Erawan

This restaurant is quite a trek to get to for any northern suburbs resident, although, it is so worth the drive. It is situated in a one of the most beautiful streets in Cape Town, I felt like I was on a movie set with house designs and pot plants set out so perfectly. Once I entered the restaurant I noticed that it was fully booked on a Tuesday night, this immediately told me that we had found something great!

Ratings

Ambience: 10/10

What I absolutely loved was the fact that they served these fried coloured chips before the starters with three tantalising sauces. This is something many restaurants have done away with. Erawan is decorated simply with a few traditional elements, which we all commented on.

Service: 8/10

The waiters are all Thai and wear traditional outfits which also added to the atmosphere. They are very professional and managed to make everyone feel comfortable and homely in a buzzing restaurant.

Food: 10/10

Something I always recommend to people trying new restaurants is to order a few starters for the table to share. Even though I always try to hold back on starters so I can enjoy my main meal, I really could not resist this time. The starters were unique and each dish had individual flavours that blew my mind. The highlights were the dumplings, usually I avoid these as many restaurants make the dough too sticky, too soft or too much, but these were just perfect. We all agreed, before the main was even served that this was the best Thai restaurant that we have tried in Cape Town.

Main meals, like we expected, never failed to disappoint. The fried duck was a winner! It was served in a gorgeous oyster sauce that was light and flavourful; I am ashamed to say I finished every last bite.

I also have to mention that the egg fried rice was just too good; soft and good enough to eat on its own. Overall, I wish this restaurant was closer to home!

http://www.erawan.co.za

Le Boheme

Where in Cape Town can you get a 3 course meal for R115? We literally rolled out of the restaurant. 


The only thing that we feel is missing and could improve our evening was COCKTAILS! They unfortunately do not serve our most important kick starter to the evening. We all agree that we will be visiting again as there is a few meals we dying to still try.

Ratings

Food: 9 out of 10

Absolutely amazing!

The quality, presentation and portion size was perfect and it felt like our meals were delivered straight from a cooking show. The value for money aspect was further reinforced once we had dessert, we all had different ones and they were fabulous. All the meals used fresh ingredients and are paired very well together.



Service: 5 out of 10



Somehow we ended up with two waitresses asking the same questions, two minutes apart from each other. Their lack of ‘happiness’ and enthusiasm is something that should be addressed to make overall experience 10 out of 10.

Menu on black boards

Ambience: 7 out of 10



This rating goes up if you sit outside on their patio which is beautiful at night, and goes down if you sit inside which didn’t have such a great vibe. Their menus are written on black boards that stand around the restaurant. Besides the waiters falling all over them, we found it very irritating as we had to dodge people’s heads to see the menu, which is quite detailed. 

Overall:

We had fun deciding on starters, a main meal and dessert for a change. The service and ambience won’t stop us from going again.





Free bread with olive oil and balsamic

Limonchello



This restaurant is supposed to resemble Italy yet the only thing that made us think that was all the Mario’s and luigi’s walking in and out kissing each other 5 times on the cheek. We are still contemplating whether we will go back or not.

Ratings

Food:  7.5 out of 10

You receive free bread before your meals, which is always nice to start the evening.

The menu headings are in Italian, so it gets you quite excited about trying authentic Italian food, but I wasn’t quite convinced. Perhaps we should have had pasta?



Sipping on home-made Limonchellos



The pizza base was home-made and thin. Although, there wasn’t enough pizza toppings for the amount of money you pay. One member said she would recommend the Nutella Crepes for dessert. Overall not bad food, some enjoyed it more than others.

Service: 8 out of 10

Our waiter was personally very good; she knew the menu well and gave us all a sample of their home-made Limonchello (lemon liquor) to end the evening. 

Ambience: 5.5 out of 10

They captured the Italian villa style quite well. It was rather noisy due to the small space they try fit everyone into and not enough lighting. Perhaps should have added some Italian music to create a better vibe. 

Theresa’s

If you’ve been far away from Cape Town for a long time and want a taste of authentic South African food with a cape blend, your cravings will be fully satisfied at Theresa’s. It’s a hidden gem found in Kalk bay, with only eight tables, one cook, one waiter and cat called Cusper who sleeps by your feet (or on your lap – if you like that sort of thing) you will be delighted with everything brought to your table.

Ratings

Food: 10 out of 10

Definitely agreed by everyone that it is the best stews and curries you will find in Cape Town (besides your grandmothers of course). Malva pudding is a recommended must have to complete your Cape Town experience.

Service: 10 out of 10

For only one Waiter who serves all year round he does a fantastic job, he remembers loyal customers and chats to every table until he remembers he has to go serve the food. He knows the dishes well and makes everyone feel at home. Theresa herself comes to chat to the customers after all the food as been served.

Ambience: 8 out of 10

You honestly feel like you eating in your grandmother’s dining room on a relaxing Sunday afternoon, very homely feel.

Diva

The name really had us puzzled in the beginning it has nothing to do with Italian, rustic and home-style cooking which is the image the restaurant is aiming for, but nonetheless once you inside you feel like you in Little Italy and will be surprised with the food they serve.

Ratings

Food: 9 out of 10

We all tried different pastas and they all had a unique and authentic Italian flavor to them, which I seem to be craving every time I think about them. I would 100% put my reputation on saying the Liver Pasta was absolutely amazing and will go back over and over just for it. Bare in mind all pastas are done el dente so don’t embarrass yourself and send it back like some people I know…LOL

Service: 7 out of 10

Very attentive yet not over bearing. Didn’t know too much about the food though.

Ambience: 7 out of 10

Great attention to detail with decorations, definitely felt like I was in another country, the only thing that put me off was the sticky tables.

Overall:

We had a wonderful experience, was seriously taken back by how delicious the food was. They also have specials with the Labia, so go check it out!

Fat Cactus  - Gardens

Seriously this place is just a winner, although I must admit we will be going back for the atmosphere and thee best margaritas in town. TIP of the day: Buy the strawberry and Lemon mix margarita…you wont be sorry AND definitely book a table.

Ratings

My friends with the famous margaritas

Food: 6 out of 10

Very average, we couldn’t help but compare it to Buena Vista so we were let down on that aspect. The only meal that stood out was the Fajitas, which is a black pan combo with a variety of different food choices. Although, after a jug of the Margaritas it will make any meal seem absolutely amazing…

Service: 5 out of 10

Waiter was hardly around and couldn’t find her when we wanted drinks?!

Ambiance: 10 out of 10

Absolutely incredible atmosphere, the restaurant was packed and had such a great vibe. Music done subtly, yet definitely noticeable when you walk in, decorations are unique and a conversation starter.

Overall:

We all agree it’s a place to revisit, especially for special occasions…you are guaranteed a fabulous time.

Cafe Orca

Found along the Melkbos beach front, this restaurant caters for those arriving from a romantic beach walk or for those looking for a night out with quality seafood in mind, enjoying the relaxing environment.

Ratings

Food: 8 out of 10

Everybody at the table had fish as that is what they are famous for. It was truly done to perfection, the flavours added to the meal instead of completely over powering it. Only complaint was for their chips, we felt they should rather make it from scratch instead of buying it frozen.

Service: 8 out of 10

Great descriptions of food were given, attention to detail, and lots of background information was provided on the fish. 

Ambience: 6.5 out of 10

Beautiful view before the sun goes down. Decorations are done very neatly and according to the sea theme, although it was lacking a vibe, perhaps they are trying to achieve a more chilled atmosphere.

Overall comments:

Great value for money if you compare to other seafood restaurants. The meal I would recommend is the Orca Trio which consists of crayfish tail, line fish of the day and calamari in the style of your choice for R169. Overall a fantastic restaurant for seafood lovers, you won’t be let down.