Buying a bottle of wine in addition to your meal can be an expensive affair, but there are a few spots that don’t charge a corkage fee, which means you can splash out a little more on the menu. These restaurants in Cape Town allow you to bring along your own bottle with no corkage fee added to your bill.
Sushi Box
http://sushibox.co.za
I popped into Sushi Box in the Lifestyle Centre on Kloof Street and found it to be very charming with its giant oriental lampshades all clustered together and reflecting in the mirrors, making it look like there are hundreds of them! The staff here are fabulous and go out of their way to make you feel welcome while being only too happy to suggest items on the menu. My waiter suggested I try the Endamame Beans as a snack, which to be honest I didn’t really take to! However one must try new things and when I said I wasn’t that keen on this bean dish, I wasn’t charged for them. Now that’s a rare thing! What I really did enjoy was their sushi (some of the best I have had) and I would suggest the Fusion Box with 12 giant pieces of sushi, beautifully prepared and presented. Don’t think that 12 pieces won’t be enough – I have a good appetite and I left there feeling very over-indulged! Their signature dish, salmon tacos are also delicious. None of their branches charge corkage so don’t forget to take along a bottle or two.
The Hussar Grill
www.hussargrill.co.za
The Hussar Grill is famous for two things – their delicious steaks and no corkage fee. They claim they will never charge a corkage fee as they would rather you indulge in one of their prime steaks. Which you certainly will if you like a good steak! If you are on a budget, they have a wonderful lunch deal where you can enjoy a two-course meal for R130. You also got snacks (biltong, vegetable crisps and olives) when you arrive, making this one of the best deals in town for your money! The lunch deal is available on Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 17h00 and all day on Sundays. Note: Unfortunately the lunch deals are not available at their Camps Bay restaurant, but you can enjoy them at their eight other branches, including Somerset West.
The Brasserie
http://brasseriect.co.za
The Brasserie in Tokai is the sort of place you can meet up with a group of friends for dinner or take the family for lunch. It’s upmarket, but has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. From Monday to Saturday between 12h00-16h00 they have a “Lunch Club” menu, where you can enjoy a meal with a glass of wine for R98. While these dishes come with a glass of wine, you are most welcome to take your own bottle too. Or take along a bottle to their delicious Sunday roast – served every Sunday from R138 per person. Expect an ample plate of food with large slices of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and vegetables. Note: The Brasserie doesn’t charge a corkage fee for the first bottle of wine, but after that it’s R40 per bottle.
The Galileo Open Air Cinema
http://thegalileo.co.za
What can be better than spending a summer evening watching movies under the stars? From old classics to romantic dramas, science fiction and everything in between. It’s the closest you’ll get to reliving the days of the drive-in cinema, sans the crackling speakers! The Galileo operates between November and April every year, with outdoor movies showing at Kirstenbosch, V&A Waterfront, Hillcrest Quarry, the Cape Winelands and various other rotating venues. There are food vendors at the event, along with wine and craft beers, but you are also welcome to take along your own picnic and beverages, including wine and other alcoholic drinks. Note: You can’t take wine or other alcoholic beverages to the screenings on wine farms.
Updated February 2018 | Own cost