and a glass of wine

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 5.30pm-11pm

Hallelujah

Currently, my favourite restaurant anywhere. Given the option to dine anywhere in Cape Town, this is the place I would choose over and over again. A unique Asian-inspired dining experience, offering a selection of dishes that pack a real punch in the flavour department. Famous lobster rolls that will have you sighing with pleasure as you bite into their soft, buttery brioche rolls, crunchy veggies cooked with bbq sauce and cashew nut brittle, grilled prawns with corriander and soft steamed buns! Is your mouth watering yet, cause mine is?!

Details

Location: 11 Kloof Neck Road, Tamboerskloof

Bookings: Only for tables of 4-6 people.  +27 79 839 2505 | [email protected]

Price: Between about R70 – R100 per small plate. We normally order about 5 or 6 different plates to share.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 6:30PM – 8:30PM and 8:30PM – close

Burrata

When there’s nothing you want more than a really great, chewy, woodfired pizza, you need to head straight to Burrata. Their bubbled, stretchy pizzas are my top treat after a long week. They also serve one of the best risottos around. I have eaten the Delré – truffle spread, mozzarella, mushroom and prosciutto – more times than I care to admit and it has never disappointed. They also have a really great wine list.

Details

Location: Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock

Bookings: +27 21 447 6505 | +27 21 447 2134 | [email protected]

Price: Starters around R50 – R60 and mains around R150 – R170

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 12:00PM-10:00PM. Saturday 10:00AM –  3:00PM and 6:00PM – 10:00PM

Shortmarket Club

We have cult-chef Luke Dale-Roberts (of The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club) to thank for Cape Town’s hottest new spot. I attended the opening at the weekend and if the bites I got to taste are anything to go by, the Cape Town food scene is in for a treat! Sandwiched between hotspots House of Machines and Outrage of Modesty, Shortmarket Club just took this tiny strip of Shortmarket Street to a whole new level. I recommend starting with an Old Fashioned at House of Machines, followed by dinner at Shortmarket Club, ending the night with a couple of fancy cocktails at Outrage of Modesty. Literally my ideal Friday night.

Details

Location: 88 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

Bookings: +27 21 447 2874 | [email protected]

Price: I’ll report back

Opening hours: I’ll report back

The Cousins

Somehow this little gem has managed to go under my radar for years, but recently I’ve been seeing lots of people mentioning in online. Located in a weird part of town (on Barrack Street, near the police station), this authentic little Italian spot, owned and run by a couple of cousins, serves up big bowls of homemade pasta and other Italian dishes. Their speciality, “The Cousins” Tagliolini with cream, mushrooms & thyme, is served hot from a giant wheel of Grana Padano cheese at your table! The space itself is basic, with no frills or fuss, but the food is exceptional!

Details

Location: 3b Barrack Street, CBD Cape Town

Bookings: +27 (83)2739604

Price: R90 – R120 for main meals

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 06:00PM to 10:00PM

Indochine

Set on the beautiful Delaire Graff estate in Stellenbosch, Indochine serves incredible Asian-fusion food in a fine-dining setting. This is the perfect place to spend a long Saturday eating, drinking and enjoying the fact that thankfully you won’t have to be in a swimsuit for the next couple of months. I had one of the best meals I’ve enjoyed in ages while soaking up the views and exceptional service that come as part of the Indochine package. If you’re looking for somewhere very special to celebrate an occasion or even just being alive, you won’t be disappointed here.

Details

Location: Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch

Bookings: +27 21 885 8160 | [email protected]

Price: Starters around R140 – R150 and mains around R285 – R400

Opening hours: Lunch Daily from 12:00PM to 14:15PM. Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 18h30PM to 21h00PM