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Aubergine Restaurant

Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Friendly South African Mediterranean Fine Dining
Location Pointer 39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
4.5
(331 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

Reviews (331)

4.5 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.5
Value 4.4
Service 4.7
Ambience 4.5
  • Fred M. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Oct 25
    From the moment we were greeted the dining experience was wonderful. Great food, service and ambiance!

  • Carol K. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 16 Oct 25
    Wonderful meal, especially for me as gluten and dairy intolerant. We visited in February when in Cape Town and had a superb meal then too. Lovely ambience and attentive service too.

  • Candice H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Sabine P. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 08 Oct 25
    This is my favourite restaurants for a number of reasons. The food is always outstanding and Chef Harold always makes a point of coming to say hello. I was introduced to another lovely wine, thank you.

  • Faye C. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 05 Oct 25
    First class adult restaurant that still feels up-to-date

  • Karen S W. Dined: 4 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 04 Oct 25
    The dinner was excellent and would come back again. The service was excellent and enjoyed the dinner and dessert.

  • Henry B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 03 Oct 25
    We ate off the a la carte menu and everything we had was superb in quality and quantity was perfect. The chef’s complimentary Bon bouchées a delightful surprise. It was quiet on a weekday evening and tho service could not be faulted. A very comprehensive wine list with wines from outside South Africa as well.

  • Jazzmin H. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Sep 25
    All the food was very delicious but the new invented prawn curry was outstanding. The service is always impeccable, the wine selection outstanding (see this recent award https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/worlds-best-wine-lists-awards-2025-winners) and the knowledge of the sommelier is remarkable.

  • Samantha G. Dined: 5 months ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 26 Apr 25
    We had an exceptional evening at Aubergine. The staff were friendly and we were very well looked after by sommelier Ralph. The food was excellent, the ostrich for my main was so tender, the lamb saddle was exquisite. Quail three ways starter inventive and delicious. The menu is quite meaty though there are vegetarian options. The Longridge Merlot was surprisingly light and worked well with everything (I’m not a wine pairing fanatic). If I went back I would definitely want to try the degustation menu. There’s no second sitting so we were able to linger over our food and wine. Fabulous!

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