Little gem
Fun, sexy and tasty tapas dishes are made for happy sharing.
/ Durban Nikos Coalgrill Greek 54 Adelaide Tambo Dr, Durban North; 031 007 0375
Our favourites at this home-style Greek spot are the Hummus Loaded (a pine nut, chickpea, pomegranate and feta hummus mix with pita bread; R55), brinjal stack (R55) and tzatziki (R29). To end? Go for the galaktoboureko (phyllo filled with custard and topped with warm syrup; R55).
El Toro 5-17 Mackeurtan Ave, Durban North; 031 564 3015
You’ll be spoiled for choice here with a selection of inventively reworked Spanish and Mexican classics. Our picks: Mexi golf balls (corn mash and spinach with jalapeño crème; R45), chorizo, spinach, paneer and mozzarella empanadas (R39), jalapeño poppers (R48) and lamb tacos (R59). The margaritas (from R55) are great, too!
Pintxada 16 Chartwell Dr, Granada Square, Umhlanga Rocks; 082 688 1310
Spanish style and a lively mood make for a terrific experience, especially when it includes tasty mini-dishes like gnocchi with roast butternut and pecan praline (R45), confit duck (R80) and pork belly (R50).
/ Joburg Lima Tapas Bar
Cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Montecasino, Fourways; 011 465 5991 European and South American cuisines blend at this hot spot. The delectable choices include fish tacos with jalepeño mayo (R50), buttery edemame beans (R85) and jalapeño poppers (R55). Add authentic Lago de Chapala chilli sauce for an extra kick.
Escondido Tapas & Wine 30 Rudd Rd, The Post Office Centre, Illovo; 011 268 0058
True to its name, meaning ‘hidden’, this rustic eatery, with its striking wine display, is a tucked-away treasure. The menu changes regularly, but you can always be sure of great shares, like the zucchini fritters (R40) and pork belly spring rolls (R29). For hedonistic fun, try the fries with Parmesan and truffle oil (R65).
Perron Cnr Hobart Rd and Grosvenor Rd, Bryanston; 011 706 7841
For a vibey ambience and an authentic menu, make Perron your top choice. On offer is Levanta Muertos (Bloody Mary prawn cocktail; R65), avo salsa with tortilla chips (R45) and juicy pork taco (R61). As for the burritos, they’re justly famed. We loved the Señorita (tortilla filled with beetroot, carrot, sweet potato and feta; R95). End with churros and chocolate or creamy dulce de leche sauce (R61).
/ Cape Town Bistro Sixteen82 Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Rd, Constantia Valley; 021 713 2211
Situated amid mountains and sprawling green lawns, Bistro Sixteen82 was an early exponent of Cape Town’s tapas scene and it’s still one of the greats. The wonderfully sharable dishes include cheese croquettes with beetroot (R52), chilli-flavoured beef (R94) and pork belly (R68). An excellent wine menu completes the experience.
Dalliance Restaurant 19 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Waterfront; 021 418 1037
This New York-style restaurant with its open kitchen and amazing views of the ocean is the perfect spot for dinner with friends. Our favourites were the calamari with pineapple, peppers and vinaigrette (R95), peri-peri sardines (R60), trinchado (spicy braised beef; R80) and sticky barbecue chicken wings (R60) – simple flavours that excite the senses. End off on a sweet note with the amazing chocolate fondant (R75). You won’t leave here disappointed.
SOUK 163 Long St, CBD; 021 422 1404
Luxurious and sexy, SOUK works for a date or girl’s night out. Try the wild mushroom and truffle oil croquettes (R55) for an indulgent start, or go for crumbed calamari with fries (R95) or the grilled lamb chops marinated in their secret SOUK spice mix (R120).