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Salsify @ the Roundhouse

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
Fine Dining
The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8040
(600 reviews)
RRR+

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Great Views
  • Sunsets
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

Chef Ryan Cole and his team build on their background of modern, classical cooking in this Refined dining houses in a national monument Expect the unexpected.
Within the walls of The Roundhouse, a heritage building that has assumed many faces over its storied past, guests pass through the central chamber that hosts the muse 1.3m Lady Salsify statue into a luxurious lounge and absorb the contemporary, historically-inspired artworks that fill the interior.

The first dining room, aptly named the “Leather Lounge, exudes a feeling of comfort and opulence, with floor to ceiling leather-clad panels and an inviting fireplace.

The second dining room, the ‘Sea Room, boasts spectacular vistas and is where the distinguished legacy of the space is complemented with touches of modern furnishings and crisp white napery that blends seamlessly to evoke a feeling of old world charm.

An opulent culinary journey accented by daring decor and whispers of history- a journey with Salsify is unlike any other.

Gourmet Guide Description

The setting is sublime, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head, with the Twelve Apostles providing a dramatic backdrop. Housed in the historic Roundhouse, Salsify gives a subtle nod to the site’s history while its menus and décor change seasonally and sustainably. You’ll be welcomed with a washing of your hands and taken to the new
Preservation Chamber, where fermentation is showcased in various stages of development. Settle in for a world-class 10-course chef’s menu or a reduced menu, knowing that your meal will redefine the way you love food.

A coal-roasted oyster with spekboom and ginger is dubbed ‘rys, vleis en aartappel’. The charred West Coast abalone with squid ink custard and Madagascar caviar is without doubt the finest way of indulging in this precious hero protein. Move on to the cold-smoked yellowtail with amasi whey, dill, and sorghum, knowing that while chef Ryan is dedicated to sourcing the finest local ingredients responsibly, his first choice is to catch from the sea himself.

The vegetarian course of a parsley dumpling with Jerusalem artichoke and wood sorrel transitions seamlessly into butter-fried line fish with lime leaf and a local squid emulsion, before the pork jowl with sultana and pork skin crumb shows that the chef’s boundary-pushing extends beyond ocean fare. Karoo Wagyu beef sirloin, joined on the plate with beef shin-baked rice and chakalaka, is cooked to perfection. The predessert of Madagascan vanilla and guava may lead into ‘Bertie’s pecan nuts’ with cherries and ancient grains. Every course is thoughtfully married with a wine of note and is completely in sync.

Reviews (600)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Erik G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    Great as always!

  • Pamela E. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    One word! Amazing!!!

  • Natalie C. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    An absolutely outstanding experience with so much attention to detail, from the moment you arrive the experience begins ! We have experienced many different fine dining restaurants not only in South Africa but all over the world and this rates in my top 2.

  • Carol C. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    This is more than dining, it a culinary experience. We have had tasting menus at Michelin star restaurants before, but nothing topped the food and presentation. The explanation of the wine with each course was fabulous. We are from the U.S. and made reservations online in advance and so glad we did!

  • Tino S. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    My favorite among the fine dinings.

  • Klaus B. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Sean C. Dined: 3 days ago
    3.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    The setting of the restaurant is amazing. Service from the staff is outstanding although not consistent between patrons - we noticed a significant difference in the level of the attention and service we received compared the the patrons sitting at the table next to us. While the service we received was not bad at all, when compared to what we observed was afforded to the other couple - it left a poor impression. The restaurant setting and decor is phenomenal and it creates a great ambiance. The setting sun over the horizon as the dishes are served is fantastic. The food, while mostly tasty (except for some dishes being under seasoned) was unfortunately underwhelming. We need at fine dining restaurants often and the meal at Salsify was unfortunately one of the least impressionable. We did not have a sense of gastronomic awesomeness. The plating of most dishes was impressive but there was an overwhelming lack of flavours complementing each other. In addition, the portions of each dish were surprisingly small , and despite the multiple courses, we left feeling hungry. All in all, the location and service saved the day in our overall experience however the inconsistency in the level of service, the lack-lustre taste of the food and the small portions have placed a damper on the overall experience, making us feel that this restaurant offers low value for the cost of the experience .... we will unfortunately not come back anytime soon and will not be recommending Salsify to colleagues and friends.

  • Julie M. Dined: 4 days ago
    3.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Jan 25
    This was my 2nd visit to Salsify. Personally I don't think it was as good as my first.

  • Busso B. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Bettina J. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Wednesday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Thursday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Friday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Saturday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Sunday 12h30 - 02h00