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Must-have reservations in September

by | 1 September 2023

As hints of spring begin to show, we find ourselves venturing out a bit more and taking full advantage of the weather as it warms and the days get longer. From authentic Turkish food and craft gin tastings, to new openings and some of the best bao in town, September offers an exciting choice of flavours and cuisines just waiting to be explored.

Plus, with the Rugby World Cup kicking off this month, it’s also a good idea to plan ahead of each game and secure your spot. Browse our list of places screening the World Cup games – and book online.

Here are 8 of my must-have restaurant reservations for September

Cape Town and surrounds

How Bao Now


After starting out as a very successful food stall at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, How Bao Now soon opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant at the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town. Owned and run by Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze, who both worked with Chef Luke Dale Roberts at The Test Kitchen, the menu reflects their love of Asian cuisine. As you guessed, the menu features bao quite heavily with some incredibly tasty and interesting options to choose from, including a few vegetarian buns that reviewers rave about. Rooted in bringing people together over bold flavours, Matt and Carla’s spot is well-worth a visit. How Bao Now is open Wednesday to Saturday from 6 – 9pm.

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Boma on Bree


Since opening its doors in August, Boma on Bree Street has been racking up great reviews and lots of attention. As part of the group behind Aces ’n’ Spades, Harringtons and The Village Idiot, this new restaurant pays “homage to the African desert and fire cooking”. Partnering with Chef Vusi Ndlovu, whose Edge pop-up at the Mount Nelson put African cuisine, ingredients and open-fire cooking techniques under the spotlight, it’ll come as no surprise that Boma’s menu champions the scents of the fire and takes the most humble ingredients and elevates them to new heights. Boma on Bree is open from Wednesday to Saturday for both lunch and dinner.

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Therapy


Having just opened at the end of August, this new restaurant on Park Street is serving Italian-esque dishes full of flavour but you won’t find any pizzas on this menu. Focusing on simple, comforting dishes inspired by the owners’ cultural roots, you’ll find Italian fare with a South African twist. Think bobotie arancini, Saldanha mussels with fennel, seafood linguine, and grilled fish and steaks. Open all week from 11 am to late in the evening, make your reservation and go and check out one of Cape Town’s newest restaurants.

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Ariel Modern Italian


While very popular, Ariel is relatively new to the Cape Town dining scene. Having only opened last year, it can be described as a modern Italian eatery where “Napoli meets New York”. Every Tuesday until the end of September, they will be running a 3-course set menu special for two. Available for lunch or dinner, you and your partner will be treated to a 3-course meal for only R590 per pair. Featuring a selection of antipasti, favourites like their lamb ragù pappardelle, spinach and ricotta ravioli and funghi pizza, with a tiramisu for dessert, this date night special is a great deal!

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Johannesburg

Ginologist Gin


Looking for something to do over the weekend? Then I highly recommend booking a gin tasting at the new brand home of Ginologist Gin in Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg. Open every Saturday, you can opt for either their Ginologist Tasting Board at R80 per person or spoil yourself with a Masterclass session for R450 per person (requires pre-payment). Book your spot, grab all your gin-loving friends and enjoy a Saturday of craft gin tasting. If you’d like to take a tour of the distillery, please contact Ginologist directly.

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Istanbul Kebab


Having joined Dineplan earlier this year, Istanbul Kebab has two branches in Johannesburg – one in Sunnginghill and another in Melrose Arch. If you’re looking for an authentic Turkish meal and a feast fit for family and friends with generous portions and the comforting flavours of the Middle East, then you should pay them a visit – and stat. Their guest reviews rave about the delicious kebabs and juicy kofte. The menu is full of options including wood-fired pide and lahmacun (flatbreads topped with mince, cheese and herbs), mixed platters of tender, spiced meat fresh off the grill, and traditional desserts like baklava and sutlac (rice pudding). The Sunninghill branch also has an on-site butchery.

Book Melrose ArchBook Sunninghill

Meraki Deli Café


In Greek, “meraki” means doing something with passion and pouring one’s soul into it and the team behind Meraki Deli Café in Birnam sure do that! Serving up delicious Greek and Mediterranean food, they are running a series of budget-friendly specials throughout September. From their Monday night yiro special, Tuesday tramezzini offer, and Wednesday mezé deal, to Burger Thursdays, Fishy Fridays, and Sunday Souvla, you’ll find a great deal (and a super tasty meal) any day of the week. Open from Monday to Sunday, book your table and then pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner with the whole family.

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Winehouse Restaurant


Situated in Dunkeld West is this contemporary European-inspired eatery, named after a painting of Amy Winehouse by Polish artist Joanna Flatau, which hangs in the dining room. Every evening until the end of September, they will be hosting a Date Night special from 6:30 to 8 pm. Experience a cosy dinner for you and your loved one and enjoy three courses, with one sharing platter for each. Priced at R595 for two, the offer is valid from Monday to Sunday and reservations are a must.

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