Cape Town South Africa

Local gourmands have always been spoilt for choice in this culinary melting pot of a town.

While we have always known that many of the Mother City’s eateries are world-class, it’s always good to once in a while receive a bit proof in the form of acknowledgements and accolades. That’s why we’re bursting with pride at the news that two  South African restaurants have made it onto the prestigious 2009 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. What’s more, both of them are located right here in the Western Cape and one, in fact, is in the Mother City!

So not only are we extremely well-fed, we’re now also extremely flattered!

The closest-to-home local honoree, La Colombe, is number 38 on S. Pellegrino’s list.

La Colombe is located at the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate and is consistently hailed as being the city’s best restaurant. According to executive chef Luke Dale-Roberts, a meal at La Colombe is "one of Cape Town’s greatest pleasures."

When the rest of the world comes to visit to take a bite, they’re in for a unique, but tasty treat. Chef Dale-Roberts has made his mark at La Colombe by adding exciting new Asian influences to the mix of classic and contemporary French Cuisine. 

If you’d like to savour a delectable La Colombe experience, the restaurant is open seven days a week (except during the winter months, when it’s closed on Sunday evenings). Lunch is served from 12:30 to 14:30 and dinner is from 19:30 to 21:30. 

For reservations, call (021) 794-2390, or e-mail them at lacolombe@uitsig.co.za

S. Pellegrino’s other South African honoree (on the 37th spot on the list) is The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français (The French Quarter). Located in a charming auberge, tucked away in the centre of the quaint, franco-infused winelands village of Franschhoek, The Tasting Room offers diners the choice between four, six or eight course experiences.

Such diversity has paid off even more, because according to S. Pellegrino, The Tasting Room is also the Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East.

For further information, visit their website.

Cubana is quite the hotspot in Table View at the moment. Being a Cuban type franchise throughout South Africa you always know what to expect. They have good food and a dance floor for the more energetic folk to enjoy. They have a balkony as well where you can strut your stuff as well as lounge type tables which you can book. Parties like the Beach Party and other great promotional events make it a great hangout with friends or for sundowners. For bookings, call 021 557 7320.

Had some dinner at Tank the other night and I must say their sushi is divine. This Cape Town restaurant has a nice bar and big restaurant area, which still gets busy even on off nights during the week. They also have an outside section in the busy courtyard of the Cape Quarter development. It’s close to night clubs like Opium and Pulse so you’re in for a buzzling night out. The atmosphere is quite clinical, almost cold, but I guess that’s attributed to the fish tank feel. There’s a large fish tank with exotic fish in the middle of the restaurant. Check out their website on The-Tank.co.za.

‘Antique’ Restaurant is situated accross from Hemisphere club in the ABSA building in Cape Town, on the 31st floor (might be 32nd). It’s obviously got all the view that Hemisphere has and also a nice cosy bar with dramatic styling, giving it an antique feel, yet modern and sophisticated on the seated restaurant side. The food tastes and looks great. The starters (those sharing dishes) were just a bit pricey for what we got, but all in all a nice evening out. Be sure to make your bookings well in advance though and don’t even think about not wearing a collared shirt and sneakers…