It’s Restaurant Week this October, which means you get to eat out at swish restaurants at extremely affordable prices for the whole month! Here’s a list of over 15 fine dining spots in Cape Town with menus for under R300. You don’t want to miss this!
During Restaurant Week (which is actually Restaurant Month) you get the chance to enjoy fine dining at swish restaurants at a really good price! It’s your opportunity to try out places that are often out of most people’s budget. You don’t want to miss this! But you better book quick because it’s popular!
See all participating restaurants
Here’s my selection of over 15 fabulous establishments in Cape Town offering delicious menus for under R300. I have booked a few already and can’t wait to eat my way through October!
1. KONG BAR & GRILL, COBERN STREET, DE WATERKANT
Eastern 2-course lunch menu (main and dessert) at R195 per person.
Mains:
- Sirloin with Sweet Potato Puree, Shiitake Mushrooms, Tempura Pok-Choi, Asian Jus
- Basil Pesto Tagliatelle with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese
- Line Fish with Fennel and Herb Risotto, Salsa
Desserts
- Chocolate Fondant with Amarula Ice-Cream, Coffee Crumble
- Deconstructed Lemon Tart – Italian Meringues, Lemon Curd, Berry Sorbet, Fresh Berries
- Crème Caramel with Candid Popcorn, Fresh Berries, Chantilly Cream
2. ASOKA, KLOOF STREET, GARDENS
3-course dinner at R195 per person.
First course:
- Teriyaki wild mushroom dumplings with sesame bok choy
- Asian beef tartare with pickled ginger, avocado, ponzu mayo, sweet potato crisps and crostini
- West coast mussels in aromatic coconut broth, coriander toast
Second course:
- Mushroom & ginger ramen noodles with tenderstem brocolli, carrot and egg
- Tuna tacos with avocado & lime crème fraîche
- Grilled ostrich fillet with butternut puree, curry emulsion, cauliflower & mango atcha
Third course:
- Vegetarian butter curry with naan, sambal & raita
- Grass fed beef slider with brie, caramelised onion, coriander aioli, polenta chips
- Hake tempura with wasabi infused kewpie and slaw
3. MELONCINO, V&A WATERFRONT
Roman 2-course lunch at R195 per person, or Roman 3-course dinner at R295 per person.
LUNCH MENU (R195 per person)
Secondi Piatti
- Mushroom Gnocchi (V) – Fresh, home-made potato dumplings served with porcini mushroom, button mushroom, fresh garlic, thyme, cream and Parmesan cheese
- Sirloin steak with a Fig and Mustard sauce – Tender, oven cooked beef sirloin, served with a delicate fig and Dijon mustard sauce, exotic wood oven roasted cherry tomatoes, 12 year balsamic vinegar on a bed of Italian oven-roasted potatoes. (served medium)
- Fish Ratatouille – Fresh fillet of Hake lightly coated in panko bread crumbs and shallow fried, served with vegetable ratatouille and a classic Italian Napoletana sauce
Dolce
- Strepitosa – Baked cream pasticciera and white chocolate on a milk chocolate biscuit base, topped with a decadent Lindt dark chocolate sauce infused with Cointreau liqueur. Served with a vanilla bean ice cream
- Semifreddo of Nutella – Decadent frozen Nutella chocolate mousse, finished off with a Galliano liqueur cream
DINNER MENU (R295 per person)
Antipasti
- Arancini (V) – Crispy risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and served with a tomato, basil and garlic sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Bruschetta – Home-made focaccia bread, toasted and garlic rubbed, topped with grass fed beef carpaccio, fresh rocket, red onion and shavings of Parmesan cheese, dressed in a delicate fig honey mustard dressing
Secondi Piatti
- Ravioli with Porcini Mushroom and Truffle (V) – Fresh, home-made ravioli filled with porcini mushroom and Parmesan cheese, served in a delicate truffle and sage butter sauce
- Linefish with Basil and Tomatoes – Fresh fillet of Kingklip, sautéed with garlic infused heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, accompanied with Parmesan infused pommes puree and fried basil leaves
- Sirloin Port – Beef sirloin, sauted in fresh thyme and served with a vintage port and Madagascan green peppercorn jus served on a bed of Italian oven-roasted potatoes and sauted broccoli
Dolce
- Nutellamisu – Layers of mascarpone cheese and finger biscuits soaked in Italian espresso, combined with layers of Nutella sauce topped with chocolate crumble
- Panna Cotta – Home-made panna cotta infused with vanilla and Italian limoncello liqueur. Served with a rich strawberry confit and smashed meringue
4. LA BOHEME, MAIN ROAD, SEA POINT
2-course lunch menu (starter and a main) at R210 per person or 3-course dinner menu (starter, main and dessert) at R230 per person.
Starters
- Sourdough topped with grilled halloumi, poached egg, crisped kale & a balsamic reduction
- Pulled eisbein arancinni with garlic aioli and pickled onions
- Garlic & parsley squid with goats chevin & marinated peppers on a crisp poppadum
- Duck Terrine with blue berry compote & melba toast
- Slow braised ostrich neck tortellini, spinach cream, truffle oil, crumbed feta and black sesame seeds
- Soy braised octopus with yellow pepper marmalade & tempura onion tops
Mains
- Pepper crusted picanha beef with sage gratin, broad bean, asparagus truffle aioli & a red wine jus
- Ricotta gnocchi with roasted pumpkin, cheese custard, sage dust & pickled shallots (V)
- Garlic & tarragon pappardelle with mussels, prawns & chorizo
- Rabbit and Bacon Ballontine with Lyonnaise potatoes and truffle jus
- Slow cooked pork belly with spring onion, crushed new potatoes, braised leeks, apple chutney and ginger jus
Desserts
- Creme Brûlée
- Chocolate Brownie
- Baked Vanilla Cheesecake
- Kahlua Tiramisu
5. SURFSHACK, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R225 per person.
Starters
- Salt and Pepper Baby Squid with coriander, jalapeno dressing
- Pierogi – Chicken, Chutney, Coconut Yoghurt
- Crispy Curly Corn on the Cob with Smoked Pepper Aioli Pecorino, Lime
Mains
- Jammy Lemon Butter Steak – 250g sirloin, preserved lemon butter, fries
- Grilled Chicken Kebab with lemongrass, lime, coriander, green chili , fries
- Crispy Coated/Plain Grilled White Fish with cucumber, ceviche, chili, coriander, lime, fries
- Grilled cauliflower steaks with turmeric, coconut relish, sultanas
Desserts
- Milk Panna Cotta – Strawberry Jelly, Raspberry Meringue
- A slice of birthday cake – Funfetti, cake, baked cheese cake, cream cheese frosting
6. AZURE RESTAURANT @ THE TWELVE APOSTLES, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
2-course lunch menu (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R245 per person or 3-course dinner menu (starter, main and dessert) at R345 per person.
Starters
- Chopped Salad — beetroot | celery | carrot | cherry tomatoes | radish | baby gem lettuce | avocado | crispy bacon | horseradish dressing
- 12A Bouillabaisse – atlantic shellfish & fish | fennel | pickled onion rings | green onion oil | spiced shellfish soup | cured lemon peel
- Barbequed Beetroot Risotto – smoked beetroot puree | onion cream | pickled beetroot | rice puffs | roasted beetroot jam | parmesan custard | chunky herb dressing (V)
- 12A Vegetable Salad – mixed baby leaves | selected seasonal raw vegetables | house vinaigrette | fresh avocado | green goddes sauce
Mains
- Mrs T’s Chicken Curry – chicken curry | star aniseed basmati rice | sambals | butter roti | poppadum
- Sustainable Hake with mussel croquettes | sauteed spinach | cauliflower puree | pickled cucumber | masala infused oil | toasted coconut | curried onion veloute
- Roasted Free-Range Chicken with roasted pumpkin | ricotta gnocchi | creamed leeks | teriyaki | truffle & mushroom puree | pumpkin seed crumbs | shimeji mushrooms | chicken & chive veloute
- Grilled Baby Marrow with chickpea & marrow salad | burnt aubergine puree | cured lemon peel | chermoula grapes | chunky herb dressing
Desserts
- Mrs T’s Rice Pudding with caramelised nuts | salted caramel sauce
- Hazelnut & Naartjie – candied naartjie | hazelnut sponge | naartjie & white chocolate creme | crispy meringue | burnt naartjie & vanilla mousse | toasted hazelnut | naartjie jellies
- Apple Custard Tart – crisp puff pastry | orange & vanilla gel | roast apple puree | whipped vanilla bean ganache | custard mousse | miso butterscotch | caramelised white chocolate crumble
- Creme Brulee – vanilla creme brulee | shortbread
7. THE 41, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
3-course Mediterranean dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R245 per person.
Starters
- Soup of the Day
- French snails with garlic, onions, butter, parsley, herbs and breadcrumbs
- Arancini – Italian rice balls stuffed with mushrooms and blue cheese
- Homemade hake fishcakes, with tartar sauce
Mains
- Grilled Kingklip with tomato salsa, cheesy cauliflower mash, spicy herb tomato sauce
- Sobu Noodles with sesame, spring onions, ginger, cabbage, mushrooms
- Matured Beef Sirloin – Flame grilled, basted in wagyu bone marrow butter, with fries, 180g
- Thai Chicken Curry with coconut, jasmine rice, tomato-ginger chutney, mushrooms
Desserts
- Fruit Salad – seasonal fruits topped with a basil sorbet
- Collab with French Pastry Chef Fabien Huchet: Fab’s Fabulous Dark Chocolate Brownie, nutty and chocolatey with vanilla ice cream
- Exotic Decadent Fruit Cheesecake with crunchy biscuit base, mango and passion fruit flavours
8. GIGI ROOFTOP AT GORGEOUS GEORGE, ST GEORGE’S MALL
2-course lunch menu (starter and main, or main and dessert) including welcome cocktail at R245 per person, or 3-course dinner menu (starter, main and dessert) including welcome cocktail at R325 per person.
Welcome Cocktail
Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, pineapple & tepache, cinnamon juniper syrup & a dash soda. Non-Alcoholic option available.
Starters
- Calamari and Orzo Salad – lemon & parsley grilled squid, capers, semi dried tomato & kalamata olives with salsa verde
- Burrata and Tomato – Ciao Ciao burrata, sticky brinjal w/ chili, marinated baby tomatoes, pinenuts & basil
- Smoked Franschhoek Trout Salad with sour cream & olive oil, pickled root vegetables, cos lettuce, baby potato & avocado
- Spring Pea and Feta Tartlet (baked to order) with organic curly kale / pumpkin seed/ apple salad
Mains
- Coal-roasted Aubergine and Labneh – tomato & chickpea leblebi- style stew w/ braaied flatbread, coriander & almond
- Local Linefish of the Day with Saldanha Bay mussels, gnocchi & beurre blanc
- Risotto with Ricotta and Spring Greens with olive oil, waterblommetjies, garlic confit, sage
- Braaied Oak Valley Beef with red wine jus or peppercorn sauce organic green beans w/ almond, chimichurri & feta + hand cut chips with truffle & chives
Desserts
- 70% Afrikoa Choc Fondant with Cointreau & butterscotch ice cream, Hillcrest blackberries & Afrikoa milk chocolate tuille
- Gigi Churros fried to order, sugar dusted, caramel & vanilla-bean dipping sauce
9. BEN WEI, WEMBLEY ROAD, GARDENS
3-course set menu for lunch or dinner at R245 per person.
First Course: A selection of Dim Sum
- Asian Beef Potstickers – Homemade beef potstickers made with ginger, spring onion dumplings pan fried served with a chilli soy sauce
- Yummy Vegetable Potstickers – Homemade potstickers made with spring onion cabbage , shitake mushrooms and sweetcorn dumplings pan fried served with a chilli soy sauce
- Crispy Fried Wonton – Homemade pork &celery wonton served with chilli soy sauce
Second course: Sushi
- Salmon Rose – 4pc Salmon wrapped rice top with Japanese mayo and caviar
- Rainbow Roll – 4 pc tuna and avocado California roll with salmon added on top
Third course: Hot mains
- Kung Pao Chicken – Crispy wok fried chicken with exotic huajian pepper corns, roasted whole peanuts, veggies & Jimmy’s secret sauce. It packs a bite!
- Spicy Beef – Crispy fried beef, stirfried with vegetables and Jimmy’s secret sauce – spicy – their mainstay dish!
- Chicken and Cashew Nut – Fragrant Chicken, stiredfried with cashew nuts and vegetables in a smooth sauce.
- Korean Sticky BBQ Ribs – Succulent 400g tender pork ribs, marinaded overnight, then grilled and basted with Ben Wei’s homemade sweet spicy & sticky koren basting – served with fries.
10. GAMBAS SEAFOOD BISTRO, MAIN ROAD, SEA POINT
2-course lunch (starter and main) at R230 per person or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R255 per person.
Starters
- Gamba’s Ajillo – De shelled prawns in sherry , paprika,garlic and chilli served bruschetta
- Ceviche of the day – Marinated fish of the day with lemon, chilli, coriander, tomato, avocado and cucumber
- Pulpo Ala Gallega – Grilled marinated octopus on sliced paprika potatoes with a smoky paprika glaze
- Calamari Patatas Bravas – Cubed potatoes with spicy napolitana, aioli and crispy heads
- Mushroom Arancini – Black mushroom arancini balls with garlic sauce and pecorino
Mains
- Seafood Paella – Prawns, line fish, calamari, fresh black mussel cooked in a fragrant savoury rice
- Beef Brisket – Pulled braised beef brisket with butternut gnocchi, sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, basil pesto and pecorino
- Gamba’s Platter for One – Prawns, garlic mussels, grilled hake, calamari served with peri peri sauce and a choice of hand cut chips, savoury rice or vegetables
- Goan Seafood Curry – Fragrant curry with prawns, mussels, calamari, line fish in tamarind, coconut milk and fresh coconut
- Kingklip – Asian Grilled kingklip with prawn and mussel tortellini, bak choi chilli edamame beans and laksa sauce
Desserts
- Kahlua Tiramisu
- Chocolate Brownie
- Baked Cheesecake
11. BLANKO @ THE ALPHEN BOUTIQUE HOTEL, CONSTANTIA
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R275 per person, or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R320 per person.
Starters
- Blackened prawns with Roast Garlic, Chili, Olive Oil, Parsley Lemon
- Crispy Skin Roast Sardines with Garlic Chili Relish
- Seared Baby Squid with Citrus Verde, Charred Lemon
- Shaved Beef Carpaccio with Baby Leaves, Shaved Parmesan, Capers, Croutons, Mustard Dressing, Rocket
- Crispy Fried Artichokes with Parmesan & Lemon
Mains
- Crispy Skin White Fish with Citrus Verde Charred Lemon, Baby New Potato’s
- Vongole – Linguine, Garlic, Chili, White Wine, Anchovy, Cream Lemon, Grana Padano
- Aged Rump with Charred Onion, Citrus Verde, Fries
- Roast Chicken with Green Olive Herbs, Preserved Lemon
- Roast Butternut with Wilted Greens, Candied Walnuts Feta
Desserts
- White Chocolate Mousse with Poppyseed Crumble, Lemon Curd
- Chocolate Tart with Roast Hazelnuts, Yoghurt Ice Cream
12. ZENZERO, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R275 per person, or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R320 per person.
Starters
- Blackened shell on prawns with roast garlic, chilli, olive oil, parsley, lemon
- Skillet seared baby squid with citrus verde, charred lemon
- Wood fired chicken with green olives, herbs, preserved lemon
- Shaved beef carpaccio with baby leaves, shaved parmesan, capers, croutons, mustard dressing, rocket
- Stuffed tempura zucchini blossoms with goat’s cheese, citrus truffle, honey
- (V)
Mains
- Prawn pasta Linguine with garlic, chilli, white wine, cream, lemon, parsley, grana padano
- Whole roast fillet of sea bass with olives, tomato, roast baby fennel
- Lemon steak – Sirloin steak preserved lemon
- Skillet roast crispy skin chicken with citrus verde, charred lemon, baby new potato’s
- Fire roast squash with wilted greens, candied walnuts, feta
Desserts
- Lemon Poppy Seed with Lemon Curd, Yogurt Ice Cream
- Crème Brùlée with Berry Compote, Chocolate Cake
13. PARANGA, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R275 per person, or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R320 per person.
Starters
- Tempura Baby Squid with Spicy Salt, Aioli
- Steamed Black Mussels with Green Curry Paste, Garlic, Coriander, Lime, Ciabatta
- Carpaccio of Beef with Shaven Button Mushrooms, Fennel, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Mustard Dressing
- Crispy Goat’s Cheese Salad with Baby Leaves, Apple, Shaved Fennel, Candied Walnuts, Mustard Vinaigrette
Mains
- Grilled Prawns with Citrus Turmeric Dressing
- Pan-roast White Fish with Tomato, Olives, Thyme, Baby New Potatoes
- Grilled Rump with Peppercorn Sauce, Watercress, Buttermilk, Onion Rings
- Risotto with Peas, Goat’s Cheese, Parmesan
Desserts
- Burnt Butter Pear Slices with Salted Macadamia Nuts, Vanilla Ice Cream
- Dulce de Leche Fondant – Baked Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream
14. BILBOA, VICTORIA ROAD, CAMPS BAY
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R275 per person, or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R320 per person.
Starters
- Crispy Baby Squid with Preserved Lemon, Parsley, Harissa Aioli
- Kataifi Crusted Prawns with Sweet Chilli
- Spiced Lamb Arancini with Dill, Mint
- Roast Red Pepper Hummus with Chickpeas, Dukkah, Flat Bread
Mains
- Prawn & Coconut Curry with Curry Leaf Oil, Spiced Rice, Naan Bread
- Crispy Skin Sea Bass with Spiced Rice Pilaf
- Grilled Rump with Preserved Lemon Butter, Fries
- Zaatar Chicken Cutlets with Tahini Sauce, Apple Slaw, Sweet Potato Crisps
- Tagliatelle with Harissa, Tomato, Olives, Capers, Cream, Parsley
Desserts
- Sticky Date Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Crème Brulee with Strawberry, Pomegranate, Short Bread
15. BOBO’S, BEACH ROAD, MOUILLE POINT
2-course lunch (starter and main, or main and dessert) at R285 per person, or 3-course dinner (starter, main and dessert) at R365 per person.
Starters
- Salt & Pepper Baby Squid with Chilli Salt, Chili Garlic Aioli
- Crispy Prawns with Flattened Rice, Confit Chili Lemon Syrup
- Black Mussels with Garlic, Chilli, White Wine, Cream, Toasted Bread
- Shaved Beef Carpaccio with Shaved Parmesan, Mushroom, Fennel, Pine Nuts, Mustard Dressing
- Kataifi Goat’s Cheese with House Sweet Chilli
Mains
- Grilled Blackened Prawns with Roast Garlic, Chili, Olive Oil, Parsley, Lemon
- Crispy Skin Sea Bass with Baby new potato’s, Lemon Cream
- Grilled Baby Squid with Citrus Verde, Citrus Rice
- Aged Rump (250g) with Truffle Mushroom Butter, Fries
- Crispy Skin Chicken with Green Olive, Preserved Lemon & Herbs, Potato Puree
- Tortellini with Spring Peas, Parmesan, Lemon
Desserts
- Lemon Tart with Roast Meringue, Lemon Curd & Yoghurt Ice Cream
- Chocolate Tart with White Choc Mousse,, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Crumble, Cocoa Crumble, Vanilla Ice Cream
16. ANATOLI MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT, NAPIER STREET, CITY BOWL
Mediterranean 3-course dinner at R295 per person.
Starters
- Smoked Trout Salad with baby spinach, nodini, baby beets and sauce Vierge
- Wild Mushroom, Leek and Feta Ravioli with a courgette emulsion
- Grilled Octopus with baby potatoes, crisp spicy sausage, salsa Verde
Mains
- Harissa & Lime Grilled Chicken with crisp coriander and garlic baby potatoes or salad
- Confit Lamb with sun-dried tomato polenta, vegetables, exotic mushroom & truffle jus
- Pan-Grilled Linefish with corn and bean salsa, Romesco sauce
Desserts
- Pineapple and Coconut Pannacotta with meringue and orange tuille
- White Chocolate and Blueberry Fondant with orange ice cream
17. THE ATHLETIC CLUB & SOCIAL, BUITENGRACHT STREET, CITY BOWL
Mediterranean 3-course dinner at R295 per person. All meats and fish are sustainably and ethically sourced
Starters
- Courgette Keftedes with mint, lemon, parmesan fritters
- Charred Broccoli | House-made Labneh with romesco, lavash (veg option available)
- Chickpea Revithia with smoked peppers, tahini, Greek yoghurt, mint, za’atar (veg option available)
- Spelt, Slow Roasted Tomatoes and Ricotta with Spanish green olives, tomato & chili dressing, basil, Italian parsley (veg option available)
- Chargrilled Halloumi with honey, apricots
- Pan Fried Calamari with black olives, paprika, lemon
- Deep Fried Sardines with Harissa Aioli
- Pastourma Cured Yellowtail with fermented red pepper, pomegranate molasses, confit garlic oil
- Spiced Beef Keftedes with homemade pita bread, tzatziki sauce & pickled onion
Mains
- Charred Aubergine with yeasted cauliflower purée, shaved almonds, crisp sweet potato, fresh basil & mint, basil oil & fennel vinaigrette (veg option available)
- Tahini Cauliflower with Baharat spice, herby lemon dressing, hummus, almonds (veg option available)
- Aubergine Parmigiana – baked aubergine, potato slices, tomato, oregano & Parmesan cheese
- Grilled Linefish with Puy lentils & sauteèd spinach, onion caper relish
- Coal roasted chicken thighs – Coal roasted on the rotisserie then oven baked served with Cypriot lemon oregano potatoes
- Kleftiko – Slow braised lamb shoulder with oregano potatoes
Desserts
- Baklava Cigars – Phyllo pastry cigars, pistachio, spiced syrup
- Baked Cheesecake with mixed berry compote
- Artisanal House-Made Vegan Ice Cream
- Warm Chocolate Cardomom Cake (gluten free)
- Lemon Polenta Cake with homemade vanilla pod ice cream
Published October 2021