Our restaurant of the month, the La Mouette restaurant has dishes which range from modern French cuisine to succulent desserts. From just R35 a dish, the experience is definitely worthwhile.

Mari Vermaak’s homecoming is definitely one for Capetonians to celebrate. Born in South Africa, the gracious hostess spent eight years in London, where, while working at Kensington place restaurant, she met fiancé and head chef henry Vigar.

The pair’s restaurant is housed in a grand double-story Sea point building and, if it’s sunny, you’ll want a fountain-side table in the palm-fringed courtyard.

Vigar, having worked in France, Australia and a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, sources local ingredients and dishes up modern French cuisine that feeds the eyes as much as the appetite.

From the tuna tartare starter with creamy avocado purée, to the rich rocket oil and pickled shiitake mushroom risotto, the flavours of Vigar’s food speak loudly of his passion and talent.

The succulent confit duck is a perfectly satisfying treat presented on a bed of sautéed potato cubes and sweet red cabbage, all offset beautifully by a peppercorn sauce.

When it comes to dessert, the chef’s honeycomb ice cream (served with a chocolate macaroon) and the magnificent passion fruit curd are the stuff of legends.

Starters and desserts: R35 (lunch) and R50 (dinner); mains: R80 (lunch) and R100 (dinner).

Open 12 to 3 pm and 7 to 10.30 pm, Monday to Saturday and 12 to 9 pm, Sunday.

78 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town; tel: (021) 433-0856.