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La Colombe Constantia

Fine Dining French
RRR+

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Great Views
  • Wine Estate
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

La Colombe is one of South Africas most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. Originally founded on the historic Constantia Uitsig wine estate, it relocated under new ownership to the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with breathtaking views overlooking the Constantia wine valley, False Bay and Hout Bay.

Chef Proprietor Scot Kirtons philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards.

The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Scots delivery of classic signature dishes and his endless array of sublime new inspirations form the mainstay of La Colombes Tasting Menu.

With impeccable service and an award-winning winelist, La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience.

Gourmet Guide Description

Regular swallows return for more than just another flutter of the legendary tuna in a tin at Silvermist Forest, Constantia. New and astonishing dishes illustrate why this world-class restaurant continues to clock up awards and accolades. Slick and sensational, it’s a murmuration of flavours—800 plates glide out of the kitchen during four hours of service under the wings of executive chef James Gaag.

The ‘dove nest’ starts the show with chef James’s favourite ingredient three ways—an ode to his mother who grows these Jerusalem artichokes. An artistic array of fresh ingredients, introduced tableside, indicates the backbone of the adventure. The charcuterie trolley is a feast of tastes and textures that, at first glance, belie the many months that have gone into perfecting each element in the restaurant’s innovation lab. From chickpea and lentil to salmon gravlax, KZN duck ham to Wagyu biltong with white onion mousse, it is clear how this innovative craftsman will always push the envelope. Components are spicy, techniques cutting edge, and every part of the produce journey is interrogated and honed.

The wine flights are impressive and popular. The clandestine cellar experience, led by passionate sommelier Michelle Erasmus, is a worthy addition. Guests leave their phones in a box before entering her enviable underground ‘office’. The silence and intimacy add to the intrigue as you witness her ability to pair a rare vintage with a veritable feast of flavours in one dish…smoked quail, foie gras, dried plum, truffle, and exotic mushrooms dovetail beautifully.

Reviews (2215)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Thierry L. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Andreas B. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 21 Feb 25
    Again - a great experience at La Colombe. We have been several times at this restaurant and every time the performance is on top. The waiters are super professional. Shaun (hope I spell the name right or is it Jean?) was our host a second time now and is outstanding. He reads the table perfectly and is an entertainment in itself. Tristan, the Sommelier is perfectly on the point and recommends the wines which elevate and improve the dishes further. Unfortunately, this time we had to ask for Tristan, because he was in charge for the other side of the restaurant. However, he was willing to help us out without any hesitation. The food is almost not from this world and an absolute pleasure. We enjoyed our lunch to the utmost. Lately however, it does not stay undetected that the prices went up significantly, especially on the wines. This hinders me to give a 5 star rating on the value and would need a re-evaluation by the management.

  • Marc M. Dined: 1 day ago
    3.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 21 Feb 25
    We have been loyal customers for several years, but unfortunately, we’ve noticed a decline in both the service and the variety of food. While the quality, taste, and presentation of the dishes remain excellent, there has been very little variation in the menu from year to year. As a result, I have decided not to celebrate my birthday there again next year. Additionally, one of the staff members displayed unprofessional behavior, rolling her eyes and using a dismissive tone, which was not appreciated. The ambience also left much to be desired, as it was quite noisy, and it felt like they were cramming more and more people into the space. To make matters worse, the restaurant was notably cold, which made the dining experience less comfortable. Overall, it remains a good restaurant, but given this year’s pricing, the service experience, and a menu that feels nearly identical to last year, the evening didn’t live up to expectations.

    1
  • Anita L. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Michel L. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Paul O. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 19 Feb 25
    We had a terrific meal, and appreciate the imaginative food preparation as well as the great service. The setting is terrific, if a bit loud. We'll be back!

  • Douglas D. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Thursday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Friday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Sunday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30