Guide to Cape town

95 KEEROM
The restaurant equivalent of an Armani suit! Square silhouettes of custom-made wood-striped chairs, raw-brick national monument walls and a resident ancient olive tree upstairs make this the current (and deserving) darling of the city restaurant scene. It is perfectly executed pared-down food where even a bowl of crisps becomes a thing of beauty. The carpaccio, seared or not to your taste, is a must and both the butternut ravioli and Gorgonzola-walnut gnocchi look set to stay. All this is supported by smooth service and by now most have heard how a boat was purchased so 95 Keerom could reel in its private catch of the freshest fish. Good wines are listed with vintages and there is an Italian presence.

95 Keerom Street
Cape Town

e-mail: info@rhodeshouse.com
tel: 021 422 0765

ONE.WATERFRONT
With spectacular views of the mountain and yacht basin, executive chef Bruce Robertson has brought a passionate and innovative flair to this elegant restaurant with its bold and warm earthy tones. Together with his enthusiastic staff, it all adds up to the perfect place to have seriously good food on a special occasion. A menu that changes with the seasons ensures constant surprises. Old-fashioned favourites are given new twists and unusual flavours are introduced effortlessly. Dishes such as the milk-poached kingklip served with lightly curried risotto are true works of art. Desserts that look and taste exquisite are there for your indulgence. The wine list provides a splendid choice at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Cape Grace Hotel
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town

e-mail: onewaterfront@capegrace.com
website: http://www.onewaterfront.co.za
tel: (021) 418-0520

GINJA
Canoodle in an Alice-in-Wonderland sofa seat on a chessboard floor and lose all sense of time and place. Here chef Michael Bassett lends fine dining a sense of imagination. Attention to detail is followed through with a martini-glass lassi partnering lamb shank curry and presentation leaps beyond the plated food to carefully sought-out crockery. A black lacquered tray shows off the sugar work on a dessert and soup is ladled into chunky glass bowls with emerald streaks. The billing structure has set menu prices for one-, two- and three-course meals. Service is smart and swift and the food is gorgeously indulgent. Some lovely wines are divided into price-specific sections.

121 Castle Street
Cape Town

e-mail: passionfood@iafrica.com
tel: (021) 426 2368

MADAME ZINGARA
Fast becoming one of Cape Town's favourite haunts, Madame Zingara offers the diner a truly unique experience. The rooms are low-lit and boho inspired and the menu offers truly magical cuisine.

192 Loop Street
Cape Town

e-mail: tracy@zingara.co.za
tel: (021) 426-2458

ANATOLI
A visit to this little slice of Turkey is always something to look forward to. A long time institution, this restaurant is still in the same location with a few renovations over the years. Wonderful mezes, nostalgic Turkish meat dishes, sweets and real Turkish coffee.

24 Napier Street
Cape Town

website: http://www.anatoli.co.za
tel: (021) 419-2501

ANDIAMO
With its prime location in the heart of the ever so trendy Cape Quarter, Andiamo has an atmosphere that makes it hard to walk past. Caf?ables filter out onto the cobbled courtyard. Although this the new hotspot where it?s fabulous to be seen lingering with friends over Italian scrambled eggs and good coffee, it doesn?t mean the food is notgood. The menu oozes Italian style and the specials are the ones to look out for: vongole pasta packed with clams or flame-grilled lamb chops with loads of garlic and Portabellini mushrooms. Don?t leave before you?ve had a chance to wander around the deli where the shelves are crammed with local and imported goodies for you to take home and whip up your own scrumptious meal. A real treat. A few Italian wines are available, otherwise enjoy the locals.

Cape Quarter Centre
De Waterkant Street
Green Point
Cape Town

tel: (021) 421-3687

ARNOLD'S
This cosmopolitan deli-restaurant and wine bar is great fun for a light meal. Salads, sandwiches, various burger options and of bunny chow (in squash halves, not bread) are great. Also full meals and yummy cakes.

60 Kloof Street
Gardens
Cape Town

e-mail: info@arnolds.co.za
tel: (021) 424-4344

AUBERGINE
Just the spot for well-heeled diners to take a seat on a historic church pew and enjoy some silver service. The Chef Harald Bresselschmidt's degustation menu is spectacular. If you're going a la carte you'll need some time to study the many pages before making a choice - do look out for the rabbit sausage. And be sure to make use of the sommelier's advice and include him in your dining decisions. The expansive wine list is a highlight, featuring fine wines from all over the world.

39 Barnet Street
Gardens
Cape Town

e-mail: aubergin@mweb.co.za
website: http://www.aubergine.co.za
tel: (021) 465 4909

BAIA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Surely a contender for the best harbour views the Waterfront. This stylish, modern restaurant serves platters bursting with seafood. There?s always a choice of prawns, in varying degrees of size and price, crayfish and daily line fish. This can all be enjoyed outside, in winter as well with outdoor heating, or stylishly indoors. You'll find an impressive wine list as well as cocktails.

Shop 6262, Upper Level, Victoria Wharf
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town

e-mail: baiarestaurant@wol.co.za
tel: (021) 421-0935

BUKHARA (CAPE TOWN)
Bukhara remains Cape Town's foremost curry house with a long-standing rep for serving Northern Indian that is seriously on the money. Come here when you crave tandoori or vindaloo, but please, please make a reservation, otherwise you'll begin the evening hovering in the entrance area with drink in hand and dangerously low bloodsugar levels. Bring a jovial table of ten and make some noise or slink in with your darling for a fix of their butter chicken and slink out again. Waiters dart between tables carrying trays of naan bread overhead and the service is polished. The wine list is farreaching and comprehensive, including advice on wines for curries.

33 Church Street
Cape Town

e-mail: capetown@bukhara.com
website: http://www.bukhara.com
tel: (021) 424-0000