With new restaurants opening regularly, seasonal menu changes and new head chef appointments, there is never a dull moment in the local food industry.
To help you keep up, we’ve put together a list of the new and noteworthy spots you need to visit this month. Here are the must-have restaurant reservations in April.
Cape Town
Salon
With Luke Dale-Roberts’ Midas touch behind it, it’s a safe bet that Salon is going to be a roaring success, where the combination of taste, presentation, and ambiance create an animated atmosphere for exploring a bold new world of gastronomy. This exquisite dining experience is designed to be a hub of exquisite cuisine and delightful company.
“On the Journey menu, I’ve taken each country that I’ve worked in and created a signature dish from that country’s culinary heritage. I really wanted this menu to be small, focused and interactive. I want people to come along on a voyage that really shows my evolution and influences as a chef.” – Chef Luke Dale-Roberts
The Red Room
The Chefs Warehouse group is undeniably on fire at the moment. Hot off the heels of Bree Street’s Chefs Warehouse reopening, Liam Tomlin’s team has set their sights on the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel and will be opening up their latest venture any day now. The Red Room is moving into the Nelly’s former Grill Room, so look forward to sultry speakeasy vibes, delicious cocktails and an Asian-inspired menu we already know is going to be exceptional.
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StrangeLove Cocktail Lounge
With the trailblazing Hope on Hopkins brand behind it, it will come as no surprise that StrangeLove is one of Cape Town’s coolest new spots. Expect perfectly-crafted cocktails, like the El Presidenté or a classic Martini (made using Hope’s stellar spirits), paired with a thoughtful “nibbles” menu overlooking the working distillery floor.
We sat down with owners Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk and spoke more about the inspiration behind Strangelove, what goes on in their day-to-day and their must-try menu items.
Winelands
De Eetkamer
While De Eetkamer is by no means a newcomer to the food scene, their commitment to following the seasons means that if you haven’t visited them for a while, it’s time to return to taste their latest autumnal menu. From house-made pork bangers with fennel and saffron escabeche to a cosy mushroom risotto topped with exotic mushrooms and crispy Patagonian squid and a hearty roast leg of lamb with coriander yoghurt and za’atar, this new menu is worth a drive out to Stellies.
Die Kantien
The unstoppable Bertus Basson has done it again, this time adding a laid-back biker bar-inspired eatery to his portfolio of incredible restaurants. And while you’re guaranteed the high-quality experience Bertus’ restaurants are known for, Die Kantien is a little dark horse in comparison to its big-sister establishments. In Bertus’ own words, “if you’re in the mood for something a bit different”, head down to Kantien for a bit of fun – and some truly excellent pizzas. Insider’s tip: order the signature “kommincocktail” – the humble Rum and Raspberry.
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Johannesburg
Fugazzi
Rosebank is clearly having a moment, and the latest hotspot to burst onto the scene is Fugazzi – a New York-Italian joint that is definitely not your nonna’s trattoria. Leaning into the retro vibe, you can expect lots of red sauce, banging pizzas and, of course, meatball subs.
Basalt at The Peech Hotel
Basalt is certainly no newcomer, but with the announcement that James Diack has taken over as resident chef, this is one to bookmark immediately. Known for seasonal and considered cooking that uses sustainable produce (often sourced entirely from his own Brightside farm), Diack has crafted a hearty tasting menu at Basalt that includes Jerusalem artichoke risotto, confit goose tortellini and roasted pork belly.
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