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Aubergine Restaurant

Fine Dining Mediterranean South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
Location Pointer 39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
4.7
(400 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 (400)

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

    Reviewed on: Tue 24 Feb 26
    Top restaurant zonder poe ha

  • Patrick W. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Feb 26
    We recently moved to Stellenbosch from San Francisco and have been to Aubergine one other time. We sat outside which was very nice. We also enjoyed the drinks, wine and food. Unfortunately, the service was very poor. We ordered sparkling water, still water was brought to the table and poured. We sent it back for sparkling water. We ordered cocktails. Before the cocktails were served, our food order was taken. The sommelier came to discuss white wine which we ordered. The wine came and was tasted and poured, but the cocktails had not arrived. The palate cleanser and bread arrived, still no cocktails. We sat waiting for the cocktails when a wait staff asked why we were not eating. We explained we wanted our cocktails first. When the cocktails arrived, we felt pressured to quickly drink them and eat the bread and palate cleanser. As soon as we finished the bread, our starters, the crayfish bisque and burrata mozzarella, arrived. While eating our starters, our wine glasses became empty. When they cleared our starter dishes we asked for a break and ordered red wine which was tasted and poured. The main meal arrived which we enjoyed, but again the wine glasses stood empty and we had to get someone’s attention to pour wine while we ate. We ordered dessert and a double espresso to be delivered with the dessert. The desserts arrived but we had to ask for the espresso again which was delivered when the desserts were finished. Again, during dessert, we had to ask for our wine glasses to be filled. When we wanted to leave, there was no one around to ask for the check. We finally got up and walked to the door to ask to pay. I did mention to the staff I payed that I was very disappointed in the service. I know some nights can be a bit off. We will be back.

  • Sylvia M. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Feb 26
    Very delicious and friendly service!!

  • Jens K. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Feb 26
    We live to have Dinner in this great restaurant. The food, the wines and service are excellence. We are always happy to stay there . Thank you .

  • Peter L. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • JoaoPaulo S. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Gabriele W. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • David C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Andre K. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Arnaud G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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