These are some deep south suburban gems that are children, pet and budget-friendly.
What do you do if you are a sushi addict, and your family or friends are not that way inclined? Your solution is Rock Sushi Thai.This is one of my favourite local restaurants with two branches in Meadowridge and Newlands respectively. As a sushi addict, I rate their sushi rice as the best in Cape Town – it always has the right amount of rice-wine vinegar and the rice is never overcooked and mushy. The fish is always super fresh, and the sashimi is cut into generous portions. If you are looking for value for money go for their special 20 piece sushi platter for only R135. The Thai food is just as authentic, my favourites being the crispy duck pancakes (R160), prawn phad thai (R115) and sticky short ribs (R52). You will also not be disappointed with their dim sum (R46 – R58). Their wine list is superb, favouring brands from the Hemel-en-Aarde valley such as Creation, Newton Johnson, Ataraxia, Hamilton Russell and Spookfontein.
Hidden in The Old Bakery Shopping centre in Lakeside, Sostanza is a favourite with the locals. They do great breakfasts, favoured by the cyclists. The pizzas, which are reasonably priced (R60 – R98) are cooked in a woodfire oven, giving them that smokey, chargrilled flavour. Their dinners are quite eventful, especially on Friday’s when there is live entertainment. The specials menu changes regularly, although I recommend their lamb shank (R132) and ribs (R84), part of their early bird specials menu that runs from 16:00 – 18:30. Free unlimited wifi, so a great hot-desk option for those who work from home.
Village Sushi
Village Sushi is set in the beautiful Noordhoek Farm Village. I highly recommend the Thursday’s all-you-can-eat sushi special for only R150 to get get that sushi-fix. The menu includes sashimi, tempura prawns, spring rolls, salmon roses, and all the usual sushi options. Service with a smile, corkage only R40 (although the wine list is reasonble with interesting options) and fantastic outdoor seating options, glorious on hot balmy evenings! If sushi is not your thing, there are other options on the menu including Mozambique-style peri peri prawns, Thai curries and Chinese chow meins.
Lime Tree Café is a hidden gem in the Bergvliet suburb. This contempory eatery doubles as a deli and always delivers no matter what time of day you eat there. There is an extensive breakfast menu including shakshuka, meditarreanean breakfast, all day breakfast tartine; but my favourte is their eggs benedict served on a ricotta and courgette waffle, with smoked bacon and lime hollandaise (R84). There are also inspired dinner options including, homemade linguine pastas (R110 – R150), morrocan lamb burger served with sumac labneh (R120), grilled grass-fed aged sirloin (R170).
I am letting the secret out the bag: unbelievable as this may sound, Pastis in Constantia does half-price breakfasts ALL THE TIME! Pop in on week days between 8:30 – 11:30am and weekends from 8:30 – 10:00am. My favourite options are the eggs benedict on crispy potato rostis with smoked salmon (R41.50 after discount) and bacon & brie croissants (R32.50 after discount). You just cannot beat these prices! There is a lovely outdoor section that is pet-friendly.
Which one are you visiting soon?
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