Cookbook editor and consummate Capetonian, TASTE's Phillippa Cheifitz rounds up her all-time favourite foodie haunts in the Mother City.
The Grand Cafe and Beach
Location. Location. Location! The Grand is hands-down the very best place for sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip into the ocean.
Bizerca Bistro
South Africans love lamb, especially the herb-infused Karoo variety. The best of its kind is the signature Karoo lamb stew with sautéed vegetables and gremolata at this Foreshore bistro. French owner-chef Laurent Deslandes creates superb dishes with the finest fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
Hemelhuijs
For a city-slick breakfast, this is the place to be. Dip chunks of traditional aniseed-flecked mosbolletjies into beautiful bowls of coffee. Or partner poached eggs with artichoke hearts, hollandaise sauce and proscuitto.
La Petite Tarte
Their quiches are legendary (the mushroom is my favourite). The pies are great, too. La Petite Tarte is the latest culinary adventure for Johann de Villiers and Len Straw, coauthors of the delightful Once Upon a Chicken Pie and Other Food Tales.
- Cape Quarter Shopping Centre, 72 Waterkant Street, Green Point; tel: (021) 425-9077
Birds Cafe
A golden pillow of pastry stuffed with moist roast chicken – a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. Try it with a side of fresh leaves at this organically focussed café, open from breakfast until tea time. The owners may be new but the recipes have stayed the same.
- 127 Bree Street; tel: (021) 426-2534
Takumi
Sushi and sashimi in owner Hatsushiro Muraoka’s understated Japanese style. I particularly like the chirashizushi – a whole bowl of sushi rice crowned with a feast of assorted sashimi, avocado and Japanese omelette. The irresistible tempura prawns and gently simmered tofu in broth are also great and as authentic as the chef (a.k.a. Papa San).
- 3 Park Road, Gardens; tel: (021) 424-8879
Maria's
On a balmy summer evening, sit outside under the trees and enjoy traditional Greek favourites. Make a meal of the meze or stay and feast on the lamb.
- 1 Barnet Street, Gardens; tel: (021) 461-3333.
French Toast Wine & Tapas Bar
A super spot for fine wine or a classy cocktail plus a wide selection of tapas – everything from the good-old Spanish standby, patatas bravas, to the light and crispy fritto misto. Plus, there’s a well-chosen wine list.
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