Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic
From celebrated chef and restaurateur, Liam Tomlin comes his latest eatery – and his first by the sea – at the luxurious and very intimate Tintswalo Atlantic boutique hotel on Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic is headed by chef Braam Beyers (ex-Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia), under the guidance of Liam and chef-patron Ivor Jones.
“This location is surely one of the best dining rooms in South Africa, if not the entire world,” says Liam of his brand-new baby. “It is a dream come true to have a Chefs Warehouse right on the ocean… and to use this breathtaking location as inspiration to create a menu that will no doubt pay homage to the ocean.”
Guests can expect a mouthwatering menu of “contemporary fine-dining global tapas” – best enjoyed with endless ocean views and a delicious glass of Colmant MCC.
Opens 2 November 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6.30pm – 9pm
Contact 021 541 0165, tintswalo@chefswarehouse.co.za
Where to find it Tintswalo Atlantic, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Beyond
Chef Peter Tempelhoff, chef-patron of innercity fine-dining restaurant FYN, returns to his old stomping ground, the Constantia Winelands, with his new restaurant at Buitenverwachting, bringing chef Ashley Moss and general manager Jennifer Hugé along for the ride. Helmed by Julia du Toit (also from FYN), the kitchen delivers a compelling lineup of pitch-perfect à la carte dishes that are refined and accessible. Nab a vineyard-facing table and make sure Jennifer keeps topping you up with the 2019 chardonnay – intoxicatingly fragrant; I could’ve sprayed it all over my body.
Opened November 2020
Contact info@beyondrestaurant.co.za
Where to find it Buitenverwachting, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Ëlgr
Breathing new life – and new concepts – into Kloof Street (in the spot previously home to Janse & Co), ëlgr is the brainchild of 27-year-old chef Jesper Nilsson, who spent lockdown conceptualising this moody, effortlessly cool restaurant that peels back from the buzz of Kloof Street to a plant-filled courtyard. Born in Sweden, Jesper moved to South Africa as a teenager, so his menu is a delicious combination of the two cuisines. The ultra-Instagrammable visual feast of minimalist, moody design opens onto an outdoor bar where crafted cocktails and artisanal pizzas make for a perfect for a post-beach pop-in.
Opened December 2020
Contact 021 422 0384, reservations@elgr.co.za
Where to find it 75 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Ōku
The latest venture from chef Darren Badenhorst (Le Coin Français, Le Chêne and Tuk Tuk Microbrewery) and restaurateur Ryan Shell is the first South Asian restaurant in Franschhoek! The minimalist aesthetic creates a casual, calming and refined atmosphere in which to enjoy the wonderful selection of bao, broths, dumplings and poké.
Opened October 2020
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 8.30pm
Contact 021 876 2494, reservations@eat-oku.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Chef Chen Sushi Bar
Well-known sushi chef and Asian food caterer Wanli Chen has finally opened his own restaurant at The Point Mall in Sea Point. Light-washed wooden furnishings act as a blank canvas for the pops of colour that arrive on a platter of exquisitely made sushi.
Opened July 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Contact 072 203 6320, chef@chefchensushi.co.za
Where to find it 2nd floor, The Point, 76 Regent Road, Seapoint, Cape Town
The Restaurant at Grande Roche
Occupying the space that was previously home to Viande (chef Pete Goffe Wood’s steak restaurant), this newcomer to Paarl is headed by none other than chef Kevin Grobler, previous head chef at the Michelin-starred JAN Restaurant in Nice. Expect fine-dining-style small plates and a heavenly bread course from this internationally experienced chef.
Opens November 2020
Where to find it Grande Roche Hotel, 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl
Ernie Els Restaurant
After extensive renovations that began in 2018, Ernie Els’s eponymous culinary offering was unveiled in September 2020 on a view-drenched wine estate in one of the most coveted corners of this fertile valley. Striking architecture and contemporary interiors create an air of sophistication, while warm service and an accessible menu make for a laidback lunch in the country.
Opened September 2020
Contact 021 881 3588, bookings@ernieelswines.com
Where to find it Ernie Els Wines, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
All Things Edible (ATE)
With acclaimed chef Michael Broughton (ex-Terroir) heading the food-design team of this exciting new concept, ATE at Silver Forest Boutique Lodge in the Somerset West Winelands promises to be full of delicious surprises. There’s a short menu of reimagined Italian favorite’s, such as smoked spaghetti, confit pork belly served with creamy truffle mac n cheese and a dessert pizza.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Wednesday– Saturday, 8am – 8.30pm
Sundays, 8am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 140 0040, eat@silverforest.co.za
Where to find it Corner of Parel Vallei and Silverboomkloof Roads, Somerset West
Oxalis Eatery
Founded by four passionate female foodies – Liezl Odendaal, Jade Konz, Lisa Knipe and Yoraya Nydoo – who worked together at the recently closed Janse & Co restaurant, Oxalis Eatery is named after the resilient oxalis wood sorrel (an edible indigenous plant). Housed in a contemporary space above the secret Gin Bar on Wale Street, the eatery serves a delicious array of seasonal eats in a lovely laidback atmosphere, with art by South African artist Mark Rautenbach on the walls.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 9.45pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Contact 063 562 1136, oxaliseatery@gmail.com
Where to find it 64A Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Fideli’s
Exactly a year after she opened Pilcrow & Cleaver, Chef Judi Fourie has opened an all-in-one beer garden, deli and grocer right next door, on Parliament Street. The predominantly outdoor seating area is decorated with potted herbs and other greenery, while inside the compact space operates as a restaurant, grocer and bar. Despite its extensive repertoire, Fideli’s does everything well: the food offering is just what you’d expect from the counterpart of Pilcrow, and the cocktails are arguably even better. Don’t even get us started on the charcuterie board…
Opened December 2020
Contact 076 430 16328, judi@pilcrowgroup.co.za
Where to find it 3.1 Piazza, Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre
Vadas Pasteis De Nata & Café
Chef PJ Vadas’ pastéis de nata need no introduction. They are the best you can find outside of Lisbon! Now, these legendary egg-and-custard pastries have a space to call their own – at Vadas Pasteis De Nata & Café in Stellenbosch. Here you’ll find tartlets in all shapes and flavours, perfectly accompanied by a well-made café! Uma bica, por favor!
Opens end-November 2020
Where to find it Stellenbosch
Noodle Box
Noodles have made their way to Newlands thanks to the team behind Sushi Box, the well-known fresh-fish chain whose first branch was opened in Newlands in 2012 by a group of Zimbabweans. From vermicelli and egg noodles to udon, soba and Thai, this is spaghetti central! Diners can expect bao and dim sum, too.
Opened March 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11.30am – 8.30pm
Contact 060 704 3499, hello@noodlebox.co.za
Where to find it 8 Cardiff Castle Centre, Kildare Road and Main Street, Newlands, Cape Town
Mazza
Irrepressible Irish chef Liam Tomlin has taken 2020 by the horns, harnessing its unpredictable craziness and turning it to gold. And by gold, we mean two new restaurants: Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic (which has already been buzzed about) and Mazza, an accessible Middle Eastern eatery located on the first-floor of Liam’s brand-new food hub on Heritage Square.
The perfect party venue, Mazza will offer an à la carte menu of small plates, perfect for spontaneous after-work pop-ins.
Opens End-November 2020
Contact 021 422 0128
Where to find it Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Flower Café
Picture the scene: you’re sipping on a cup of tea, digging your fork into a slice of carrot cake, while deciding between baby’s breath and bouvardia for your custom bouquet… Welcome to the Flower Café, a coffeeshop in Woodstock where you get to make your own unique arrangement. From well-known florists, Petals, the venue is perfect for a special celebration, an atypical team-building experience, or just a casual get-together with friends, fueled by scrumptious cake and confectionery and endless cups of tea.
Opened July 2020
Opening times Wednesday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Contact 082 321 7371 or 021 461 8809, vee@petalsgroup.co.za
Where to find it 184 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Awara
From the team behind Bukhara, the much loved Indian restaurant that opened in Cape Town more than two decades ago, comes an exciting new sister restaurant on Church Street in the CBD. Serving a selection of fusion dishes that incorporate not only Indian, but Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine as well, Awara certainly sounds intriguing.
Opened November 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11pm – 10pm
Contact 021 424 0000, awara@bukhara.com
Where to find it 33 Church Street, Cape Town
Salushi Express
Known for more than 10 years of delicious sushi and Thai-inspired dishes, Salushi recently opened shop on Cavendish Street in Claremont. A favourite for fresh, tasty meals on the go, the restaurant serves an extensive range of sushi, à la carte sashimi, build-your-own poké bowls, spring rolls, noodles and Thai curries.
Good to know Salushi has a stall in Woodstock’s GOODFood Market.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – 9pm
Contact 065 038 2106, info@salushiexpress.co.za
Where to find it 6 Cavendish Street, Claremont, Cape Town
Royale Eatery
This burger joint has garnered somewhat of a cult following on the foodie streets of Cape Town, since its first branch opened on Long Street in 2003. The spot has moved onto more suburban pastures, opening up a shop on Vineyard Road in Claremont.
Although the location has changed, diners can still expect the same, finger-licking burgers and decadent shakes in a chilled space. Psssst! Bring your vegan friends along – there’s an extensive plant-based menu for them to pick off.
Opened September 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact letschat@royaleeatery.com
Where to find it 20 Vineyard Road, Claremont, Cape Town
Culture Wine Bar
Successful chef-restaurateur Matt Manning (32) and wine aficionado Chris Groenewald (35) – armed with lorry loads of grit and creativity – decided to open a bar in what many would call scarily uncertain times. They launched Culture, a brand-new wine bar on Bree Street in the same building as Matt’s other two concerns, Grub & Vine and The Chef’s Studio. “Food and wine are – and will always be – the perfect match,” continues Matt, “so when the space adjacent to Grub & Vine became available, I took it! It makes sense to have something in that space that complements the food offering: where you can have a quick glass of wine after work, meet up with friends after the work week on Friday, or have a nightcap after dinner.”
Opens 30 October 2020
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 4pm – late
Contact 076 256 8654, info@mattmanningchef.com
Where to find it 103 Bree Street. Cape Town
Grumpy & Runt Little Deli & Donuts
This small deli on Dunkley Square has a delicious (and, dare we say, en vogue) plant-based bent. Think New York-style sourdough sandwiches and bagels and knock-out doughnuts.
After fueling up with a doughnut and coffee, fill a basket with anything and everything from pink oyster mushrooms and seaweed snacks to kombucha and falafel mix. A hidden gem indeed.
Opened March 2020
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Sunday, 9am – 1pm
Contact 076 677 5979, grumpyandrunt@gmail.com
Where to find it 22 Dunkley Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Ciao Pizza
In the heart of the city on gritty Long Street, this cosy Italian joint serves authentic wood-fired pizza (à la nonna) in a lovely, laidback environment. What’s more, each pizza is made using the best ingredients, including award-winning mozzarella, San Marzano-style tomatoes, good olive oil and fresh homegrown basil.
Opened June 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9.30am – 11pm
Contact 067 057 3712, info@ciaopizza.co.za
Where to find it 309 Long Street, Cape Town
Seed & Circus
This Instagrammable café in Zonnebloem is a food lover’s dream. Founded by young entrepreneur Karla Hart, the eatery serves an array of dishes that are as aesthetically appealing as the neutral-hued boho-chic interiors.
The curated menu comprises sumptuous all-day brunch on weekends, lunch and dinner options created by executive chef David Mac Donald (previously Bertus Basson’s sous chef at Spek & Bone), using the finest locally sourced organic produce.
Each dish is plated to perfection that – were it not for the lovely, laidback and pooch-friendly atmosphere – we might’ve mistaken it for a fine-dining experience. (If you’re lucky, Karla’s playful Jack Russell pup, Gigi, might make a guest appearance.)
Opened January 2020
Opening times Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 9pm
Saturday, 9am – 9pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 063 776 8662, seedandcircus@gmail.com
WhatsApp to make a booking.
Where to find it 17 Constitution Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
Entrée
Set around a treed courtyard in Franschhoek, Entrée – as its name implies – serves starter-size plates designed for endless tasting and sharing. Formerly home to the Village Grill and Butcher, the family- and pet-friendly eatery makes for an ideal lunch outing in the Winelands. Or plan an evening visit for an alfresco experience under the stars.
Opened September 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 9pm
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Contact 066 083 1145, entree@entree-restaurant.co.za
Where to find it 191 Main Road, Franschhoek
Pilcrow and Cleaver
What’s in a name? In the case of Pilcrow & Cleaver, it’s everything. For Chef Judi Fourie, who trained at Silwood School of Cookery and worked in the UK, Mozambique and Zanzibar, this restaurant marks the start of a different (new) culinary wave in Cape Town. The pilcrow is a symbol (¶) used to mark a new paragraph, and the cleaver a large knife that represents food – coming together to symbolise an innovative food experience without walls between chef and customer – literally.
On the night we ate there, chef Judi and head chef David Solms took our orders, prepared our meals and interacted with us while we perched at the kitchen-facing counter. Judi describes the food as “bold, modern, Euro-flavoured with South African flair”, with an eclectic menu that changes weekly! Expect the likes of duck, cranberry and ginger vetkoek sliders; passionfruit and fresh-trout carpaccio; hash browns with caper mayo; abalobi catch of the day with polenta cumin fries, wilted greens and harissa; and red lentil penne, kale in fresh tomato.
Located on Speaker’s Corner in the CBD, the space seats just 20 diners inside, and pooches are more than welcome if their owners sit at a sidewalk table – there’s even a doggie menu! The intimate 20-seater bar next door is part of the offering, and rentable for private functions.
Opened December 2019
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 9pm
Contact 064 301 6328
Where to find it 3.2 Piazza, Parliament Street, Cape Town
I Sapori
Nonni-approved, this bistro-deli in Table View is your go-to for imported cheese, pasta, coffee, and sweets from Italy, Spain and Germany. Pop in for a traditional Italian meal, and leave with a basketful of European delights.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 557 4212, info@isapori.co.za
Where to find it 47 Blaauwberg Road, Table View, Cape Town
Forneria Italia Beachfront
Authentic Italian fare and a welcoming ambience are a given at the new beachfront location of this well-known restaurant, whose original branch is in Table View. Traditional pizza and pasta are the stars of the show, but you can also enjoy a substantial breakfast or deli-style lunch while you take in the view.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 8.30am – 9pm
Contact 021 556 2262
Where to find it Aquarius Building, 10 Blaauwberg Road, Table View
Rosetta
This pint-sized corner spot on the corner of Bree and Shortmarket Streets serves – what is commonly accepted as – the best coffee in Cape Town. Classic monochromatic interiors make the caffeine hit that much sweeter, with some interesting food-and-coffee pairings adding an extra layer.
Opened October 2020
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 021 447 4099, info@rosettaroastery.com
Where to find it 101 Bree Street, Cape Town
The Manor at Nederburg
Boasting breathtaking views of the Drakenstein mountains and the farm’s vineyards and gardens beyond, The Manor celebrates Nederburg’s rich heritage (dating back to 1791) through an innovative food-and-wine experience in the beautifully reimagined manor house. Open for breakfast, lunch and garden picnics, the eatery is run by head chef Jerry Kennedy and his passionate team, who have created a tantalizing menu of seasonal fare matched with award-winning wines.
Opened September 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 3pm
Contact 021 862 3104, info@nederburg.com
Where to find it Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
The Poké Co Claremont
We like to think our constant nagging made Andrew Flanagan, owner of The Poké Co, open a branch in the southern ’burbs. Across the road from Cavendish Square, the tickled-pink shop is as Instagrammable as the other three branches (Sea Point, Kloof Street and Loop Street), and features the same fresh and delicious poké bowls, as well as smoothies and coffees.
Opened August 2020
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 9pm
Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Contact 087 470 0583, info@pokecoct.com
Where to find it 12 Dreyer Street, Claremont, Cape Town
Mochi Mochi
The first wagashi (Japanese sweets) salon to wash up onto our shores, Mochi Mochi comes to us courtesy of the Tjing Tjing clan! As the name implies, the star of the show is mochi, a popular Japanese treat made from glutinous rice that’s pounded and moulded into the desired shape. We don’t have a South African equivalent, but the delicacy is loved for its sticky, squishy and elasticky texture.
Alongside a range of truffle-sized mochi, the salon also serves fluffy Japanese cheesecake, dorayaki (red-bean pancakes), mitarashi dango (rice dumplings in a sweet glaze) and milk bread sandos (sandwiches). Warm and cold beverages, to be enjoyed with your desserts, are prepared by Molten Toffee.
Good to know Even though it’s a dessert bar, there are a few savoury options available for a breakfast run-in.
Opened November 2020
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 4pm
Contact 021 422 4920, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Sharon’s Café
Seeing female entrepreneurs thriving in the predominantly male-dominated restaurant industry is always inspiring – particularly women of colour. Sharon Moatshe recently opened Sharon’s Café at The Palms in Woodstock, which is hot news in itself! We look forward to tasting her own-blend coffee and working our way through her menu.
Opened October 2020
Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4.30pm
Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Contact 081 497 9414, info@sharonscafe.co.za
Where to find it The Palms, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
FreeBird
This funky chook shop has a new branch in Kloof Street Village (also home to Nü Health Food Café, Schoon Bread Café, and newcomer Kofi). Inside each of FreeBird’s mouthwatering chicken burgers is an irresistibly crispy buttermilk-coated chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun from Schoon Bakery, with a variety of toppings and all the trimmings.
Opened October 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10pm
Contact kyleb@realfoodsgroup.com
Where to find it Corner of Kloof and Rheede Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Rick’s Café Americain
Taking inspiration from the piano bar of the same name from the classic movie Casablanca, this popular spot (previously located just off Kloof Street in a 100-year-old Victorian building) has moved just around the corner. Closer to the action, Rick’s 2.0 features the same tasty grub (salads, steak, seafood, vegetarian dishes and tapas), an extensive drinks list, and the same festive atmosphere it’s always been known for.
There’s a vibey roof deck on the first floor, with daybeds and a scattering of tables with views of Table Mountain, while a scenic wrap-around balcony surrounds the indoor dining area and moody piano lounge, with a cool downstairs bar to boot.
Opening End-February 2020
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 11am – 2am
Contact info@rickscafe.co.za
Where to find it 103 Kloof Street, Corner 101 Weltevrede Avenue, Cape Town
Mexicola Locale
Deez Mexican Bistro – a local favourite in Hout Boy – is getting a makeover. New name, upgraded location, same authentic Mexican flavours. Watch this space!
Opens End-October 2020
Where to find it The Promenade, Scott Estate, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Ideas Cartel Bar at Casa Labia
Built in the 1920s by Count and Countess Labia, this palatial mansion on Muizenberg’s Main Road is home to a beautiful new bar decorated in flowers by Okasie. Open daily until 4pm (for the time being), the elegant locale is the perfect place to enjoy a crisp G&T or a hot brew for the teetotallers among us.
Opened September 2020
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
Contact 021 180 3119, casalabia@ideascartel.com
Where to find it 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town