Fireside romance
Candlelight, a log fire and excellent food are the three ingredients essential for a winter date night.
There’s nothing more romantic than watching a beautiful Cape Town sunset, but in winter, the chill that descends as the sun slips away and the stars come out demands a swift retreat into a warm and cosy restaurant where the flames flicker and good food warms from the inside out. Here are our three top choices for cosy Cape Town dinners.
Societi Bistro
Societi Bistro
A fire burning in the Victorian grate, red fleece blankets over the back of each chair and a warm welcome set the scene for an enjoyable and informal evening in a Parisian bistro atmosphere. Exposed brick and high ceilings absorb the convivial buzz of conversation so that you can hear each other speak – all-important on a date night. Excellent, unpretentious bistro food with plenty of flavour is ideal for hearty winter appetites. The menu includes an intense porcini mushroom risotto, venison bourguignon, pork neck with a creamy mustard sauce, and fillet au poivre. Be sure to make room for dessert and share melt-in-your-mouth spoonfuls of Societi’s legendary chocolate nemesis cake and superb lemon tart.
La Mouette
Casual elegance and a roaring log fire in each of its several dining rooms create a warm and inviting winter retreat. Ask for a table for two beside the fire and savour a journey of the senses with their six-course winter tasting menu. La Mouette is bound to inspire romance in any gourmet. Including charred sole with Jerusalem artichokes and umami vinaigrette, crispy lamb shoulder with buffalo fromage blanc, and several mouthwatering dishes in between, this is affordable fine dining that packs a procession of flavours in beautifully plated style and leaves taste buds thoroughly satisfied.
La Mouette
Azure
Going all out to impress? Book a Cape Town dinner and movie package at the grand Twelve Apostles Hotel, including fine dining at Azure and a movie in their private cinema. Chef Christo Pretorius has devised a special three-course moviegoer menu. Relax by fire in the opulent dining room and savour a tempting prawn dhal starter or Joostenberg duck with liver parfait, gooseberry jam and celeriac before moving on to the luxurious screening room for dessert, as well as snacks and hot chocolate during the screening. Shows alternate between classics, comedies and current blockbusters. Screenings: 5.30pm, 8.30pm and 10.30pm.
Twelve Apostles
Words: Kit Heathcock
Images: Supplied
Taste for yourself:
Societi Bistro, Gardens
021 424 2100
La Mouette, Sea Point
021 433 0856
Azure, Camps Bay
021 437 9029
