Summer temperatures are heating up.And for the first time in a while, the Mother City seems to be positioned for a proper season, filled with the promise of brisk trade and foreign accents. These six CBD restaurants have in common great food, a vibey atmosphere and appealing space.
ALLIUM
What’s up: Silwood-trained and Korean-born chef Sepial Shim has opened a sit-down restaurant serving north-east Asian flavours “and more”. Capetonians love “KFC”, a cheeky acronym for the super-popular Korean Fried Chicken she dishes out at Sepial’s Kitchen OZCF Market stall. Diehards will find KFC on the Allium menu, but Shim stresses that she also creates other delicious plates.
Opening times: Thursday and Friday from 18h00 to 21h00.
Location: 37 Parliament St, Cape Town.
What to eat: Menu portions are of a similar smaller size (no starters or main courses as such). Ingredients are sourced from small fisheries and farmers. “Flavour is important, and the way we serve is not limited to authentic Asian ways because we are in Cape Town,” says Shim. “Easier to eat is also important. For example, we cut pan-fried Cape bream into bite-size pieces so that it’s suitable for chopsticks, fingers or forks.”
How to book: Dineplan, www.alliumcapetown.com or via Instagram.
BODEGA RAMEN
What’s up: Chef Ryan McDonagh says he’s been in love with ramen for years. Business partner Bryn Divey was working in software engineering. The two joined forces and initially opened Bodega as a global street food restaurant in Woodstock. In April 2021, they started trading from the current Wale Street space.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 18h00 to 22h00.
Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town.
What to eat: This vibey restaurant is best known for brothy ramen bowls: miso char sui pork belly with noodles is a favourite, as is braised beef and kimchi … both full of umami deliciousness and served with runny, half-boiled ajitama eggs. Side orders appeal, too. “People always return for the burnt quarter cabbage, charred and dressed with kewpie mayo and nori,” says Divey.
How to book: Dineplan or WhatsApp 078 241 3285.
FARRO
What’s up: When Alex and Eloise Windebank closed their small Illovo, Johannesburg restaurant after lockdown challenges, they embarked on a series of pop-ups. It’s the Cape Town CBD’s gain that this Farro pop-up will operate from Café Frank until February 2022.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 18h00 to 22h00.
Location: 160 Bree St (inside Café Frank), Cape Town.
What to eat: British chef and co-owner Alex offers a menu with a fixed price, and a choice of starters, mains and desserts. Expect a modern European style, just a few ingredients, and no froths and foams. “It’s very much technical ability behind the scenes but what you get on the plate is simple and full of flavour,” says Eloise Windebank. Duck liver parfait with black cherry and brioche is a signature starter. Wagyu bavette with pot roast potatoes is a dish that customers return for.
How to book: Dineplan or farrofoodandwine.com
THE ROYAL OYSTER BAR
What’s Up: As of September, the venue previously occupied by La Tête has been transformed. A stylish bar out front serves flutes of bubbly, with dining tables beyond. Russian owner Anna Moskvitina has roped in fellow countrywoman Svetlana Smith as GM. Diners are attracted by oysters and live music.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 12H00 – 23h00.
Location: 17 Bree St, Cape Town.
What to eat: “We wanted a place where you always get a selection of oysters. Different types and sizes,” says Smith. The oyster bar offers local briny delights from Knysna to Namibia, served au naturel or with creative toppings. “The rest of the menu is fresh, simple and seasonal, with minimal fuss. Uncomplicated flavours, but oysters are the highlight,” adds Smith. Try this elegant spot for sundowners, and stick around for fish, steak and prawns, or vegetable-based options.
How to book: Dineplan, WhatsApp 071 490 2834 or via social media.
THE SHED
What’s Up: This cosy restaurant run by the Ackermann family combines their favourite things: sushi, pizza, burgers, music and wine. “It’s offering good food, good value for money, cool music and a trendy space to enjoy yourself in,” says Kyle Ackermann. Find The Shed near the top of Long Street. Their date-night special is popular on Thursdays.
Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 16h00 to 22h00, Friday to Sunday 12h00 to 22h30.
Location: 3 Vredenburg Lane, Cape Town.
What to eat: The wood-fired Neapolitan pizza (an Italian-inspired puffy crust with a thinner, moist centre) flies here. The margherita is an original classic, or The Shed pizza is a South African favourite of bacon, avo and feta. Sushi is clean and classic, so expect California rolls, fashion sandwiches, sashimi and nigiri. And come hungry for the real deal gourmet burger: three grass-fed patties and cheddar slices, with a side of skinny fries.
How to book: WhatsApp 072 757 2972 or via Instagram.
TOMSON
What’s up: Tomson is Andrew Kai’s new baby. You may know Max Bagels, where Kai is a partner with Matthew Freemantle. Opening Tomson, Kai wanted to call on his heritage and cook the meals he’d eaten as a South African Chinese teen growing up in Cyrildene, Johannesburg.
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm – 9pm. Check about lunch in summer.
Location: De Oude Schuur building, 120 Bree Street.
What to eat: A few seats at the hatch might be free, but Asian-style pavement eating on small plates is best here. Cantonese-inspired street food includes char sui pork, wonton dumplings and tangy salt and pepper prawns. Don’t miss the Cantonese steamed eggplant doused in a spicy umami sauce, contrasting textural crunch from fried spring onions. This is food designed for sharing. Wash it down with Tsingtao beer.
How to book: Dineplan and via Instagram.
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IMAGES: Allium, Bodega Ramen, Farro, The Royal Oyster Bar, The Shed, Tomson