Gardens Restaurants

This mid 19th centaury mansion, steeped in history and National Cape Monument status rests in Gardens, behind the historic Mount Nelson Hotel. Fine dining is the order of the day, at the only venue in the world where you can enjoy cuisine excellence in the company of four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates commissioned oil portraits, hung on the historical walls. Discover a rare dining experience, steeped in history and breathtaking surrounds at The Laureate at Leinster Hall.

Original paintings adorn olive coloured walls, heightened by a bamboo ceiling and iron candelabras. The roaring fireplace adds warmth and homely ambiance during winter and the outdoor leafy setting embraces summer and spring. The menu touches upon Asian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, Thai and South African fusion. Think lamb shank and chicken pie, tom yum soup and Moroccan couscous salad. A standard wine list and boutique wines compliment the flavours and ambiance at this delightful eatery in Mowbray.

Located along upper Long Street, this Spanish inspired restaurant exudes a warm welcoming ambiance set with warm brick walls, soft lighting and religious icons that adorn the walls. Tapas is the order of the day, enjoyed in perfectly sized portions try the octopus, mussel, clam and tortilla tapas or the grilled oysters drenched with olive oil and garlic, or the rabbit stew complimented by a glass of sangria, concluded by saffron ice cream for dessert. The clever décor and stylish interior, including delicious tapas makes Ultima Tapa the ideal place for dinner indulgence.

Upon entering the Planet Restaurant, the shimmering crystal studded entrance lights the way with finely woven galaxies at your feet at one of Cape Town’s newest hotspots. Located within the historic Mount Nelson Hotel, this fine dining setting takes the palate on a gastronomic voyage through the degustation menu. The menu captures smoked Crocodile, Namibian Red Crab, Rooibos cured Ostrich and Springbok dishes alongside silky soft egg with cured ham, mature cheddar and a Pinotage reduction. If you find it hard to decide, start with three different kinds of smoked salmon trout: confit, tartare, and parfait. Mains could be the succulently flame-grilled beef fillet with sautéed exotic mushrooms; mussels and calamari with pea risotto; or pasture-reared chicken with curried barley. Conclude the meal with a decadent macadamia nut tart served with brandied peach and vanilla ice cream. Planet Restaurant in Mount Nelson Hotel provides an unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.

The menu leans towards fusion and Asian dishes alongside an interesting take on pub inspired dishes served with a beer of the day. The décor exudes modern black and white gothic effects, photographs and dripping candles and live jazz. Try a hanger steak or ale steamed mussels complimented by a fine glass of wine or crisp beer, tapas or a hearty fish stew. Blakes Bar entices the senses and wraps the palate in tasty, statement dishes and bold décor.