JARDINE RESTAURANT TOP 10

BEST FOR Excellent seasonal fare. FOOD The menu at Jardine is quite short, but when you’re cooking highly seasonal food, that’s no bad thing. Start with springbok tartare with aioli, walnuts, sourdough crisps and pickled onion. A main course of herbed barley risotto with crumbed poached egg abounds with fresh, herbaceous flavours. But the pan-fried Mauritian sea bass with artichoke velouté, grilled artichoke and a tangy shaved cauliflower salad wins the day. Desserts are fresh and vibrant. Every bite is reflective of the bright mind and deft hand at work in the kitchen. DRINKS A good wine offering, with options sorted by varietal and something to suit most tastes and budgets. Interesting cocktails. SERVICE Very good – informed, friendly and efficient. AMBIENCE The smallish space has an intimate, comfortable feel. Against a neutral background of light wooden furniture, botanical prints on the walls and plenty of foliage add fresh pops of colour. (JC)