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Aubergine Restaurant

Mediterranean South African
Location Pointer 39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
4.8
(465 reviews)
RRR+
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

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

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Menu
Favourite

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.

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

Specials

Winter Special at Aubergine

Aubergine invites you to enjoy a complimentary aperitif of your choice when you order a 3-course menu from our Degustation or A la Carte menu.

  • 13 Aug - 30 Sep
  • Fri-Sat: 18:00 - 21:00
  • All pax
  • Last confirmed: 11 Aug 2026

Reviews (465)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.8
  • Pieter K. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 17 Sep 26
    Wonderful dining experience. The staff are attentive and knowledgable, and the food delicious.

  • Simon N. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 16 Sep 26
    Brilliant food with lovely friendly staff. Wine pairings were considered and really added to the whole food experience. Nothing overpowered the other, which made for a very enjoyable experience. The sommelier was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very helpful. A night to remember, thanks

  • David N. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 16 Sep 26
    Great wine selection, and appreciated the wine recommendation from the sommelier.

  • Juergen B. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 12 Sep 26
    All togeher a Fantastic evening

  • Ken & Delight A. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 11 Sep 26
    Aubergine is our favourite restaurant in Cape Town. It’s perfect for us to spend a relaxing evening with perfectly prepared and beautifully presented dishes. Chef Harald’s ability to match subtle flavours in every course is wonderful and his understand of wine pairings is unique. The wine list is outstanding with selections available for all tastes and palettes with gifted sommelier Ralph on hand to sensitively guide more timid guests. All the staff are friendly and extremely well trained contributing to the warm ambiance. A lovely, relaxing evening. Restorative! We can’t wait to go back😃

  • Alison H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Dr B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 04 Sep 26
    we have enjoyed dining at Aubergine for many years and will continue to do so - great food, chic and inviting ambience (with a wood burning stove for cold nights), excellent service and importantly , no loud music!

  • Ruth & Rolf S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 04 Sep 26
    a wonderful evening with very best food in town

  • Shelagh G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 29 Aug 26
    All our dishes were excellent - a creative take on French classics. We loved the ambience, which felt warm, unpretentious and stylish. 10/10 for getting the sound levels right - a comforting buzz in the background that never got too noisy.

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