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La Colombe Constantia

French
4.8 RRR+
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Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Great Views
  • Wine Estate
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 100

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La Colombe is one of South Africas most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. Originally founded on the historic Constantia Uitsig wine estate, it relocated under new ownership to the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with breathtaking views overlooking the Constantia wine valley, False Bay and Hout Bay.

Chef Proprietor Scot Kirtons philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards.

The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Scots delivery of classic signature dishes and his endless array of sublime new inspirations form the mainstay of La Colombes Tasting Menu.

With impeccable service and an award-winning winelist, La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Regular swallows return for more than just another flutter of the legendary tuna in a tin at Silvermist Forest, Constantia. New and astonishing dishes illustrate why this world-class restaurant continues to clock up awards and accolades. Slick and sensational, it’s a murmuration of flavours—800 plates glide out of the kitchen during four hours of service under the wings of executive chef James Gaag.

The ‘dove nest’ starts the show with chef James’s favourite ingredient three ways—an ode to his mother who grows these Jerusalem artichokes. An artistic array of fresh ingredients, introduced tableside, indicates the backbone of the adventure. The charcuterie trolley is a feast of tastes and textures that, at first glance, belie the many months that have gone into perfecting each element in the restaurant’s innovation lab. From chickpea and lentil to salmon gravlax, KZN duck ham to Wagyu biltong with white onion mousse, it is clear how this innovative craftsman will always push the envelope. Components are spicy, techniques cutting edge, and every part of the produce journey is interrogated and honed.

The wine flights are impressive and popular. The clandestine cellar experience, led by passionate sommelier Michelle Erasmus, is a worthy addition. Guests leave their phones in a box before entering her enviable underground ‘office’. The silence and intimacy add to the intrigue as you witness her ability to pair a rare vintage with a veritable feast of flavours in one dish…smoked quail, foie gras, dried plum, truffle, and exotic mushrooms dovetail beautifully.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Thursday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Friday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Sunday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30

Reviews (3236)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Sarah D. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    La Colombe is always a special experience. The service was exemplary and we were so pleased to be seated by the window as it was a lovely sunny winters day. They had just started a new menu and we chose the 6-course Winter special. They were very amenable to dietary requirements, and more than happy to change dishes to suit (which can be quite unusual in a fine-dining set menu). We were looking for a lovely Sauvignon Blanc to share with our meal but did struggle to recognise most of the wines on the list and the one we had was fine but nothing special - I think they would not go amiss to add in an more well known affordable SB like Ataraxia or Life from Stone. The food was delicious although none of the items came with any of the theatrical flair that sometimes accompanies dishes at La Colombe. We enjoyed most of the courses (we do think the old bread course was better though!) but had two main issues in that the main course of lamb was the smallest amount of lamb I have ever seen served - despite it being a number of courses (and for the price) I do think they could splash out on a bit more protein! we also found the dessert quite disappointing - it had the most amazing hazelnut ice-cream but something at the bottom had quite a burnt taste to it so left a bitter taste - I like my dessert to be sweet not earthy so that did let us down a bit. Alex, our waiter, who did not want us unhappy then sent over the Frozen Yoghurt trolley (not usually on the winter special ) so that we could have a sweet treat to end and the yoghurt selection was lots of fun! Alex and the other young lady who served us were both exceptional and their service really sets them apart in my opinion. All in all, despite the few niggles, another lovely lunch at one of our favourite restaurants.

  • Wendy K. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    We had an amazing dining experience! The presentation of each course was outstanding and the food was delicious! The servers were incredible and seemed to love their job! We especially enjoyed the wine cellar visit and the main course! It was a fantastic way to end our trip to Cape Town!

  • Stephane L. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 11 Aug 26
    The service was impeccable, and the setting was very pleasant. The sommelier was excellent as well — knowledgeable and attentive. The food was good overall, but unfortunately not exceptional, especially considering the price point. The dishes lacked a bit of originality, and at this level of pricing, I would have expected more premium ingredients and a greater sense of refinement. One other downside was the temperature in the restaurant, which was a little too cool — we actually felt quite cold during the meal. Overall, a pleasant experience with outstanding service, but the food did not quite live up to the expectations set by the price.

  • Marcel D. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 10 Aug 26
    Exceptional restaurant. Truly amazing from start to finish.

  • Pim S. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 10 Aug 26
    It has been an absolute wonderful and extremely tasteful experience. Service was top notch, menu was well balanced, full of flavours and presented in creative and interactive ways. I would absolutely recommend to bring a visit to La Colombe when you're in Cape Town if you enjoy a great fine dining experience.

  • Levi G. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 10 Aug 26
    What an incredible dining experience! Each dish was playful, innovative, thought-provoking, and delicious. The location was stunning - it was like eating in a nest in the trees. The entire staff was accommodating beyond expectation to my needs and made me feel so welcome. If I am ever in South Africa again, I'll certainly be back.

  • Shaun M. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 09 Aug 26
    Another awesome experience at SAs best. Everyone had a fantastic time, delicious. Only 1 small issue, the cellar experience is underwhelming and not worth the additional cost, should be part of the experience and not additional for what it is . Otherwise, can’t fault it.

    1
  • Daniël T. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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