Why travel when you can enjoy culinary delights from Hout Bay’s finest restaurants offering five-star fare, chef’s table, carte du jour, ala carte menus, or canape’s and cocktails, all offered within opulent surroundings and paired with some of the Cape’s finest wines, whiskey’s, ports and brandies?
This ladies and gentlemen is a time to indulge and dive into a decadence of tastes, flavours and adventurous delights of the palate, underlaid by the epitome of South African warmth and flair.
Kitima, set within an old Cape-Dutch style homestead dating back to the 17th Century, is steeped in history and legend. Several hundred years ago, the Dutch East India Company traded between Europe, the Cape of Good Hope and Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Today, your hosts, guided by the vision of proprietor Kitima Sukonpongpao, have re-created the romance of this era. Although their menu is a compilation of various traditional Asian cuisines, the main focus is on the Royal Thai cuisine with ingredients sourced from the best local suppliers wherever possible – otherwise they are imported from Thailand specifically for Kitima. Promising not only a memorable experience, expect beautiful interiors and interesting twists to traditional taste bud encounters.
Famous for: its Royal Thai cuisine which can trace its history back to the legendary palace of the Ayutthaya kingdom of the 17th century.
Where: 140 Main Road, Hout Bay
Reservations: +27 21 790 8004/6 or +27 21 790 9000
Website: www.kitima.co.za
Rustic stone walls, floors and herringbone brick work define this heritage building which has been given a new lease on life. A recent refurbishment offers simple, understated décor in a sophisticated, light space with views over the verdant Constantia Valley. Sister restaurant to the original Harbour House in Kalk Bay and the V&A Waterfront, it sticks to a winning formula of fresh seafood served with a gourmet spin. Share a legendary sushi, shellfish or seafood platter with calamari, mussels, prawns, crayfish and line fish, or opt for the ever-popular Mozambican-style peri-peri tiger prawns.
Famous for: its position in the oldest wine producing region in Africa.
Where: Constantia Nek, Constantia
Contact: + 27 21 795 0688
Website: www.constantianek.co.za
La Colombe is one of South Africa’s most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. Originally founded on the historic Constantia Uitsig wine estate, it relocated under new ownership to the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with breath-taking views overlooking the Constantia wine valley, False Bay and Hout Bay. Chef Proprietor Scot Kirton’s philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards. The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Scot’s delivery of classic signature dishes and his endless array of sublime new inspirations form the mainstay of La Colombe’s Tasting Menu. With impeccable service and an award-winning wine list, La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience. Please note that there is a no children under 10 years booking policy and a deposit of R500 is required to confirm a booking.
Famous for: fine dining at world-class standards.
Reservations: +27 21 794 2390
Website: www.lacolombe.co.za
Foxcroft was opened by Scot Kirton, chef and proprietor at La Colombe, together with his long-time and highly talented pastry chef, Glen Foxcroft Williams. Their ethos? In the words of Glen Foxcroft Williams: “To cook with the same intensity and thoughtfulness as fine dining but in a more casual and approachable format. As a cook, deliciousness must come first and anything not actively contributing to that must be removed.” Not only sprouting from the roots of La Colombe’s respectability as an acclaimed top international restaurant, Foxcroft offers its own unique touch with a range of breads, sweets and gateaux from its onsite bakery open from 8am – 4pm daily and offering selection of take home items which includes fresh house made butter, jams, oils, preserves, and chocolate. If the weather is splendid, Foxcroft is able to accommodate more tables than what is made available via their online booking link so give them a call or get lucky and walk-in.
Famous for: being voted New Restaurant of the Year in South Africa by the Mercedes-Benz Eat Out Restaurant Awards 2016.
Where: Shop 8/9, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road.
Reservations: (021) 202-3304
Website: www.foxcroft.co.za
Think Asian Fusion variety pared with exceptional quality and palatable pricing and you have one of the best dining experiences you could ask for situated mere kilometres from your doorstep in the village of Hout Bay. Breath-taking décor, a creative setting, friendly and well-informed staff combine for a lively atmosphere as you indulge in a mixture of tapa’s and seasonal specials that pop with food flavours. With elegant plating and a good wine selection, your only challenge will be to choose when to stop eating! Cheyne’s is great for couples or for group nights out.
Famous for: it’s menu divided into four sections, namely sea, land, earth and happy endings with all dishes starter-sized for the purpose of sharing.
Where: 1 Pam Arlene Place, Main Road, Hout Bay
Reservations: 021 790 3462
Facebook: @cheyneshoutbay
The ‘Quentin at Oakhurst’ restaurant and cellar is located on one of the original Hout Bay farms and follows in the footsteps of generations of family food farming and cooking traditions. Located in the upper regions of the valley, juxtaposed by two rivers, sourced on rich flood plain soils, and dwarfed by the Skoorsteenspoort escarpment, the farm still today, sustains the valley’s residents with an abundance of meats, fowls, dairy, wine and vegetables, as it has done for over a hundred years. Meet for a late breakfast or while away the afternoon over a lazy lunch while shaded by ancient Oak trees or recline in its uncluttered setting of over-sized dining tables, white linen, head high giant candelabras, and comfortable oak chairs in the dining hall. In line with its hospitality reminiscent of a bygone Colonial era, after-dinner clientele are invited to retire to their lounge or bar and share anecdotal conversation with likeminded people over a night cap.
Famous for: its rich heritage of Cape and culinary traditions and magnificent setting.
Where: Oakhurst Farm, Main Road, Hout Bay
Reservations: 021 790 4888
Website: www.oakhurstbarn.com
Not sure where or how to choose your next gastronomic experience?
Speak to Grant & Silvia Viljoen at Waterland for a personal recommendation to suit your specific tastes or to discuss their favourite local restaurant choices suited to a variety of different occasions.
