The retail industry is under siege, but many eateries in the Cape Town Central City have managed to ride out the storm with entrepreneurial flair, hard work and sheer grit. Here three well-known Cape Town food personalities – Sam Linsell, Jade de Waal and Tamsin Snyman – share their top three city centre restaurants and what they’re planning to order on their next visit.
Hemelhuijs
JADE DE WAAL
Food Jams founder & former MasterChef SA finalist
1. Hemelhuijs, Waterkant St. Why? It’s the imagination and visual delight of the restaurant, the comforting but beautifully presented food and, of course the fries!
Try their signature Karoo breakfast with farm eggs, mielie pap with honey, and toasted mosbolletjie bread with home-made apricot jam – and lashings of nostalgia on the side.
2. Just Like Papa, Harrington St. It's a one-stop shop for awesome coffee (made by barista Moses Lebofa), epic gifts and venue hire. I'm still planning my next party at this concept store.
With the interior resembling a whale’s ribcage, you walk into the belly of the beast. Born out of a spirit for adventure, you’ll find specialised products but also a good cuppa Joe!
3. Honest Chocolate Café, Wale St. The name, the delicious bonbons and the banana bunny chow on the menu. And, of course, the neighbouring delight, The Gin Bar. *The Gin Bar is closed temporarily.
A hidden artisan gem that takes chocolate to unthinkable levels. Try the St Anna’s lightly salted nachos, accompanied by an indulgent chocolate and finished off with a dash of chili if you crave that fiery kick.
La Tete
SAM LINSELL
Writer and photographer of the blog, Drizzle & Dip
1. Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, Bree St. Why? The best food you will find in the city without a reservation. Always world-class and delicious. *The sit-down restaurant is still closed but the deli is open.
Top tip: Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia and Chefs Warehouse at Maison are both open for business! Beau Pick Up and Go offers a selection of dreamy tapas for two. At Maison, you can pick up a basket and shop the marketplace.
2. La Tête, Bree St. I love the simple menu that celebrates the ingredients. Just really delicious, honest food presented in an unpretentious way.
You have to try: The Madeleines! Rumour has it they’re the best biscuits in the Mother City …
3. Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, Bree St. One of my favourite burger joints – it’s pretty much the only thing I ever order there. I’ll definitely be stopping by. *Closed temporarily.
What’s a burger without a side? In this case, go all out and get yourself some four cheese Mac & Cheese for a carb-on-carb extravaganza.
Mulberry & Prince
TAMSIN SNYMAN
Food personality, cookbook author & publisher, and part of the Bay Brigade group of Hout Bay chefs supplying cooked meals during Lockdown
1. FYN, Parliament St. Situated near Church Square, you step into a breathtakingly beautiful restaurant room with triple-storey glass windows framing a one-of-its-kind tandem view of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Then there’s the food. It’s no wonder FYN is scooping up every design and food award to be had.
Jennifer’s on-point wine pairings are a standout. Her care, passion and attention to detail is enhanced with every mouthful.
2. Mulberry & Prince, Pepper St. The creation of New-American modern cuisine paired with simple South African ingredients. Step inside the small sassy space and you’ll discover where the coolest food aficionados hang out.
To look out for: Their riff on cacio e pepe (a traditional Roman pasta dish) made with their house-made pasta.
3. Belly of the Beast, Harrington St. The first South African restaurant born from crowdfunding, it has a tasting menu which changes daily, allowing chefs Neil Swart and Anouschka Horn to show off the Western Cape’s seasonal bounty.
Pastry-master Anouschka’s ice cream is a beautiful plating that defies the pudding label.
IMAGES: Hemelhuijs, Mulberry & Prince, La Tête