This month, we welcomed a lot of new and noteworthy restaurants to Dineplan – from authentic pizzerias to an innovative cocktail bar. There are also many exciting events taking place this month, including a seasonal (somewhat secretive) long table dinner, wine events, Women’s Day celebrations and an all-you-can-eat prawn festival in Gauteng! Without further ado, here are 9 of my must-have restaurant reservations for August.
Cape Town and surrounds
Dias Tavern Villagers
The OG Dias Tavern in town has been the go-to place for laid-back celebrations, after-work drinks and impromptu nights out for (what seems like) forever. Now, people in the Southern Suburbs will be happy to hear that there’s a Dias in Claremont at the Villager Football Club. Serving up their famous Portuguese meals, including everyone’s favourite spicy beef espetada, book a table, grab your mates and wind down after a busy week with live music, a good meal and a cold one.
Lievita
Being a massive fan of Neapolitan pizza, I was so happy to see that Lievita is now bookable on Dineplan. Based in Green Point, they are considered to be one of the best pizzerias in Cape Town. They don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to making the perfect dough, for the perfect crust. Using a special blend of Italian flours, the pizzas come out of the oven with just the right amount of “char and chew”. The toppings are kept simple, but interesting, and only the best Fior di Latte mozzarella is used. Buon appetito!
If you’re based in Johannesburg, visit their Sandton store, Café 28 Inanda, and order the one with mortadella and stracciatella.
Groot Constantia Wine Estate
Groot Constantia is turning 338 this year, and they’ve got something really special lined up to celebrate. For the first time ever, they’re unlocking their “Vintage Vault” and sharing some of their legendary wines with the public. From now until the end of August, a small quantity of their renowned and collectable wines will be made available for tasting and purchase. Each day they will choose a new selection of wines from the treasure trove below the historical Manor House, making each tasting a one-of-a-kind experience. You can reserve a spot for the “Vintage Vault Experience” at R500 per person. Bookings are essential.
If you’d like to add a few more wine farms to your tour, I’ve put together a list of wineries worth visiting in winter.
Nocturne
Having just opened its doors, Nocturne is the newest mixology bar in Stellenbosch. Brought to you by Chef Darren Badenhorst and Chef Callan Austin, the same duo behind Dusk Restaurant, Nocturne pushes the boundaries with its innovative food and drinks. The menu showcases the talents of some of the world’s leading mixologists with a selection of signature cocktails, and the food menu features snacks and small plates designed to complement the drinks. As with Dusk, the focus remains squarely on sourcing ethical, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, and finding unusual but brilliant ways to use them.
The Kraaktafel
The Kraaktafel is a one-of-a-kind seasonal dinner – hosted only 4 times each year! On 1 September, Kraak will be celebrating the end of winter with one of their incredible long table events. At R2,500 per person, you’ll get a seasonal feast prepared by a team of talented chefs, paired with some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. As the sun starts to dip, you’ll take your place at the long, snaking table and get wined and dined long into the night. While the event will be hosted in September, space is limited and seats sell out fast. This is definitely a reservation that you’ll need to make during August! Please note, the dress code is “neutrals with a touch of black”. As for the venue, the End of Winter event will be taking place in Wellington, however, the exact location will only be shared a week prior to the event.
Johannesburg and Pretoria
Café 28
As I mentioned above, Café 28 at Inanda is the sister restaurant to Lievita in Cape Town. Since opening its doors in 2016, Café 28 has become known as one of Jozi’s best pizzerias – and has gained a loyal following. So, if you haven’t experienced one of their incredible Neapolitan pizzas, this is definitely one of your must-have reservations this month. If perfectly chewy, slightly charred pizza isn’t your thing, opt for one of their classic pasta dishes. The paccheri (imagine rigatoni’s big brother) with eggplant and stracciatella cheese is a real winner!
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Kievits Kroon
Kievits Kroon in Gauteng is hosting their annual Prawn and Wine Fest on Sunday, 6 August. For only R695 per person, you get access to wine tasting and unlimited prawn dishes! Tuck into mouthwatering meals from the long line-up of food stations. From stir frys and braais, to potjies and paellas, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Luckily, there’s no need to choose as it’s an all-you-can-eat feast. There will be live music, fun family-friendly activities and non-stop food and wine. As for the little ones, they will love the pizza and cupcake making sessions.
TANG Nelson Mandela Square
On 9 August, TANG at the Nelson Mandela Square in Joburg is hosting an exclusive “Cuisine, Champagne, Couture” lunch in honour of Women’s Day. Enjoy an incredible 6-course kaiseki menu with a Moët & Chandon Champagne cocktail on arrival. Then, be wowed as you watch a couture runway show by Kat van Duinen, a well-respected local fashion house that celebrates African diversity and luxury. R850 per person. Book to secure your place.
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room in Waterkloof is fast becoming one of Pretoria’s favourite hangouts – especially amongst the wine-loving crowd. With a constant stream of interactive and informative food and wine events, guests are able to learn more about South African wines and the people who make them. In August, their line-up includes a Sip & Paint evening, Bread & Wine Night, Dinner with Stellenzicht Wines, Dinner with the Glen Carlou Winemaker, Johnnie Calitz, a Women’s Day special, and many more.
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