Pier is the latest venture by The La Colombe Group, located on the Pierhead at the V&A Waterfront. Headed by John Norris Rogers serving a multi course tasting menu inspired by the sea.
Entering the intimate restaurant that embraces the working harbour, you’re rendered breathless. It’s a heart-stopping, world-class view, and soon you’ll be appreciating cuisine of equal calibre.
PIER has elevated the culinary offering of the V&A Waterfront since opening two years ago. The chef’s menu begins with an ensemble of canapés, innovatively presented in eye-catching white pottery that depicts the ocean floor. Every aspect of this dining discovery has been carefully curated and shaped by chef John Norris-Rogers’ South African heritage and international travels. The snoek-filled takoyaki, cooked tableside and served with a Cape Malay curry relish, shows Japanese influence. The sourdough with curried hake butter is a substantial wave, featuring seafood that’s been gently cured, smoked, and coated in a piquant sauce, finished at your table with aplomb. Alongside, there’s smoked mussel, chorizo, toasted yeast, and cultured butter.
The tandoori yellowfin tuna with avocado and chevra is savoury and smokey. A spice blend coats the tuna before searing. The tuna tartare is paired with a curry XO and yoghurt labneh, harmonising the spices with creaminess. Here is a dish that flawlessly demonstrates John’s ability to balance a hero ingredient with myriad accompaniments, ensuring the tuna holds its own without being overpowered. A coriander spuma and avocado crumbed with spices provide texture. The crunchy chevra mix comprises fried onion, garlic, and curry leaves, served separately so that you may add as little or as much as you like. The diner’s every whim has been considered. Wine pairings, like the service, are impeccable – intuitive and fuelled by passion and knowledge.