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Aubergine Restaurant

Fine Dining Mediterranean South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
(310 reviews)
RRR+

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Gourmet Guide Plated 2019

Aubergine Restaurant opened its doors in September 1996 with a vision to create a gastronomic haven in an atmosphere of timeless elegance where diners could enjoy innovative and creative combinations that excite the senses and pique curiosity. We are proud to have gained a significant following from both within South Africa and abroad and it is always a pleasure to welcome back guests who share our passion for good food and wine. Aubergine has received numerous local and international awards and been consistently rated among the top restaurants in the country.

Outside Seating
Our outside terrace is open for lunch and dinner. Note, you can only book outside online for lunch, not dinner. Simply add a special request to your reservation and ask to be seated outside. Weather permitting, we will be more then happy to have you enjoy your meal on the terrace.

Gourmet Guide Description

This bastion of gastronomy cemented Cape Town as a fine-dining destination nearly 30 years ago. It has remained steadfast, timeless rather than trendy, fitting for the setting steeped in history. Chef Harald Bresselschmidt revisits the classics using French techniques, elevated
with Asian flavours. Why the name Aubergine? Apart from being alphabetically foremost, this humble vegetable is a great platform for carrying flavour…a little like the wines at Aubergine.

The heritage building recently had a ‘nip and tuck’ so that guests can now take their time over small plates before settling in for something serious. Al fresco dining in the courtyard is popular for lunches and lazy summer evenings. Regardless of what you order or when, know that wine will lead the way. The cellar dictates the menu: when a wine is ready to share, a dish is crafted. Perusing the vast, impressive wine list that has been personally perfected over time, is a must for any connoisseur.

Expect hero ingredients like veal and rabbit on the menu, simply with sublime sauces. Harald likes to maintain the integrity of some of the natural textures. There are no flaws, no fuss or unnecessary drama, it’s simply exquisite food and wine, married to perfection.

Reviews (310)

4.3 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.2
Value 4.2
Service 4.4
Ambience 4.2
  • Nick t. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Dennis H. Dined: 2 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 24 Oct 24
    Awesome experience and thanks for the surprise for our Honeymoon

  • Sue B. Dined: 3 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Sep 24
    Food and service was excellent. Had a fabulous evening at Aubergine and would thoroughly recommend.

  • Ingrid W. Dined: 3 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Sep 24
    Absolutely gorgeous! Great food, beautifully presented. Service was superb. Wow.

  • Roman T. Dined: 4 months ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Christa V. Dined: 4 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 16 Aug 24
    Was part of a Table of 4. We testwd the new Tappas menu, Exceptional friendly, well trained team of Professionals led by Chef Harald and Ralph the Head Sommelier.We brought a wine and choose from what is probably the best winelist in Cape Town a few wines Ralph was proposing we pair with the food! What a tastebud training, magnificent! Will recommend any time and everytime! We had so much fun , and wil definately be back ! Go check it out, and if you havnt been in a while..... remind yourself how exceptional Harald can cook !!

  • Sunny H. Dined: 8 months ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Stephanie B. Dined: 9 months ago
    3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 19 Mar 24
    We were disappointed as the reviews had been good. Waited for my sister and brother in law to arrive in CT so we could go together. Very ordinary lunch with some highlights here and there but generally mediocre. Didn’t live up to the hype and food forgettable with extremely small portions.

  • Basia S. Dined: 9 months ago
    3.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 15 Mar 24
    Expensive, very bland /under seasoned but good quality. Superb wine list. We left generally unimpressed.

  • Luis Fernando R. Dined: 9 months ago
    4
    Food 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED