macsym's Profile
South Africa - Capetown along with Hout Bay, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Montagu, Kynsna, Plettenberg Bay
Hout Bay:
Wild Woods - simple surroundings but good food with quality ingredients. A table on the terrace is best.
Kitima - good Asian food
Chapmans Peak hotel - renowned for its calamari and very popular but service can be patchy
Cape Town Waterfront - not actually the best restaurants just lots of them!
Cape Town - Jardine, Bizerca Bistro, Aubergine, are the best but there are others.
Constantia wine Valley - La Colombe, Steenberg, Buitenverwachting are all very good
Stellenbosch - Rust en Vrede (the absolute tops), Jardine at Jordan, Overture, Terroir, Christophe's. Here is a useful link for you: http://www.whalecottage.com/blog/wine-news/introducing-the-stellenbosch-restaurant-route/
you are spoilt for choice!
Hermanus - Marine Hotel, Burgundy ( and at Stanford Mariana's is the best in the area)
Knysna - Ille de Pain and if you want upscale then Zachary's at Pezula Hotel
Plett doesn't have great places- the restaurant at The Plettenberg Hotel is probably the best.
Food Souvenirs from South Africa (Johannesburg)
There are koeksisters. Or perhaps easier would be a selection of dried fruit rolls eg apricot or mango. Here is a link to one such:
http://www.woolworths.co.za/caissa.asp?Page=ITB4_RHProduct&Prod=0000020059378
6 days in Capetown
Good places for lunch: Overture (at Hidden Valley), Terroir (at Klein Zalze) Jardine (at Jordan). In Stellenbosch town itself Christoff, Cafe Dijon.
Long Street is the centre of nightlife.
There is a hop on hop off bus which will take you to all the major sites www.citysightseeing.co.za.
You cannot hail a taxi in the street, but they are plentiful.
Just decide which wine farms you want to visit and turn up (driver might have to taste and spit!).
Just avoid any dark quiet side streets in the city centre at night - Long Street itself is generally ok particularly if you are not alone.
6 days in Capetown
10% tip is the norm, but if you had a great time then it can be more.
Best place in Long Street is Fork - its tapas style i.e best to share several small dishes - but great food, very friendly and good service. Another tapas place has also just opened called Ultima Tapa, but I have not been but heard the sangria and gazpacho are good!
Jardine in Bree Street is the best place in town followed by Bizerca Bistro. 95 Keerom St and Carne (meat only) are also very good. For just a steak HQ - young lively crowd. If you like good beer go to &Union (good food too!). Caveau is a lively wine bar. Mezzaluna is a very friendly authentic Italian.
Happy to help with other suggestions!
6 days in Capetown
Driving back from RenV is a good 45 minutes - so dont drink too much wine!
La Colombe is 20 minutes from Long Street - you can organise a taxi to take and collect you.
Personally I would wear a jacket (as much for warmth) can always take it off once you are there. Ties are absolutely not necessary unless you want to wear one. Dress code here is very relaxed Enjoy your meals RenV is a great experience. The food at La Colombe is excellent, depending on what you are expecting you may find it more casual/relaxed and homely than expected of the "12th best restaurant in the world"
Please advice on my Berlin list
I too have decided on Reinstoff for my 'special' dinner in August. Have you looked at Fishers Fritz for LUNCH - particularly if you like fish, the menu seems to offer very good value for the class of establishment. Hope you report back on your trip!
High End Berlin Eating Suggestions
Thanks linguafood, sounds like Renger-Patzsch will be a suitable contrast to Reinstoff. Do you know anything about Hamburg - considering Le Plat du Jour and Brook.
Istanbul - Ciya Sofrasi report
I was there in April and it was the most rewarding dining experience of 5 days in Istanbul.
High End Berlin Eating Suggestions
I am visiting Berlin in August, unfortunately places such as Ma and Facil (both of which looked of interest) are closed. However, Reinstoff (which I like the look of) is open. In addition to Fishers Fritz (probably for lunch!) I am considering Brechts, Renger-Patzsch and Lutter und Wegner. Any comments on the above would be very welcome!
6 days in Capetown
The 'best' places in town:
Jardine, Aubergine, Bizerca Bistro
In Constantia:
La Colombe, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg
In the winelands:
Rust en Vrede (the very best!), Overture, Waterkloof, Terroir, Jordan plus several more!
Cape Town what to eat?
Hope you enjoyed RenV - I think THE very best experience here.
Very difficult about your other 3 - I like them all.
Bizerca is bistro but with very good food. Jardine is another of my favourites and I have been many times but not since chef George left to open the restaurant at Jordan. Jardine is now open for very good value lunch Wednesday to Friday
Have not been to Aubergine for some time but my last visit was perhaps less good.
La Petite Femme still good?
While LPF has wonderful views and makes a pleasant spot for lunch - it is hardly a substitute for La Colombe in terms of the quality of the food.
Other closer options might be - Catherina's at Steenberg where I had a really excellent dinner last week. They also have a new bistro attached to the tasting room which is prooving very popular and worth a look.
The River Cafe at Constantia Uitsig has been taken over by La Colombe's chef Luke and again initial reports have been very good, also worthy of consideration.
I also always think Buitenverwachting is a good choice for a pleasant lunch in the Constantia wine valley.
Cape Town and Franschhoek: Advice needed!!
All great advice. I would only add that if you dont want 'commercial' then skip Boschendal and go to Solms-Delta.
Regarding coffee in Cape Town, David Donde the original owner of Origins has recently opened a new coffee shop called Truth (close to St Andrews church and not far from Origins. Excellent coffee.
Also have a look at Deluxe Coffee Works around the corner from Haiku.
I agree with Kurt regarding Camps Bay - although if you want top end (with prices to match) you might want to check out The Roundhouse which is in a different league (and not along 'the strip' from other CBay eateries.
Cape Town: My Current Favourites
You would not want to drive back to Cape Town from The Tasting Room after dinner, its about a 80 min drive.
There is not bar eating option at Jardine, but I have eaten solo there and it is fine at a table. There is actually bar seating for food at Bizerca Bistro which is a very good restaurant in the CBD. Lots of other bgreat restaurants too!
Cape Town: My Current Favourites
You may find this link of interest:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g312659-i9466-k2635373-Eating_out_Kalk_Bay_Fish_Hoek_Simons_Town-Cape_Town_Western_Cape.html
Eating vegetarian in Africa
Do you eat fish? Fish figures as much as meat on restaurants in S Africa. There are not lots of vegetarian restaurants as such but most offer at least some vegetarian options. You will not starve!
Cheese Tour in Wine Country
Yes!
Here are two links which will give you some information:
http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/full-article?oid=20849&sn=Detail&pid=465
http://www.cape-winelands-hotels.travel/Cheese__Wine_and_Chocolate_Tour
I particularly like Klein River Cheese outside Stanford which makes excellent Gruyere
Birthday dinner in Franschhoek
Glad you enjoyed it/them. You will just have to return to sample the others!
Birthday dinner in Franschhoek
Sorry I have been away in Japan (enjoying great food! - but very expensive compared to S Africa). Your plan sounds fine I would pick Grand Provence over Bosmans - although I have not eaten at the former I have read several very good reports. Bosmans currently is an unknown as the long serving chef died earlier in the year and I just dont know what is happening there at the moment.
Personally I dont think LPF is as good as it used to be but it does have wonderful views - as of course does Dieu Donne - but I would rather eat next door at Mon Plaisir (at Chamonix) - it is very (and genuinely) French if you like that sort of thing.
Rust en Vrede is a must - I think it is the best dining experience in the whole area - a very special place. For lunch try Overture, Guardian Peak, Terroir or Bodega. Or if you are in the centre of Stellenbosh I recommend Cafe Dijon an authentic French brasserie style place with good food and service.
Cuisine[s] Michel Troigros
Just to say - I had lunch there last Tues (27 Oct) and it was extremely good and worthwhile. Pleasant surroundings, stunning food and excellent service, particularly from the very friendly and chatty Lebbad Nourry. Good value for Tokyo.
Cuisine[s] Michel Troigros
Well I am very grateful that you did, because lack of comment on this site had made me wonder if it was not a worthy contender to visit - but now I shall! Thank you.
Cuisine[s] Michel Troigros
Very interesting, Thanks. Is the meal you described the lunch at Y 7,900. I am staying at the Hyatt Regency in 10 days time and was considering a meal at this restaurant I assume you would recommend it ! Wasn't sure wether to have lunch or dinner.
Birthday dinner in Franschhoek
Have you looked at reviews for both places on www.eatout.co.za it might give you some idea I have only ever seen enthusiastic reviews for Le Bon Vivant. Dont think you would be disappointed here.
For lunch Mon Plaisir is good if you like 'real' French food. Bread and Wine is also a great spot (but it is out of town a bit) and if you like fish then I suggest The Salmon Bar or Bouillabaise. Lots of people like LPF and the views are wonderful its just that last time I went i found it a little indifferent and very busy with groups. I felt it had become a victim of its own success. Trouble is there are too many choices and now there are even excellent restaurants in and around Stellenbosch!
Name this restaurant (Franschhoek)
I think it is:
Haute Cabriere
Pass Road, Franschhoek
Birthday dinner in Franschhoek
Nowhere requires a jacket but I guess The Tasting Room, Mange Tout and Grande Provence are the most dressy of all the places, but even here, particularly if it is a warm evening, just slacks and a shirt would be fine., but not shorts and trainers!
I dont think it would be too much to do The Tasting Room after your c c and wine tour. If you can get a table, dont mind the price then you have the opportunity to eat at what some consider to be Africa's top restaurant. The food is reasonably experimental and it is not to everyones taste but it is an experience. I enjoyed my meal there over a year ago.
Le Bon Vivant is very good and so to can be Reubens but it has had some mixed reviews.
La Petite Ferme offers wonderful views and 'uncomplicated' food - IMO The trout is the best bet here.
For the evening the pub The Elephant and Barrel will offer a nice contrast and good pub grub. If you fancy a pizza then try Col'Cacchio.
Have fun and enjoy!
Cape Town what to eat?
Hope you enjoyed La Colombe - I think it is the best in Cape Town at the moment. I also like Willoughby - always reliable and consistent. Emilys is disappointing and very over priced. Visitors always seem to enjoy Baia, but personally think it too is rather pricey and sort of 'expense account' dining. If you enjoy fish try Millers Thumb, great neighbourhood restaurant. You should also try to get to Bizerca Bistro, Jardine, Carne, 95 Keerom and Opal Lounge. The best restaurants are not at the Waterfront!
Birthday dinner in Franschhoek
I guess THE place for a celebration is The Tasting Room. but if that is not to your taste, there are lots of other good restaurants such as Reubens, Mon Plaisir, Mange Tout, Bon Vivant, Bouillabaise etc. Here is a list!
1 Bread and Wine
Happy Valley Road , Franschhoek
Food type: Bistro, Deli
Ambience: Comfy & Casual Good but better for lunch
3 Col'Cacchio (Franschhoek)
66 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Light meals, Pizzas,Italian
Ambience: Comfy & Casual, Contemporary Cool - Just if yopu want a pizza!
5 Genot Restaurant
Franschoek, Klein Genot Wine & Country Estate, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary,South African
Ambience: Classic Elegance, Contemporary Cool
6 ICI at Le Quartier Français
16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary, French
Ambience: Comfy & Casual
8 Le Verger at Le Franschhoek Hotel
16 Minor Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Buffet, Deli, Pizzas, Seafood, Grills, Asian,South African
Ambience: Contemporary Cool, Family Friendly
9 Mange Tout Restaurant (Mont Rochelle Hotel)
Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary, International
Ambience: Classic Elegance
10 Reuben's Restaurant & Bar
19 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary
Ambience: Comfy & Casual
21 Klein Oliphant's Hoek
14 Akademie Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Seafood
Ambience: Classic Elegance
22 La Brasserie (ex La Fromagerie)
13 Daniel Hugo Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Bistro, Light meals, French
Ambience: Classic Elegance
23 La Petite Ferme
Franschhoek Pass Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Fusion, African, Asian
Ambience: Comfy & Casual - better for lunch
24 Le Bon Vivant
22 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary, Fusion, International
Ambience: Classic Elegance
26 Mon Plaisir @ Chamonix
Chamonix Farm, Uitkyk street, Franschhoek
Food type: Bistro, French
Ambience: Authentic Culture, Comfy & Casual
27 Monneaux Restaurant
Main Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Fusion, Asian, French
Ambience: Classic Elegance, Comfy & Casual
28 Relais Gourmand
Le franschhoek Hotel & Spa 16 Minor Road Franschhoek, Franschhoek
Food type: Seafood, Fusion, International, Asian
Ambience: Classic Elegance
29 Salmon Bar at The Yard
38 Huguenot road, Franschhoek
Food type: Deli, Continental, Mediterranean
Ambience: Classic Elegance, Contemporary Cool
32 The French Connection Bistro
Cnr Huguenot and Bordeaux streets, Franschhoek
Food type: Bistro, French
Ambience: Comfy & Casual
33 Topsi & Co
7 Reservoir Street West, Franschhoek
Food type: South African
Ambience: Authentic Culture
12 Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français
16 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary
Ambience: Classic Elegance
13 The Elephant and Barrel
48 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Pub fare, The Americas
Ambience: Comfy & Casual - a good pub!
14 The Restaurant at Grande Provence
Main Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary, French,South African
Ambience: Classic Elegance
16 Bouillabaisse (Franschhoek)
38 Hugenot Street, Franschhoek
Food type: Seafood
Ambience: Contemporary Cool
17 Dieu Donné
Dieu Donné Vineyards, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek, Franschhoek
Food type: Tapas, Fusion, Mediterranean, Asian,South African
Ambience: Classic Elegance, Contemporary Cool
Haute Cabriere
Pass Road, Franschhoek
Food type: Contemporary, Fusion
Ambience: Classic Elegance
Traditional South African Dinner...Help!
Here is an easy one for you:
http://www.waitrose.com/recipe/Bobotie.aspx
Cape Town what to eat?
It is a great place! Interior is rather stark and industrial, but the food is always very good.
mid-price restaurant in Shinjuku
Very interesting! I was trying to decide between Kuu and Yuian while staying at the Hyatt Regency. I guess the better choice appears to be Yuian. Any further thoughts or suggestions? I already have a reservation for Ryugin.
