It’s nearing the end of 2017 and as tough a year as it’s been, so too has it been a year of new beginnings, important lessons, stand-out meals, and unique flavours, ingredients and discoveries. We’ve rounded up our favourite restaurants that opened this year, ones we hope to enjoy for years to come.
ALSO READ: The top 10 restaurants in SA for 2017 – announced
CAPE TOWN
Tongue-in-cheek and clearly on a mission to see the lighter side of life, Bowls on Bree is a breath of healthy fresh air; a new foodie addition to Upstairs on Bree.
The mission at Cape Town’s newly opened Bowls on Bree is to serve fresh, healthy and delicious food in a sustainable way. Crafted with love and respect – from each ingredient used to the effect on the planet – sustainability is considered throughout. Using only locally-sourced and seasonally available ingredients, Bowls on Bree offers three unique options: the Buddha, Paleo and Poke bowl. Furthermore, only 100% degradable packaging is used to assist in the war against plastic.
Building on the success of his first three eateries, chef Liam Tomlin has created a taste experience that matches the magnificent setting of the Maison Estate in picturesque Franschhoek. Under the guidance of Tomlin, dynamic young chef David Schneider uses fresh seasonal ingredients to create a global tapas-inspired menu that incorporates a world of different flavours in one, multi-coursed meal.
A new hybrid concept store-cum-bistro bar in Cape Town’s new and thriving Silo District, The Yard features a unique retail and dining experience in its industrial-chic space. Choose from a menu that fuses Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian and local food and flavours, and beer, wine and cocktails from the marble-topped bar.
ALSO READ: The Yard: Another reason to be excited about the Silo District
Bone broth is having a huge revival as a health food. Considered highly beneficial for gut and joint health, it has multitude benefits. Marrow, a newly opened broth bar in Cape Town’s Loop Street serves wholesome food based mainly on free range, grass-fed bone broth (a vegan option is available). Order one of four flavours as a drinking broth or pair it with a recommended bowl of protein and veg.
A new oasis on bustling Long Street, Souk offers Africa-inspired food in a contemporary bejeweled space. Relax on the deep-buttoned boudoirs or enjoy sunset from the terrace, delighting in tapas from the eclectic menu.
The second floor restaurant at Villa47, Pierino Penati introduces the first Italian Michelin-star chef to the South African food scene. Helmed by Chef Theo Penati, a Michelin-star chef of his family restaurant of the same name in Italy – as well as resident Chef Michelangelo D’Oria – the restaurant offers Italian food with a focus on flavour, innovation and authenticity.
With a daily changing menu conceptualised by co-owners Candice Coles and Bryan Walter, Wild Sprout in Cape Town’s Loop Street offers a varied – and deliciously interesting – range of health foods and take-away staples (the rusks are our favourite). Choose from the farm-fresh grazing plates, hemp jacks, smoothie bowls and toasts. Well priced and catering to your every dietary requirement, from gluten-free wraps to sugar-free rusks and grain-free salads – or even just really delicious pre-made meals for those who eat everything – Wild Sprout offers fresh, country-style fare to suit everyone.
Seabreeze Fish & Shell brings a contemporary take to traditional seafood restaurants and dishes. Celebrating Cape Town’s rich seafood heritage, the focus is on sourcing local, sustainable seafood presented creatively and with a lighter touch. Enjoy fresh oysters at Happy Hour (12:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 18:00 daily) in the restaurant, on the terrace or a seat at the oyster and MCC bar.
(images: Claire Gunn)
Located in a heritage building in Cape Town’s Shortmarket Street, Roast & Co. offers delicious food in a setting inspired by French interior design and farming traditions. The owners (so too owners of HQ, adjacent) sought to inspire a wholesome chicken dining experience — farm-to-table chicken on the bone, free range and sustainable.
The restaurant at Bosjes farm is a beautiful, light-filled space – high ceilings, glass walls and a wooden terrace for outside dining. Master Chef judge Pete Goffe-Wood has created a menu together with Executive Chef Kim Cox that bodes well with the country setting. We recommend visiting Bosjes for the day, exploring its many magical features before settling in for lunch at the Kombuis.
ALSO READ: Bosjes farm unveils its new look and restaurant, Bosjes Kombuis
From the shores of Hawaii to the streets of Cape Town, Hoke Poké is South Africa’s first dedicated poké bar and take-away. Featuring classic Hawaiian-style poké with raw tuna, sticky rice and kombu, as well as non-traditional options too, visitors are spoilt with fresh, healthy ingredients. Build your own poké using fresh salmon, ponzu, edamame beans and pineapple.
ALSO READ: We visit SA’s first ever dedicated Poke restaurant
A beautiful space in Bo-Kaap, situated in the upstairs section of a building on Wale Street, offers the most exquisite views of the area’s colourful houses, Signal Hill and Table Mountain. Open for breakfast and lunch and serving Deluxe coffee, Harvest Cafe is a well-loved spot for freelancers and people eager to get their caffeine fix.
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