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Aubergine Restaurant

Fine Dining Mediterranean South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
(316 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 (316)

4.2 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.0
Value 4.1
Service 4.4
Ambience 4.3
  • Paul H. Dined: 4 days ago
    2
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 1.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 18 Feb 25
    What a disappointment. The crayfish starter was nice, not exceptional. Not sure how that tail would be legal sustainable fishing. The lamb saddle and cutlet was bland and kind of P&P. Source your lamb from our best Karoo please. The Sea harvest starter as a main was pretentious with absolutely no taste. The whole experience was pretentious and at no time was there a feeling of a fine dining experience. For an establishment that used to serve exquisite South African traditional food, this is definitely off the menu.

  • Isabell W. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • John S. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 12 Feb 25
    Everything was perfect except that the portions were quite small

  • Andre E. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 07 Feb 25
    Service at our table was pretty unorganised, no explanation of menu and hardly no information regarding the dishes that were presented. To include tip on bill (after poor service) was not appreciated by me.

  • Sarah S. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 05 Jan 25
    Very enjoyable evening, with a couple of minor flaws ( only if being super picky). Our midnight nye mcc arrived after the toast as I think we were forgotten and there was quite a bit of confusion around what course we were on so what wine we were poured. I must however say, fantastic team and great food.

  • Ilaria M. Dined: 1 month ago
    4.3
    Food 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 05 Jan 25
    I have booked a table in the garden but I was told we should be sitted indoors, NEXT TO the window to the garden.

  • Nick t. Dined: 2 months ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Dennis H. Dined: 4 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: 5 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: 5 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.

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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