Review Asoka - Cape Town Central

This venue has been around for many years, unlike many others ventures that sadly did not make it, the quality of food, service and ambience has been consistent from day one. Still one of our favourite places in Cape Town. A must for any visitor to CT. Keep up the good work guys, well done. R

I had been coming here frequently since late last year until April this year mostly on Tuesday nights for a good time, starting of with a live jazz band and a Dj later after that. My co-workers would call it Asoka Tuesdays, a booking is imperative or else you’ll stand in a long queue outside so make sure that you make a booking and don’t arrive too early, I think they open at 17:30 and Jazz band starts at 19:30 until 21:30 or 20:00 until 22:00. Reservations are made by call & email. Their cocktails are amazing and I’ve had the best cocktails here! So do give them a try!

The cocktails were good, espresso martini is exactly how I love to finish a dinner. Started with a Manhattan which was well made. The mezze plate was good although the hummus was heavy of citrus which is not to my taste but in no way was this a reflection of whether it was delicious or not. Tuna tostada (tacos) were excellent. Tenderstem broccoli came with a very nice and well spiced sauce.

We went to this amazing restaurant on a Sunday and had incredible food to share. The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly. I recommend the butter curry chicken if you like something warm and the tuna tartare if you like something cold. The chocolate brownie was also amazing. The meze platter was also perfect as a starter for all five of us.

Asoka is lit! In fact, it is so candlelit that an inexperienced observer may be tempted to call the fire department. I am secretly regretting 90% of my 5-star ratings for atmosphere because they should really be reserved for places like Asoka. Their VIBE (yes, in capitals) is splattered with sexy lines, moody lighting, and lively Acid Jazz all they way from the steps on Kloof Street to the back wall of the toilet. If you are booking a table for a romantic evening with your partner, Table 20 under the 180-year-old olive tree is the way to go. You'll sit close enough to each other to have a conversation when the joint gets busy, and if you are tall, you'll fit under the table. (If you are taller than 6ft, the ottomans by the fireplace are not for you.) As you would expect from the setting, the service is top notch. Hosts, waiters and runners, and even the smiling bouncer at the door, are all easy-going, friendly, and professional. (Thanks for the great service, Jo) When it comes to drinking and eating, the only thing in the bar more impressive than the actual shelves holding the bottles, are the cocktails. The tapas-style dishes coming from the kitchen were beautifully presented (I think). It was slightly too dark to see the colours and textures of the actual food, but it was clearly expertly plated. Overall, the food was good, but not mind-blowing. We shared seven different dishes, curious to see how Aisan Fusion is interpreted at Asoka. From a flavour perspective, it did not quite hit the mark, as you would hope considering the price point. Don't misunderstand me on this one... EVERY dish was packed with flavour, but almost overpoweringly towards a single note. The Duck Spring Rolls are deeply salty, for instance, and the accompanying reduction is not quite sweet enough to balance it out. Adding a unique complimentary contrast to each plate will go a long way to making the taste profiles pop (like shiso leaf with the ostrich). This is a longer than usual review, because Asoka is a place I instantly loved. I'll go back to soak up the atmosphere, and I will happily recommend it to anyone looking to spend their evening in style. If you are specifically visiting Cape Town for a culinary tour, I would lean towards Belly of the Beast and Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia for menu dégastation, and for tapas-style plates, Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Wine Estate.

Really loved this place. From the candles and incense, the wonderful, helpful staff eager to alter the menu to make it gluten-free friendly to the cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Well priced great venue, even on a Monday night. Would love to visit near the end of the week. Only downside was I found the low seating a little uncomfortable when eating. NB. Service of 12.5% is automatically added to bills so careful on tipping.

A really busy vibe and fantastic tapas. The decor is cool but watch out for the low hanging branches in the restaurant!! Service was attentive, and they have some fantastic wines. Definitely worth a visit but book in advance.

This place offers a unique experience, a hip concept and ambiance. Our choice included three tapas each and we sampled some cocktails. Overall, Asoka is a cool spot.

Very cute, hip restaurant! Has a live tree growing in the middle (you’ll have to duck 😂) Small plates (tapas) and we shared quite a few. Creative drinks as well! Neighborhood is a little sketchy (our driver wouldn’t leave the van!) but definitely worth the effort! And so affordable!

Food was incredible. Drinks were good & ambiance was beautiful! Tree in the center is 180 years old and the building was built around it. Tons of branches and other plants inside. Food pictured from left to right is ostrich filet, butter chicken, then below is grilled prawns and salmon. All were so flavorful and cooked well!

The decor, music and ambiance added so much to the dining experience. Our waitress Taylor was incredibly attentive. The chili garlic prawns were divine, I’d eat a bowl of that sauce any day.

We visited Asoka on a Monday evening (13 January). <br/>They have a Monday madness special where you get to select 3 courses for R195 per person. <br/><br/>Asoka is all about small plates and sharing and my mother was not entirely sold. However, she was after tasting the first course. <br/><br/>We chose the Prawn tempura, a mezze platter as our first course. The mezze was absolutely divine and I wish I had chosen this instead as I literally only got 3 prawns but it is a starter portion. <br/><br/>The second course we decided on the poke bowl, calamari and the ostrich fillet. It was absolutely delicious. <br/><br/>For our last course, my sister opted for the west coast mussels, whilst I chose the butternut, spinach and Parmesan gnocchi. My parents took the braised lamb shoulder. All of the these were tasty and plated well. <br/><br/>All in all, worth every penny and quite affordable. I love that I got to taste so many different foods which were well prepared. Our waitress was efficient and well-mannered.

I have been to Asoka on 3 occasions and have loved absolutely everything from food, vibe and service.

Absolutely fantastic food, great ambiance, trendy vibe in a must do restaurant, don’t miss out on one of the best restaurants in Cape Town

My partner and I visited Asoka on a date night, and what a great choice in restaurant it turned out to be. The interior is beautifully decorated and loved how the trees were incorporated into the interior. It was a rainy evening so the fireplace created a nice and cozy vibe as well. <br/>The waiting staff were professional and service was good. <br/>But the food is the real star of the show. Absolutely loved every plate we ordered, compliments to the kitchen! <br/>We will definitely be back. <br/>Thank you for a great evening and amazing food.

Brilliant! Their service is amazing and the waitress we had was extremely well informed and gave the best recommendations! Our food arrived in a matter of minutes and tasted absolutely delicious! This is a must try! I will forever return! This is without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants!

The food was out of this world. An amazing taste sensation. The decor is perfect. The cocktails wow. The DJ was incredible. Vibe great and so was Annie, our waitress. Will defs return.

I previously missed out on an opportunity to go to Asoka for an supplier supper.<br/><br/>The next day in the office my colleagues were raving about the food. Valentine's day came around and this was the perfect opportunity for me to try out the restaurant. I booked way in advance to avoid disappointment.<br/><br/>The food was excellent, the service was superb and the atmosphere passed my expectations. Where have I been all this time... Why haven't I tried Asoka before?<br/><br/>The night turned out perfect.<br/>Now to visit sister company... Kloof Street House.

Very cool place!! The dinner is nice, the service good and the atmosphere very characteristic. I've been there for the jazz night, and it was really beautiful! Will definitely go back

Really cool atmosphere. However waiters are snooty and drinks take forever. This combination ruins the experience, full of excuses. 30 minutes wait for a cocktail...

I finally got a chance to actually sit down and enjoy the food at Asoka! When it comes to dining levels, expect the same quality as its sister restaurant “Kloof Street House” but more tapa-style. Their kitchen closes pretty late which is awesome when you’re looking for a good dinner and a night out (I recommend coming on Tuesday and Friday evenings). I had the fillet and I tasted some of my friends butter chicken curry and it was delicious. I suggest you order maybe 2 or 3 tapas for you to be full and enjoy your meal because the portions are quite small. Whether you’re coming for a dinner date with your partner or drinks with friends, the atmosphere and the food will make for a good dining experience.

I haven't actually eaten here yet but have been out for drinks on many occasions. The atmosphere is great and it has a completely different feel to most other places in Cape Town. Tuesday night is the time to go, but it can get very packed.

Highly overpriced. Quite dark inside, but typical for CBD vibe I suppose. Just not my vibe at all. <br/>The food was okay, but not worth the prices. Slider burger patty had pieces of bone in and was rather tasteless and dry. There were however other things that were better such as the spring rolls and truffle polenta chips

I’ve been coming here for years for that ‘one last drink’. You know when you’re out with friends for dinner and you want to go somewhere else for one last drink.. as such, I’ve never really eaten here until now. <br/><br/>Oh my! I’ve been missing out on some seriously good food. On a relatively quiet Sunday evening, I wandered in without a reservation and was warmly greeted at the door. The decor is so inviting, very suiting for a special date night. Loved that they kept the huge tree on the property and built the establishment around it. It’s such an awesome focal point. <br/><br/>Seated at my table, I was assigned a very attentive waiter that was very knowledgeable about the menu, flavour profiles and which dishes pair well. <br/><br/>It’s a tapas menu, but I must say the portions are very generous for a tapas dish. I opted for the spinach salad to start. Moved on to the butter chicken with roti dish. And ended off with the chocolate fondant. Everything was really yummy! That salad was gorgeous and would go really well with a beef dish. The butter chicken was rich and glorious. The fondant was the absolute ending of all endings to such a good meal. <br/><br/>I’ll most certainly be back.<br/><br/><br/>Update: returned for dinner with a few friends. We decided to order a bunch of tapas to share amongst ourselves. <br/><br/>Great: risotto balls, polenta fries<br/>Good, but not great: tuna tacos, chili prawns, teriyaki beef, beef sliders<br/>Okish: lamb, butternut fondant, grilled calamari

<br/>I have been wanting to try your establishment for quite a while .. So tonight my boyfriend and i randomly decided to get a bite to eat in town and remembered that we wanted to try asoka ... <br/><br/>He them called and asked if there was a dress code . the lady adamantly said that t shirt and shorts are not allowed . he then asked OK, so will we not be allowed in ? And she said no ..<br/><br/>Quite disappointed, we understood that there was a dress code , but we decided to head to kloof street anyway and find another spot to have dinner .. <br/>On passing asoka im horrified and quite angered to find people ,white gents in particular ,warmly welcomed, wearing shorts and t shirts ... <br/><br/>We got a table at da Vinci's please try them they are AMAZING in every way .. I then called asoka and spoke to the lady wanting to know why these people were allowed and we were basically told we were not welcome ..? She gave some bullshit story about how they are a bit lenient on quiet days but very strict on busy day ... Erm hello ? Its Friday night and asoka is packed .. So whats the excuse now ?? <br/><br/>what type of discrimination is this ? If i could give less than 1 just for this experience i would .. Needless to say i sent them a Facebook message which they read and blatantly ignored ..

I was very excited to try it for the first time with a group of friends saying farewell to a dear friend. The food was great and the setting perfect. Sadly complaining about 6 very bitter margaritas definitely lacking in the right balance of Cointreau proved to be the worst thing we could have done. The maitre’d, manager and waitress turned nasty. Finding chewing gum stuck to, luckily not, expensive trousers deposited from under our table, then A service charge of 12,5% added to our bill which was not pointed out in the very dim lighting. We added a 10% and this was still not pointed out to us. Humans always tend to remember the worst things sadly.

We had an amazing dinner at Asoka. The chilli prawns was divine. The salmon was tasty as well. The cherry on the top was the chocolate fondant which was just perfect! Do not leave without tasting their cocktails!

I used to love Asoka's old menu, however the new menu is not bad, this eastern fusion styled restaurant/lounge offers tapas and cocktails by mixologists in an unusual, but comfortable setting. The dessert platter was excellent - I am quite sad it's gone! The fries and cream cheese/sour cream with the gourmet mini burgers/sliders was amazing too

Butter chicken curry, roti, sambal & raita 😍 One of the best butter chicken curries I have ever had. Flavour and creaminess was on point 👌 The food is a bit pricey, especially for some portion sizes, but otherwise, great place, great vibe - and awesome drinks!

Really great food, and nice ambience for a night out with friends! However the setting is a bit dark, quite difficult to see what you're eating. 😂everything was really good, I HIGHLY recommend everything duck!

Having only heard about Asoka, I am happy to day that I have finally ticked it off my list of places to go in Cape Town. What started out as a quiet even, turned into jazz night and finally ended up as quite the party. The vibe was intimate yet upbeat. <br/><br/>I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the drinks. My highlight of the menu was hands down the tuna tacos.

I have only been here twice and for drinks but so far I have loved my experience. 1st time was for the Tuesday jazz night, best to book a week in advance as it is their busiest night. Next their House music Fridays. As a house music lover this was such a treat! Venue setting is cozy and dark, a bit too dark for my liking but it's still a great spot. Their cocktails are really good and different, ocean breeze being one of them. Can't wait to try their food next!

Best date night!!! <br/>Highly recommend this place the food is amaaaaaaaaaazing! <br/>The vibe is a bonus! <br/>Definitely worth it , can get quite pricey if you love big portions of food as you will have to order lots as everything is tapas so small dishes but so so so flavorful!

Returned to this Kloof Street favourite after a few years. Really like the ambient setting which when coupled with ample drink options and delicious tapas, makes for a memorable night out. Great for a night out with friends or a date.

Really amazing food and drinks ! Ambience is great too, live music and a really cost interior.<br/>Perfect for those winter nights ! A bit pricy , but honestly worth the amazing food you get

Food: I had pretty high expectations going in and am happy to say these were exceeded. It's a delectable tapas style menu that was simply delicious. <br/><br/>Service: I sat at a table with 12 people and the service was really good. The food and drinks orders were all correct and the food came at all the same time. <br/><br/>Atmosphere: I went on a Tuesday which is their live jazz night. The restaurant's ambiance is very pleasant with a really well designed interior. It is not your standard atmosphere but a very refreshing change. <br/><br/>Overall I would definitely go back. This restaurant ticked all the boxes for me.

I went to Asoka for a chilled Wednesday evening. The hosts were friendly, they were happy to help us find a table we were happy with. <br/><br/>The ambiance is relaxed and the music is consistent, I enjoyed the music, I still need to go during jazz nights on Tuesdays. <br/><br/>The food was enticing and mouthwatering, we kept ordering more tapas because we couldn't get enough. The crispy duck and beef tarte stood out for me. I cannot wait to go back and try out more dishes <br/><br/><br/>

Wow, what an ambiance and what a hospitality. Live music, rhythm in the air, tangy cocktails and carefully selected cuisines. Loved it till the end.

Really loved the cocktails here!! Enjoyed drinks and bit of dancing on Friday night. Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to order food but I'll definitely be back soon to try their menu.

Probably one of the best cocktail bar in Cape Town. <br/><br/>Last time I eat there was ages ago but it used to be good.<br/><br/>Good music, nice furniture and amazing cocktails. Perfect spot for a date ;)

This was my first time going to a Tapas style restaurant. I was pleasantly impressed. Their cocktail menu is to die for! I had a dish with grilled calamari, another with butter chicken curry and naan bread, some gourmet spring rolls and a Greek salad platter. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality of exprience and the staff are friendly and effecient.

Literally my first time at Asoka in probably just over 6 or 7 years...and it felt like coming home. Awesome vibe. Great music. Super attentive barstaff for whom nothing was too much trouble. Hell, they even suggested drinks off the menu to sub for things I was requesting. My party and I were there until closing and we're already making plans to go back again this weekend. Highly recommended.

Amazing food and divine cocktails. Perfect ambiance and friendly staff. The chilli prawns and the truffled beef are so worth trying out! Loved it!

Such a cool hippy place! Loved the decor with the giant Buddhas and fairy lights! Created an awesome ambiance. <br/>The Seared Norwegian salmon was out of this world! <br/>I would give this a 5/5 but felt a bit neglected by the waitresses. <br/><br/>First pic is of the salmon 😍😍

This was my first time here, and it definitely won't be my last. The space is amazing and the music and lighting were perfect. The food was to die for, we had a wide selection of tapas, the Salmon and Tuna tacos were a stand out for me. I would have rated 5/5 but they were out of the coconut panna cotta

came here on a date last week (ladies and gents, thee PERFECT place for a romantic date) and oh my goodness what an evening: The restaurant and decor itself is completely lovely - moody dim-lit ambience with stunning morrocan styled decor , the food was...a taste orgasm (you absolutely have to try the teriyaki beef - it's to die for). The service was very attentive and the music was phenomenal. The only complaint would be that the seating is a bit uncomfortable. But overall...wow.

Started off restaurant week off here ;) .... always a vibe! <br/><br/>So this place is a tapas kinda vibe - mixing and matching, sharing and caring whatever you wanna call it. That said I felt the portions were big and plated with care and precision. The vibe is chilled with house music in the background. Service was on par with us ;) not so much for the foreign guests next to us.. <br/><br/>For restaurant week the special was any 3 dishes for R300... I tried the Norwegian Salmon so so good and perfectly seared and basted. Then I tried the Teriyaki beef fillet also very tasty but very very rich so you can't eat it all ... or you shouldn't if you can't handle too much richness! <br/>I couldn't even eat the dessert which I ordered as portions big and dishes are rich.<br/><br/>Giving it a 4 rather than a 4.5 as I thought once being told for restaurant week we order any 3 from normal menu and seeing pricing ... we could have eaten 3 dishes without paying so much. <br/><br/>Mmmm I will definitely be there again though food is good... the special was just not a special ;)

Ambience and food was great. The meze platter was huge and delicious. Loved the tree in the middle of the restaurant. Music was good and place was vibey.

I've been to Asoka quite a few times for their Tuesday jazz evenings followed by local and/or deep house (depending on who's dj'ing) JanuaryOne is my favourite. <br/>Their food, service and ambience is all up to par , never disappointing even in their snacks but they are very much on the pricy side sadly but the environment is very flexible and allows for a drinks and snacks vibe too especially on tuesdays . <br/>Try their chilli prawns ;)

This place is a new favorite of mine in Cape Town! Can't believe I haven't been until now. Even though it can get pretty loud inside since it it's more of a lounge/bar than a sit down restaurant, the vibe is nonetheless amazing. I thought the service was good too, but the best part was definitely the food. I was pleasantly surprised, as I didn't expect this kind of quality cuisine to come out of the kitchen. <br/><br/>The salmon teriyaki and tuna tacos were delicious, and the fillet steak was out of this world! Be prepared to pay up though as this experience doesn't come cheap.

What can I say your drinks are lame and your card machine are still coming. I left my cash tender but I guess you slow service allow someone to pocket it.<br/><br/>But I would say your set up is good but your service needs attention. To the guy serving the outside area on thursdays evening, you need to focus on all and not just the corner people sipping on wine

Firstly... I love Asoka and Kloof street house. <br/><br/>Last night I popped in for drinks and would have stayed longer if the service was better. <br/><br/>I felt like I was not being acknowledged and when I eventually asked for my tab, that took another hour to arrive yet out waiter was by every table surrounding us and never once made eye contact with me. <br/><br/>I would suggest that the service improve or I will be taking my services elsewhere... There's only so much you can take even though my pornstar cocktail was a winner!

I went here a few nights ago, the atmosphere was ok but that's were it stopped. When I showed up for my reservation, not a single waitron helped me nor the hostess, I had to call my partner to ask where he was seated after waiting for 10 minutes while the staff giggled amongst themselves about who knows what. We saw our waitress maybe three times on her own and had to ask various other staff for help and to place our orders. The food was ok but getting the bill took an hour. Once again the wait staff were nowhere to be seen. The atmosphere really is nice, but I would not go back at all.<br/>

Shocking handling of our reservation last week. Reservation was made long in advance. Then just a few hours before we were going to the restaurant I got a phone call to mention the 'company policy' that we would have to leave the table at 11pm so they could have it for another booking. If we didn't want to leave we would have to pay a ZAR 10.000 deposit. I was disgusted!!! Oh and to add. When we paid the bill partly with cash the waitress said: let me just take this to the back and count it there. Obviously I said: no you count it right here. Some very dodgy stuff going on in that place. Pity because food is great and music too.

Wow what a nice setup staff is is well trained and their tapas is out of this world. If you wish to chill and relax not to noisy please go at 5 it's still very chilled if you feel you would like something more up beat go anytime from 7 onwards. Will def be back for more

Sadly we couldn't get food because we didn't make a reservation & it was a Tuesday night so....<br/>however we did have a bottle of Sauvignon blanc & it was pretty okay. everyone seems to love this place & the waiters are lovely as well. it was okay really i'm just not getting the hype really. maybe i'll return

I had never been to Asoka before however I went with people who were regulars there. I was slightly disappointed because the service was not too great but apparently this is not usually the case. The cocktails were great however I would rather go elsewhere for better service and a similar standard of drinks. I do hope it was an off day because I expected better.

Always loved Asoka for its chilled laid back yet just enough to be trendy vibes. Attended a friend's bday for drinks on a Tuesday which us Jazz evening - amazing! It got packed really quickly! But service is great, drinks and food a bit on the pricey side. That's the norm for town. I m totally in love with the Bohemia decor especially the Buddha by the tree in the centre of the bar, which grows right through The roof. Yes you can see the stars whilst sipping on your drink 😉👍🏻🍷 definitely worth a visit! Weekends get super packed due to the house music. Parking is a pain on Kloof tho, so get there early.

Asoka is a lovely place in Kloof Steer - great Decor and friendly service. Their calamari as well as their cocktails are great menu choices. Very vibey and fun. My experience has been that it's either packed full or quite empty - so some nights you may struggle to get a table.

Beautiful restaurant.<br/><br/>Amazing friendly genuine service (girl with the dreads) power!<br/>Best freshest cocktails and delicious food. <br/>Really good playlist- set the vibe really well.<br/><br/>One small nitpick, when I arrived on my own in the beginning I was not greeted at the door and very confused about what the procedure was to get a table. I felt as if i was a bit of a inconvenience. I am relatively young but I have been I'm the service industry for years and understand. I should never feel I have to prove to spend a lot of money to be treated importantly. Besides that we had an amazing evening !<br/><br/>Thank you xx

An amazing ambience . The decorations are stunning and really feels like a palace inside .  We were lucky enough to visit on the Jazz Evening . Greeted by a massive bouncer at the door . An intimate setting , for a nice Glenlivet on the rocks . The food was really tasty , My girlfriend and i...

I really enjoyed my night here. It was Tuesday which was also Jazz night so it was really vibrant. The cocktails were superb and the food was rich in flavour. Definitely a must visit.

I had such a unique experience dining at Asoka's!I absolutely love the décor and lighting. It doesn't get any better than that! Situated in the perfect little townhouse in Kloof Street.I'm not very familiar with their cuisine, which is Asian Fusion, so the food was a bit different, but it tasted good and was definitely a nice experience. I would highly recommend it if you are looking to try something different.They also have evenings where they have a live jazz band. Climbed out of the box with this one. Yummy and fun!

This place blew our minds!<br/><br/>The interior is absolutely amazing - think fairy tale dining meets up-style NYC bar. They have a tree growing in the bigger seating area, also lots of cushions, sofas, and divans. The light is dimmed and everything has just little bit of a magical sparkle!<br/><br/>The food is superbe - this has been my best dining experience so far. <br/>I recommend the teriyaki beef, which tastes out of this world. The beef tartar, the miso salmon and the truffle potato chips are very nice as well. The mini burgers are very tasty, only the potatoes with feta and spring onions are not quite as exciting as the rest. <br/><br/>The staff is very attentive and has a good knowledge about all the table's orders. They were very friendly in explaining the menu. <br/><br/>We also had drinks with diner, they were nice as well. I wished they would offer more creative drinks, although their selection is nonetheless good. <br/><br/>Only downside: the music was very chill and relaxed. After a good diner, you find yourself becoming a little tired.....

Ended and eventful First Thursdays off here. Very beautiful restaurant and bar. The low key lighting and oriental decor look magnificent. My friends and I ordered signature Asoka Porn Star Martinis and Komodo Dragom cocktails. The martinis were incredible and the Komodo Dragons didn't taste bad either. Just watching the barman prepare these decadent drinks was spectacle on its own. A true craftsman. Would love to come back and try their talas menu.

Wow, I cannot believe that this has happened to me twice. Asoka, what a let down. I made a booking for Saturday evening at 8pm and was confirmed by the person taking the details only to be told they put me down for a Friday (what a BS story) and then the lady calls me to say she can't put me down for Saturday cause they having a massive function. Thanks Asoka, you have ruined a farewell dinner for me 👌

Took my nephew to Asoka about a month ago. Was deeply disappointed with the food. The portion sizes are ridiculous!!! It is essentially a tapas menu...but with NO warning that it is a tapas portion size! What a rip off...really guys! Furthermore I ordered the crispy duck...there was NOTHING crispy about it and it was 3 TINY dumplings with an uninspiring duck filling!! Utterly unacceptable...

Asoka is a hidden gem, hard to find and once you do find it hard to get a table BUT...once you there you can understand why. The food is amazing!!! The decor is very relaxed some seats are definitely not made for comfort. The food is out of this world, attention to detail and flavours. You have to try the beef short rib, I was licking my plate.

Boyfriend booked us a table for our anniversary. We were extremely excited since the decor of the place and photographs of their food looked superb on their website. Arrived and got seated. Waited a good 15 to 20 min before our waiter arrived to greet us. We ordered our drinks. The drink selections are amazing and would highly recommend. Unfortunately the food were all tapas; we didn't realise that it was all tapas since the food photos on their website all seemed like large portions. Overheard another gentlemen mumble that their food portions have gotten smaller since the last time he was here. All in all it was a beautiful place. Waitress was a bit way ward and had to constantly ask other waiters to take our orders and thus we didn't tip due to this. Highly expensive for the small portions, but the food is define and beautifully executed.

I have been to Asoka several times and it was always a superb experience. The ambience is perfect, the decor is amazing and the food is very good. The only problem I have, is that they changed completely their menu and removed all the mains. Besides that, its the perfect place to be especially on Tuesday's night.

I love everything about asoka! The ambiance is sophisticated and sexy and the Indian theme fits perfectly. The bar is beautiful. The komodo dragon is my favourite cocktail ever and is a must, must, must have!!!! It is a bit pricey but well worth the ambiance, crowd, drinks and snacks on offer. A great place to have a sophisticated night out.

Let’s just clear the air: it may be a bit difficult to get into Asoka, but once you’re in, then all the prior planning and hassle you underwent will be well worth it. The starters come in the form of really tiny tapas, so order many of those if you’re in a large group (I’d recommend the platter selection to share while you wait for mains – it starts at R85 per head for a minimum of 10 people). The charming interior that bears obvious Buddhist/Asian influences sets the scene for an eventful evening of indulgence. Lighting was really set down which proved to be a bit of a problem with those who wore glasses, but I can see how it adds to the charisma of the place. I absolutely fell in love with the beautifully lit tree in the middle of the room, though! Expect an ambience that is young yet laid-back with deep house beats playing in the background.

asoka was a last minute choice after we found out that the crab shack had no halal options. there was no seating so we were seated on bar stools at first and then moved to couches we had virgin cocktails and a few starters, the mains we chose were, duck, chicken salad and the lamb shoulder. the salad was good but the rest of the food was average at best.

I have been here a few times and it has always been a great experience.  The decor is absolutely amazing and the staff is very friendly and helpful.<br/><br/>I love the drinks menu.  The cocktails are some of the best I have ever had.  The slow roasted lamb is a must have.  Also tried the salads on previous occasions and loved it.<br/><br/>It is perfect for an intimate dinner or just drinks with friends.

Let’s just clear the air: it may be a bit difficult to get into Asoka, but once you’re in, then all the prior planning and hassle you underwent will be well worth it. The starters come in the form of really tiny tapas, so order many of those if you’re in a large group (I’d recommend the platter selection to share while you wait for mains – it starts at R85 per head for a minimum of 10 people). The charming interior that bears obvious Buddhist/Asian influences sets the scene for an eventful evening of indulgence. Lighting was really set down which proved to be a bit of a problem with those who wore glasses, but I can see how it adds to the charisma of the place. I absolutely fell in love with the beautifully lit tree in the middle of the room, though! Expect an ambience that is young yet laid-back with deep house beats playing in the background.

I'm not sure why this place has such average reviews. I think it is fantastic!! The service I got was phenomenal. The waitress made excellent suggestions and the food arrives within minutes. And my were they delicious! I am a huge fan of tapas and let me tell you, this place does them superbly well. The prices were exorbitant but I feel like it's well worth it. I had the goats cheese, the burger sliders, salmon and dumplings. The first 3 I would order again without a doubt. I thought R75 for the martini was too expensive and I think next time I'll order the wine which is more reasonable. The ambiance of the place was also good. It created a very warm and intimate atmosphere which is great for a date night if you want to impress your significant other.

Asoka has the most unique menu. They serve bits and pieces of everything. We went specifically for dinner but it does seem like a very popular place for drinks. <br/><br/>I love the atmosphere, set - up and decor. Very upmarket and classy <br/><br/>We ordered the stuffed jalapeños, mushroom tacos and garlic prawns. They don't have much on their menu for vegetarians. My friend who had the prawns said that they were flavored really well but there were only four or five prawns in the dish for quite a steep price. The mushroom tacos were a bit of a let down because they lacked flavor altogether. Our jalapeños were great - made well and tasted perfect. <br/><br/>The best thing about Asoka is the ambiance - would love to go just for drinks.

Fantastic!!! The decor is amazing, food is exquisite and service is excellent. This place has exceeded all expectations. Definately making Asoka a regular spot. Keep up the amazing food 👌🏼

Even though I have heard a few bad comments on Asoka, I have never had a bad experienced. I have always enjoy the atmosphere and the food. Their famous Pornstar martinis with the tot of champagne are my favourite! I have tried various meals such as their mini burgers, the prawn stir fry and their chicken and I have enjoyed everyone of them. I definitely recommend their bread board and goats cheese for starters. It is absolutely delicious. Overall the restaurant has a great atmosphere and good food!

I visited Asoka this past weekend for my friends bachelorette party. This restaurant is one of a kind in Cape Town and is known for their variety of tasty cocktails, my all time favourite being the 'pornstar martini' which comes with a shot of bubbly :)<br/>Be sure to book well in advance over weekends as we had just managed to reserve seating in the outdoor area. The service was great, our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We started off with a round of pornstar martinis that did not dissapoint. We shared the vegetarian platter option consisting of chilli poppers and springrolls with various dips. I enjoyed the chicken skewers the most with hand cut fries. We ended off with the dessert medley which is a small portion of each of their desserts. The chocolate brownie was warm and went perfectly with the ice-cream, it wasn't too rich so just perfectly divine. The pan cotta had a creamy texture and was great. Creme brulee and jam tart was average. We were all in the party mood this restaurant transforms into a great chilled club vibe with a resident dj playing after 10 which made for a great night out.<br/><br/>In general, the ambience of the restaurant is quite unique with a tree in the middle giving off an outdoor vibe, it's quite fancy but also very cosy with dim pretty lighting everywhere which makes it perfect for intimate dinners. I was very impressed with how they hosted a big group of us as well as being open to having the bride to be check off her various dares. Asoka is definitely one of the upscale bar lounges on kloof street.. looking forward to visiting them on their Tuesday jazz nights.

Don't approve of the Aum sign by the entrance. It is a sacred, Hindu symbol. Not something hipsters just think is cool. <br/>It is highly disrespectful.

The atmosphere is spectacular, it's a perfect venue for an intimate dinner. I was very pleased with the starters. I had prawns with garlic chilli and lemon with warm bread, the flavors really came trough. For main I had the crispy duck and I was a bit disappointed, I feel that most elements in the plate lacked seasoning and my duck was over cooked. I will return for that amazing starter and the atmosphere

This beautiful Asian restaurant, situated on the busy Kloof street is definitely something to experience. It's a mixture of authentic Asian and western cuisine. The trendy decor sets the mood for a great evening with friends or as a romantic evening with someone special. It is the perfect setup for a few drinks or for a sit down meal.<br/><br/>Enjoy the deck that looks out to Kloof street or sit inside and get lost in the beauty of this place. The trendy staff are very polite and helpful, service was excellent. <br/><br/>We ordered the Tempura jalapeños, stuffed with cream cheese & goats cheese, homemade sweet chilli jam as a starter and to share we had the Butter chicken, roti, sambal & raita and the Slow cooked lamb shoulder, green tahini dressing, garlic pita, baby spinach, mint and cucumber salad. The portions are filling and very tasty. This deserves an overall 5/5!<br/><br/>

Asoka is one of my favorite places in Cape Town to go to for drinks, however, I am utterly disappointed with my visit there last night. I had called to pre-book my table asking to be sat inside and specifically not at the bar. However, I was sat at the bar.<br/><br/>I found the service to be lacking. Our waitress was rude and inattentive. What shocked me the most is that when my sisters hair caught on fire due to candles being placed everywhere around the bar the manager, despite sitting right next to us, did not even check to see if she was okay. Instead he just opened the window and went back to his seat. <br/><br/>Despite all this I must say that their drinks are delicious. However, there is a restaurant down the road that has very similar ones and I will be going there instead. <br/><br/>Will not be returning to Asoka. <br/><br/>

We have been here on a tuesday night for the Jazz evening and had a great time. The Cocktails are delicious, the music was grand and also the food was very tasty. My plate was way toi salty, but they replaced it immediately. Great service :)

We we pleasantly surprised to arrive at 21:30 and were told the kitchen will still be open for at least another hour. The service was efficient, friendly and unobtrusive. The decor is unique and exquisite as was the food. We had the crispy duck and the tuna tacos. Both were a brilliant display of fusion, with Masterchef like presentation. For desert, the trio was memorable, such a beautiful display. Highly recommended!

Finally had a chance to check out the infamous "Asoka Tuesday's" and I am very much sold on their Gin cocktails (particularly the Gin smash). The place seems to be very good at serving cocktails and a generally great place to chill. I'd suggest a table booking to get the most out of the evening and general comfort as it can get quite full.

Asoka offers something different than the usual Cape Town restaurant, and is a memorable experience whether it's drinks or dinner or both. They don't have too much for vegetarians but the goats cheese balls and the meze platter are stand outs. In terms of drinks, their cocktails and shooters are divine. My favorite is the pornstar martini. <br/><br/>On my most recent visit, we just went for dessert and had the dessert medley which offers a small portion of each of their desserts. So let me start with the average - the chocolate brownie is definitely not worth ordering. The creme brûlée was good but it felt a bit ordinary. What was sublime was the pana cotta! It is probably the best I've ever had, with every bite having a creamy texture. The shortbread and ice cream were enjoyable too. <br/><br/>Overall, it's a great spot for something different in terms of ambience and drinks. I wouldn't return too often for the food but the drinks definitely keep me coming back.

Good ambience, pleasant waitresses, efficient without crowding you. Music good, a little too loud for my liking, but after a couple of glasses of Red it starts to blend in. Prices reasonable.

Last night myself and 2 of my friends went for dinner. As I made a reservation for 3, when we arrived and was escorted to our table there was only space for 2. I was a bit upset that about this, however they made a plan...so I was happy. We ordered the soul happiness cocktail, goats cheese balls (my absolute fav), prawns and the mini burgers. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal however the burgers would've tasted better with sauce as I found it very dry. <br/><br/>Great company, awesome atmosphere, delish food and drinks.

Great place for Friday after work cocktails! The Pornstar Martini is my absolute favourite.<br/><br/>They have a great selection of bar snacks and sharing boards too. I love that there's a massive tree in the middle of the room! Will definitely be back to try their dinner menu.

One of my favourite cocktail spots, absolutely obsessed with the porn star martini, it's all I ever order. <br/><br/>I tried some of their food at a friends farewell which was great. Having enjoyed it so much I booked a table with a couple of friends. There were four of us so we opted for tapas. We ordered the prawn tempura, mini lamb burgers, the calamari, chermoula chicken skewers and the hand cut fries. We thought this wouldn't be enough so we ordered times two of everything, not the smartest choice as we didn't get through everything but all that we ordered tasted awesome! <br/><br/>The service however lacked a bit our waiter seemed a bit dazed at points and then in a total rush at other points. This was a bit frustrating as we were in no rush so her mood did not suit the table. It should also be mentioned that the menu's were in a bad condition, some had covers without an actual menu in it so we had to share menus. All in all though we had great night with great food. <br/><br/>

Asoka offers a lot for a night out, a restaurant come "club" later on, so it is a great night out. Food unfortunately was not of a great standard although the starter, goats cheese, was excellent. The fillet and the duck pancakes was not of a high standard. If the food was good this would have received a high rating from me, but sadly this where we were let down, get this right and it is a winner for sure. Service was good, atmosphere awesome.

One of the nicest experiences on Kloof street. Make sure you book the place in advance over weekends! Service is one of the best so is the décor. Nice interesting food and variety of cocktails to choose from.

The best martinez in town 😋.

The atmosphere at Asoka is absolutely amazing... Such a nice, sexy and yet chilled experience.. The Asoka Porn Star martini is the best cocktail I've ever had- definitely would recommend that! Loved it

Tuesday night is Jazz night currently at Asoka. Booked out when we arrived (silly us for thinking people don't go out on Tuesday's) but we could have drinks at the bar and still have a view if the band. The bar staff are so meticulous in mixing their cocktails they weren't even aware I was watching!! Romantic ambience and perfect setting for after dinner drinks!!

The best cocktails in Cape Town by a million miles - interesting, well executed and generous. The Salmon spoons are a tasty accompaniment. Great as a party venue, but not for a quiet dinner. Service was vibrant, and the mood was celebratory. Well worth visiting if you're feeling energised.

Asoka is always a good night out, they never disappoint. I wouldn't say Asoka is a dining experience -not that that's their aim though (I drink, so I usually just go to chill with friends and have a snack) I would recommend their chicken salad and I'm a sucker for a creme brûlée and their's is pretty good.

Went for a friends birthday, and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. The food menu options is however a bit limited, so no real choice available. They are a bit on the pricey side for the quality of the food they serve. However, still decent for a relaxed vibe with friends.

Asoka is one of the more upscale bar/lounges on Kloof. Definitely busy on Tuesdays, it's a go to for professionals when in Cape Town. They do a vast range of cocktails as well. Takes some time to get drinks when it's crowded though. Nice fusion decor.

Was there for my cousins birthday last night, for the majority of us it was our first encounter at Asoka WOW what an experience. I have been to so many lounges in cape town and Asoka is the worst!! My judgement is on the bases of customer service. The lady that does the reservation completely messed up as she never explained the terms and conditions for reserving the main seating lounge area (correspondence done via email). Long story short we had to pay an additional R450 for "open food" as stipulated on the invoice only because we bought a bottle at the bar costing us R1200. After spending R3000+- in total for the night. <br/><br/>To conclude the service is pathetic they are efficient in delivering product but lack people skills, the line manager was extremely arrogant upon leaving he literally told us "bye I hope I never see you again" extremely unprofessional also found him and the majority of the staff to be very prejudice.

Nice decor, great ambience. We went there for a birthday. Had to make a booking in advance for a group, and even for a weekend because of they dj playing there. Food was delicious, cocktails are amazing, just maybe a bit overpriced.

Absolutely loved the decor and the vibe... My friends and I had a wonderful time there on Friday night. We had good service although it was busy and the waitress was stunning. Will definitely be going there again😊

Not only is the ambiance of this place wonderful (with a fireplace, beautiful decor, skylight, ambient lighting, and a dj playing great music) but the food was incredible. <br/><br/>I ordered the duck - the best meal I have eaten in Cape Town in a long time! <br/><br/>However, upon my third visit to the place, i was told to move from cushioned seating on the balcony to uncushioned, wet seating to make way for guests who didn't arrive. Because of this, I left after an hour and a half after moving without ordering anything else although I definitely would have stayed. I felt excluded and disregarded.<br/><br/>Altogether though, the service is fantastic and the food and ambiance even better.

I quite enjoyed the food here. The calamari starter was very nice. The cocktails were on point and I would especially recommend the 'tree of life' cocktail. IT WAS SO TASTY. On the negative the duck meat strips served in the main were too salty. This is a bar/ restaurant and people should stop reviewing it under club/nightlife :-D

Great for drinks and a bit of a classy vibe on Thursdays and weekend nights. Yummy cocktails, beautiful ambience with lovely music and generally good service.

Only popped in for drinks but the food being served looked amazing. Our cocktails were well prepared. They seem to be popular birthday party venue but given the size of the restaurant it quickly becomes crowded. Must come back and try the food and see how they compare to nearby Saigon.