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The Happy Uncles

Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50
Fine Dining
100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
(439 reviews)
RR

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • Serves Halaal
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 50

A humble group of chefs that know their way around ingredients and flavors.

Gourmet Guide Description

The first fully Halaal fine dining restaurant in South Africa was a happy accident. Originally a food production facility, it evolved into a small, intimate restaurant that draws a variety of diners to this unlikely site on busy Voortrekker Road in industrial Salt River.

Service during your four-, six- or eight-course lunch or dinner is attentive and hands-on with a touch of theatre. After an innovative amuse bouche you’ll be captivated by the small seasonal, foraged tart that belies many ingredients like asparagus, edamame beans, sugar snap peas, salted plum, atchar, edible flowers, freshly smoked broccolini and an avocado and pea mousse. Every course is coupled with an aromatic tea–this course is paired with peach jasmine oolong. Chef Anwar Abdullatief has created an unforgettable vetkoek served on a cauliflower custard and mixed herb crumb with a savoury fig and plum chutney. Its companion? Caramel blue spicy tea.

Chef Anwar and his talented team change the menu every two months, with every dish inspired by nature and designed around their space, team, and operation. They focus on humble ingredients, bringing them together to craft works of art with flavours that truly resonate.

Reviews (439)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.6
  • KARA LYNN S. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Jan 25
    This was truly one of the best experiences I have had in a while. We are foodies and we received way more than we expected! Even when my friend couldn't eat the beef, they made sure they made her something else and quickly. Waiting for the menu to change and then I'm going back!

  • Danielle L. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    The food was excellent with explanations of each dish as they were served. Very friendly staff. Only downside was the location, however staff were very accommodating.

  • Shenaz H. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    The food was very tasty and presentation was outstanding. Although portions are small it was filling for me as a female.

  • Jean M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Jan 25
    Absolutely fantastic food. Thanks

  • Imtiyaaz M. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 10 Jan 25
    1. Short rib dish was excellent however it should be paired with a starch. 2. Most other dishes were great and we liked how the restaurant brought in the Cape Malay flavours. 3. Ice cream dessert was too intense and unpalatable. 4. The twee gevreetjie was a masterpiece. 5. Toilets are a problem - as it is a walking distance from restaurant.

  • Ibrahim J. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
    1
  • Saarah carr S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 08 Jan 25
    We had a lovely and enjoyable time , we adored the food and really appreciated the time and effort that went into the flavour combinations and looks . Shukran We enjoyed a very pleasing evening

    2
  • Faadiel L. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 08 Jan 25
    Great atmosphere and food was excellent. The staff are so welcoming (and funny too!). My wife's favourite dish was the pre-starter.

  • Nadeem N. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 04 Jan 25
    I usually try and dine at The Happy Uncle when in Cape Town. This year was for my wife's birthday. The ambience was just perfect and the theatrics of food presentation was things watched only on TV. My personal favorite was the season tartlet that really tantalized the taste buds. Can't wait to see what's next on the menu. Thanks again to Anwar and team for a great experience.

    1
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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 02h00
  • Saturday 18h30 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED