MYOGA, NEWLANDS
Although he’s flown under the radar the past few years, chef Mike Bassett’s stylish restaurant at the Vineyard Hotel offers superb value and relaxed fine dining. It’s an adventurous menu global in inspiration, but with plenty of th e Asian flavours locals will remember from Bassett’s days at the acclaimed Ginja. The baby kabeljou with hoisin, bok choi and exotic mushrooms is superb; and I loved the unusual “Scotch egg” of Grabouw lamb boerewors with hanepoot jam. The lengthy menu makes choosing just two or three dishes tricky, so the tasting menu is an excellent option: each of the five courses offers a handful of choices, with an amuse-bouche and sorbet to round things out. At R355 per person it offers excellent value.
Vineyard Hotel, Colinton Road, Newlands, 021 657 4545, www.myoga.co.za, Main course: R155R285
OPEN DOOR, CONSTANTIA What was once the River Café on Constantia Uitsig wine estate has been given a stylish new lease on life by the team behind much-loved Burrata in Woodstock. The sunny terrace, with gorgeous mountain views, is ideal for breakfast and lunch, but come evening the contemporary dining room overlooking the open kitchen is best for appreciating the food flying out of chef Annemarie Steenkamp’s kitchen. It’s an adventurous à la carte menu, European in style yet with no shortage of creativity: crayfish tails are cooked sous vide and served with a fennel and prosciutto salad, while a breast of guinea fowl pairs beautifully with celeriac dauphinoise. Foodies should consider the five-course food-and-wine pairing menu available in the evenings. Co-owner Neil Grant is chairman of the South African Sommeliers Association, so no surprise that the wine offering is superb.
Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, 021 794 3010, http://opendoorrestaurant.co.za, Main course: R100-R170
CAFÉ ROUX, NOORDHOEK In the lands beyond the “lentil curtain” of Ou Kaapse Weg your best bet for good food is the Noordhoek Farm Village. At The Foodbarn chef Franck Dangereux cooks up superb French-inspired fare, but if you have young children in tow the neighbouring Café Roux is your best bet. The café-style menu changes with the seasons, but in summer expect generous salads, wraps and sandwiches alongside a handful of daily specials. Their burgers are legendary, as is their expansive breakfast menu. There’s also a separate children’s menu of homemade kid-friendly finger food. With live music on Sundays (and mid-week in season) and an approachable, well-priced menu of generous café dishes it’s not hard to see why locals are quick to book a table.
Noordhoek Farm Village, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek, 021 789 2538, www.caferoux.co.za. Mains: R70-R130