There’s an element of seasonal bliss that comes with the cold. When our weekends are hijacked by an internal hibernation mode, forcing us to layer up and slow down. To revel in the luxury of toasting ourselves beside an open fireplace. Listening to the wood crackle and hiss, as it burns and flickers in sync with those mandatory bluesy tunes. Yes, a fireplace softens the edges of winter. Bringing nostalgia to the scene, and endorsing rest. For those moments when we wish to leave the comfort of our own private retreats, and venture out into the city centre for a feasting, it’s the fireplace that brings the flavour of romance to the meal. Seasoned by the warmth of the flames. Cape Town’s winter carries an understated elegance, when it comes to dining destinations. Of course, a city that’s revered internationally for its world-class restaurants and collage of cuisines, we expect to eat well, irrespective of the season. But it’s equally essential to be seduced by the ambience of the place. When it’s cold outside, it’s good to know where to go, and to be warm in doing so. During the winter months, it’s the fireplace that is the perfect accompaniment to the dish, that unwittingly becomes the life and soul of the party. It keeps the merriment flowing and the rosey cheeks glowing. We’ve compiled a list of some fabulous fireside eateries to dine at in Cape Town, that are likely to warm the cockles of your holiday hearts. All a scenic drive away from Labotessa’s front doors…
- Labotessa’s Café & Terrace – It’s essential that we first mention our very own Café & Terrace for those sublimely simple evenings around the fireplace. Serving Borreltijd ~ the time of day to enjoy a smorgasbord of local and European-inspired snacks and drinks. Of course, there is also the All Day Breakfast and Lunch Menu on offer, too. Our Café & Terrace is open to the public daily, with our kitchen closing at 4pm. Beverages and snacks are served around the clock.
- Kloof Street House – An enchanting restaurant in a Victorian House in the City Bowl District of Cape Town. Furnished in antiques and curious collectables all centred around crackling fireplaces, this romantic restaurant is a cosy space to retreat to when venturing into town. Only a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
- Aubergine – This iconic Cape Town restaurant, with its renowned menu that fuses Eastern and Western influences for a classic dining experience. All served with a sophisticated atmosphere. A cosy wood-burning stove warming up the heritage build at the helm.
- Ëlgr. – With the chef’s Swedish heritage being evident in every aspect of the restaurant, this sophisticated spot on Kloof Street in Cape Town serves an ever-changing feast of a globally-inspired cuisine, all around the open fireplace.
- The Strangers Club – Settled within the city’s vibrant suburb of Green Point, this family-run restaurant is a glorious spot to enjoy fine food in a heritage home that oozes character and warmth. Only a 10-minute drive from the hotel.
- Bao Down – In a delightfully tranquil space in Green Point, this small-plate Asian menu of slow-braised hoisin beef short rib buns, and the likes, is a lovely spot to savour the flavours of Asia. Whilst enjoying the colourful, vintage ambience around the fireplace.
- Salsify at the Roundhouse – Award-winning restaurant with Chef Ryan Cole at the helm of the kitchen – inspired by nature; driven by the seasons. With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Lion’s Head as a backdrop, Salsify is an award-winning, fine-dining restaurant serving modern, seasonal dishes, and two large fireplaces at either side of the historical building warming up the tables. Less than a twenty-minute drive from the hotel.
- Grub & Vine Norval – For that fancy feast, seduced by the environment of art, inspiration and decadence, this glass-walled restaurant at the Norval Foundation is something of a novelty. The menu is refined yet hearty. Plenty of fireplaces burning to your hearts’ content. No more than a thirty-minute drive from the hotel.
Labotessa…A Marvel in the Mother City
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