Ami Crystal-Ann Dudley
+5
A spectacular 50th birthday celebration of my Mum's. Royalty. Professional. Stunning setting. Great music. Delicious food. Amazing I'd say ���
Always have a good meal!!! The side portion of chips and onion rings can maybe be a wee bit bigger lol!!!!
Nobathembu Thembie Mafuduka
+5
Wow!! The food, the decor, the service, environment was epic... It was my first time with my partner and we both enjoyed.. The Lamb shank was great and Thabisa made us feel welcome.. we going back!!!
What a lovely spot! Best caprise salad and lamb shank I've ever had, and Thabisa was the perfect waitress. Thank you!
The food was absolutely amazing! The staff was so friendly and the location is perfect for a stroll through the Company Gardens before or after having a bite to eat! Quality wine list as well! I would definitely go back and recommend to friends and family!
Well organized place. Waitresses very friendly. High standard of cleanliness. And last but not least is the food is awesome n well prepared.
Well done my second time and I am impressed.
Maybe a little soft romantic music to put the cherry on the cake
Had awesome breakfast. Everything fresh and so taste and breakfast was R155 for two people. Buffet. Value for money.
The food was great. I just think that they should play some good soft music for a special occasion to make it extra special otherwise I'm happy.
loved the food, vibe and service was on point.had a very good day
We ate the salmon trout and the lamb shank.
It was really fantastic !!! It was our second time we ate there!!!
# And there will be a third time !!
Went there yesterday to end off school holidays and food was really good.They even allowed the kids to swim.Awesome place.will definitely go back
Fantastic setting,friendly staff,lovely food,Had a blast,eating,laughing and enjoying the venue.Didn't know about this gem until I was taken there by a German presenter :-)
I decided to have a birthday dinner with family and friends here as I found their menu very reasonably priced. Some ordered beef fillets and the chef sort of got the cooking level a bit wrong between medium and medium rare, however the other meals ordered, lamb shank, prawn pasta etc. were all well prepared and not overdone at all. The drinks menu for cocktails we founds quite a bit limited and could do with some expansion, however the chocolate fondant for dessert was also well prepared. Overall we had a good time here and would recommend to others for a good relaxed vibe.
Wife and I came here for dinner last night. For drinks I had a Cosmo (yes I like cocktails.. don't judge) and wife had a mango flavoured G&T. I had the "deconstructed" beef wellington and wife had the 250g fillet.
Let's start with the negative... The bread served when we arrived was tasty but stale. The 2 pieces of puff pastry with my main was also a stale and not fresh at all... The dish would have been better without it. Also my wife's steak as well as the bacon that my steak was wrapped and cooked in was quite charred. I don't mind, but she didn't enjoy it so halfway through we swapped steaks.
Other than that the steaks were cooked well... Nice and pink in the middle, the sweet potato fries were amazing. I had some mash with my dish which was creamy and smooth. Portion sizes are good and I was quite full. There prices are also very reasonable.
They have a small cocktail menu which is very very well priced and the cocktails were VERY good. I'd come back just for them. Service was also excellent. It's well worth a try.
I would probably have scored 3.5 had Zomato still done half points but they are definitely closer to a 4 than a 3.
We were the first guests for dinner that day when we visited. We were guided to our table by a super-friendly water - Matthew. We had pork ribs and beef sirloin. While the ribs were quite good, I cannot say that the steak was good. I am still giving 4-stars for the service we received!
Parking can a little difficult, since it is right next to the Company's Garden.
Had a delicious lunch here with great service. The ribs were really tasty and we enjoyed the wine. Good for a bite to eat after visiting the museums in the area.
The service was amazing from the bike we called to make the reservation until we walked in. The waiter Matthew was amazing so friendly and polite, the even remembered it was our wedding anniversary. The lamb shank and ribs was awesome and the cheesecake the bestvever I would recommend this restaurant ti everyone.
We bought a Wikideal voucher for the breakfast buffet. The service was excellent and the food fresh and tasty but I wouldn't say that the buffet is good value for money at the full price.I will definitely return if they run another promotion.
Visited with my boyfriend and his family. Was a beautiful resturant and the food very well prepared and what was to be expected. It was very quiet and we were the only table in the resturant so felt a little lacking in ambiance but the server was mindful that it was quiet and only came over when needed... without having to be called.
We decided to get a quick takeaway lunch here before visiting the Planetarium. I decided to have chicken mayo sandwiches. It was pretty basic. The chicken was kind of bland but I liked the added peppers. It came with chips and sauce which was nice. The interior of the restaurant looks so smart and the service was really good. I would like to come back to the place and have a sit down meal because I looked at the menu and I would love to try more of the menu items.
Having bought a Wikideal voucher my spouse and l went for the breakfast buffet. It was Sunday morning. The place is lovely but it was relatively empty. The food was lovely but for the special price it was not value for money.
The food on offer was limited but very good quality.
To be charged extra for coffee was not really acceptable.
The setting and ambience were very pleasant.
My first impressions walking up to the restaurant from the outside was that it appeared very modern and cold. I was concerned that I wasn't dressed warm enough, already freezing from the cold air outside. So you can imagine I was pleasantly surprised to walk into a cozy, warm interior, greeted by our friendly waitress and shown to our table.
We were early for a birthday dinner, so we decided to enjoy some drinks so long on the couch under the heater. I was nice to warm up and lovely that the restaurant could accommodate us there, as it appeared to be more like the hotel's lobby than an area of the restaurant.
Once everyone arrived, we were seated at our larger than life table and brought nice, cold water for the table and a twist on the normal complimentary bread. Instead, we munched on pretzels, which came with a balsamic dipping sauce. Doesn't sound like much, but it tasted great, although I'm not a big fan of pretzels in general.
We ordered two platters to share for starters, which included a snack and a seafood platter. I didn't get to try everything because it was devoured so quickly, so it must've been great I suppose! Crispy, fresh samosas, springrolls and some sort of deep fried cheese bites were definitely the favorite, while the seafood platter with its tender calamari, tempura prawn and battered fish was just as delicious! Both of the platters came with a size of chips, which initially looked oily and burnt, but turned out to be crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside.
The starters had set a high expectation, which I'm sorry to say the rest of the meal did not quite meet. I had the ravioli, which was not my first choice, but I was reluctant to order the yellowtail linefish dish for fear that it would be too dry. However, I should've rather gotten the fish. The pasta was way to thick with not enough filling. And the filling that there was was pretty tasteless. I expected sweet, soft butternut. Instead I got tiny hard chunks of orange vegetable. Not what I expected. And not at all helped along by the bland cheese sauce.
The beef wellington went down better. It wasn't really a beef wellington - more like a chunk of tender beef fillet wrapped in bacon, with two pastry sticks and some caramelized onion. It would've been perfect if it hadn't been for the overpowering balsamic reduction, which inevitably ran into every corner of the dish. On the plus side, the sweet potato fries were fantastic! And the burger also got a great review!
Desserts featured the chocolate mousse duo, the eton mess, the ice cream cake and the gin and tonic sorbet. My favorite by far was the gin and tonic and I was so full of food envy at not ordering it myself! My chocolate mousse was pretty bland and didn't really satisfy my chocolate craving. The eton mess was... well... a mess. As for the ice cream cake - average.
Overall, good but not great. Cozy atmosphere, affordable with the entertainer vouchers. Ample parking for dinner. Safe-ish area of town. But definitely not my favorite restaurant in town.
We bought a buffet breakfast voucher off wikideals and were really impressed by our experience. There was a choice between fruit and muesli, cheeses and cold meats, pastries and hot breakfast. The breads were particularly good, and there were a couple of options to try.
The restaurant itself is warm and cosy, especially with the rain pouring down outside. The service was great and our waitress was very friendly and helpful
Our deal meant that we paid 70 odd rand each, rather than 130 each it would have cost us. I must say that while I was really happy with the value for money we got today, I would not be willing to pay 130 to go again. The waitress did say they often have deals, so look out for them
What a great idea for date night!* Great wine, excellent service and really good food!!! Will definitely go back again!* Even had to get some dessert...
We had a lovely meal at Eighty-Ate, after being inspired to visit based on our Entertainer App voucher. I had the beef Wellington which was done to perfection. Will be back!
Really good service and food. Location isn't too bad either as it is directly opposite the Company Gardens.
The price is very reasonable. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and it was great!! The portion size is quite large so definitely enough to fill you up.
We decided to try out this restaurant and were quite surprised. Albeit empty when we first arrived the place soon invited in a few more tables. The service was alright although we did feel as if our waitress was in a hurry for us to leave and kept asking if we were ok. She also asked us twice if we wanted the bill. Apart from this, the food was seriously good! We had the salmon to start with which was delicious and then moved onto the lamb shank. The shank was beautifully cooked and basically fell off the bone. The portion was also pretty big and I had to ask for a doggy bag. Hopefully next time we come we'll have an even better time.
The food here is orgasmic. Must try is the pulled chicken/pork quesidella. The stuffed chicken breast is also very flavourful. The staff is v courteous. Must visit when in cape town.
I find it incredible that I haven't really heard of this place before now. It's secluded location may be to blame for the lack of traffic through this place but it is definitely worth a visit! The restaurant has a very classy modern feel the perfect setting for fine dining! I visited with my family and we each ordered a different meal including the Deboned Springbok shank, the Beef Wellington with a twist, the stuffed chicken breast and the sticky baby back BBQ pork ribs. I tasted all four meals and they were all fantastic! My Springbok shank definitely won first prize though tasty and cooked to perfection. The beef Wellington was not far behind. The service was decent and our waitress was entertaining and friendly. Can't wait to visit again.:)
We had an awesome dinner for the 2nd time! at Eighty Eight restaurant. Everything was 100%, the food, the service, the atmosphere and could not ask for a better evening outside. Patience, our "waitress" was very friendly and helpful with great service. We had a starter, a main dish and dessert.......everything was absolutely delicious! Definitely a winner!!
What a treat our outing to Eighty-ate was :)
The food was absulutely delicious... I enjoyed the pulled pork quesadilla with sour cream and guacomale.
The service was good. And the restaurant has nice decor and setting. Deffies going to be paying them another visit :)
Situated across the planetarium and company garden in Town, it's a perfect spot for a date :)
The decor is fancy and the interior is classy.
I had the gourmet beef burger which was perfectly cooked with fries and japanese mayo, was really delicious :P
Waitress was really friendly #servicewithasmile
It's a perfect spot for lunch and just opposite company gardens. You can take a walk after your meal and it's also close to the planetarium. It's another great option when the restaurant inside the gardens is too busy. It's also on the city sightseeing red bus route and tourists love it.
The setting is beautiful, it has this really great minimalist feel to it, so much so that one could forget they’re in a hotel restaurant. My cousin and I had dinner here on a Monday evening so it could have been a slow night but the ambience was completely dead, not like that gentle quietness you prefer on a Monday but just dead. Anyway, the wait staff are brilliant and attentive. I had the gin and tonic with cucumber and it’s been on my mind since - I really can’t wait to have it again. To eat I had the beef wellington with a twist, which is essentially a deconstructed beef wellington. While it was flavourful and I did enjoy it thoroughly my steak was a little overdone which made for a slightly more chewy experience, i'm also not sure i'm sold on the pastry sticks. My company had the seafood platter and while she was surprised to have received fried seafood she assures me it was thoroughly enjoyable. The wait times were reasonable but a bit long considering how few people were in the restaurant.
This restaurant has beautiful simple but elegant decor - it has a fresh and clean look. The food was really tasty, I tried the Beef Wellington with a twist which was a deconstructed version of the dish with bacon wrapped around the beef fillet. This was delicious and the flavours were exuberant. However, the service, as well as the ambiance, was lacking. The waitress forgot our drink orders as soon as she left and I understand that mistakes make us human but throughout the night we could tell that the attitude of the staff was not up to standard which is a shame when the food is so good. Therefore I cannot rate this restaurant better than a 3.5/5 because a dining experience is a holistic one, so I cannot base my review on food alone.
Been here for a date night. Recommend it as it's a beautiful venue. The food on offer caters for all and well proportioned. Had a great meal there.
The other night, my girlfriend and I indulged in the bottomless pasta special at Eighty-Ate. It was absolutely phenomenal! There was a variety of cheeses, meats, sauces and a few garden herbs that you could choose from and freely add to your cooked pasta (spaghetti or tagliatelle). The best part about this whole experience is that fact that you can eat as much as you like for an extremely reasonable price. Its actually wrong how little you pay for such an awesome experience. Our waiter Patience was also very good.
Rebecca Francis-Pope
+4.5
Went for dinner at Eighty-Ate last night to try out their "bottomless pasta" night, which I believe happens every Thursday evening. BEST IDEA EVER! After ordering your pasta of choice (spaghetti or fettuccine), you can select a variety of delicious toppings from a buffet-style arrangement. My favourite combination was a basil cream sauce, chicken, bacon, brie, butternut and sweet potato, fresh basil and pinenuts. Absolutely divine! There are so many variations to be tried that I will definitely be back, and have already recommended this restaurant to numerous people since last night.
The restaurant is beautifully designed and our waitress Patience was very attentive and friendly. Great experience all-round!
Had an event to host, simply called them up and man was it a great choice, the decor, the staff and most of all the food. Amazing! Great place to go for a nice intimate event
I was looking for a venue for my birthday party and a friend suggested Eighty-Ate. This hidden GEM really surprised me. The venue is stunning, the staff are well trained and friendly, the service, the menu, the wide selection of wine, the food... everything was better than great. We were about 30 people and there wasn't one complaint - that really says something about the restaurant and its manager.
We decided on this restaurant because of the entertainer app. All I can say is, what a find! The food is top notch and the open setting makes the atmosphere very relaxing after a long day at work. The very well thought out menu and wine list made it challenging to decide on a main course. I finally opted for the beef Wellington which surprisingly came out as a deconstructed version. There were two pastry straws next to a perfectly cooked steak. Every item on the plate accentuated the tenderness and flavour of the meat and the crispy outer layer of the Wellington completed the dish. What a great experience! I'll be back for lunch on a lovely sunny day.
A lovely experience. The decor was simple and elegant. Friendly and attentive waitress who really looked after us. The springbok shank had sold out by the time we got there but they could still offer us lamb shank which was very tasty. The stuffed chicken breast was tasty and moist. There lunch menu looked really good too - fairly affordable and looked amazing. I
Absolutely fantastic food but the restaurant lacks atmosphere which would really have improved the experience. I would recommend it though!!
Throw back to this magical night. Found eighty ate staff so pleasant and friendly..
Had a lovely meal for 2 on Valentine's night .. A delicious tender beef Wellington that had been crafted differently to most that it stood out... As well as a prawn and pesto pasta...
Great wine, service and food !!!! 😄🍷🍴
Thought the Wife and I would take a chance and try out this place... We were not disappointed. The Decor we found worked for Summers in Cape Town very light and refreshing. I ordered the Lamb Shank with the Cauli mash, Lamb was good Cauli mash needed to be mixed with the gravy to add extra depth. Wifey had the Prawns (unfortunately the menu has changed and these will no longer be avail apparently in their current form) there were 10 grilled prawns on a bed of leaves with a pleasant Thai Dipping sauce, quite a generous portion.
I would love to go back and try the Beef Wellington next. So generally really nice place on first impressions.
We just love this place. Limited menu but good variety to choose from. We had the pork sliders which was good but the burger took the cake with the bacon jam (Pure awesomeness). I must commend on the staff they are really friendly and attentive. Will see you very soon.
Hello I was to that place few days ago. A very nice place and also a very professional team. Invited by Ford with others journalists, the diner was fantastic. I would like to thank again the ''Chef" Ismael for that nice food. I'll be back with my family I am sure
Great food and not overpriced, however not much to go back for as there is a very limited menu. The service was good and a nice relaxing atmosphere as it was not to crowded, yet once again, just a limited menu that would stop me from going back.
Setting is fantastic. I was a bit disappointed with the lamb shank. Was still cold. Sparkling water was a refill. Great menu overall and good tasting good though. Will give it a second try.
We had a giant winters feast at Eight Ate! We started with delicious winter cocktails which were perfectly paired with crunchy deep fried squares of camembert with caremelised onions. I must have eaten about six squares of camembert.
Dinner was a family style feast with giant platters and big glasses of red wine. We loved the tender sticky ribs with lots of orange slices. The fresh salad was great too. I'm not a fan of stewed meats so the slow braised oxtail was not my favourite. However there was more food on the table than we could possibly eat!
Dessert was fantastic! I loved the little malva pudding with amarula custard. The baked cup of hot chocolate was delicious and a clever concept but could have been baked a little less for a softer centre.
Lovely intimate setting, had the lamb shank with cauliflower mash and wow it was more than amazing, super tasty and the meat fell off the bone.
Smooth tunes, great wine and the most beautiful oxtail and blue cheese mash. Oh and don't forget to ask James the trusty barman for a Rosé Tequila;)
What a treat this gem of a restaurant is!! We had a special occasion dinner! And boy, was it special! Instead of giving each person their own plate of food, the chef had made big portions of their top dishes on their winter menu (oxtail, spare ribs, gorgonzola mash and chips) for everyone on the table to share. It felt like mom's place, but fancier. After (over)indulging in my favorite foods, we moved on to dessert...
For dessert I had the rose terrine. The terrine had layers of ice cream , ganache, biscuits, custard and other yummy things, and it is served with pink candy floss!
After all the ribs, mash and oxtail that I smashed into my face, i really didn't think I'd be able to finish dessert, but it was just too good and so irresistible! If I weren't in such a reputable place, I probably would've licked my plate clean.
It was a fantastic evening! And I can't wait to go back!
Ps. Ask the manager for Rosé tequila. It's an awesome twist on the normal tequila.
Richard Frederick Brown
+5
I had high expectations of Eighty-Ate before going there. I am a lover of ribs and had been told by a friend to try Eighty-Ate as 'they have the best ribs in Cape Town'. I was sceptical but decided to try it anyway. Today, after having dinner there last night, I can tell you with absolute certainty that Eighty-Ate have the most succulent, sticky and scrumptious pork ribs in the whole of Cape Town - and I've eaten ribs at a lot of places, let me tell you.
But my pleasant surprises didn't end there. Not only did I discover the best ribs in the Mother City, I learned that Eighty-Ate also serves the best oxtail that I have ever had - including my mother's. Accompanied by a deliciously fluffy and blue-cheese infused mash, you'll struggle to find a more hearty and mouth-watering dish than Eight-Ate's oxtail.
And, to top it all off, the setting is beautiful, light and well appointed, while friendly, competent staff are at your every beck and call.
Seriously, give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
My wife and I enjoyed some lamb shank at this restaurant on a cold winters evening. Service was efficient and the décor is pleasant. The portion size for the shanks were generous and served on a warmed plate. The shanks were well prepared, falling off the bone and although they were a bit salty for our tastes we were licking our fingers after the meal.
What a fun time I had at this awesome #ZomatoMeetUp. We had to name a cocktail and...I won! Yey! That cocktail tasted great by the way. With a fire going and amazingly delicious ribs, washed down with some fine red wine, complimented by great company...what more could a guy ask for. The malva pudding I had was scrumptious as I am a sucker for them. My favourite dessert on planet earth. You MUST try the ribs! Go. Now!
This was such a treat! I hadn't heard about this spot until the Zomato meetup and man did it beat my expectation. We were lucky enough to sample some amazing dishes off their menu. I have still been dreaming about the tasty gorgonzola potato mash and ribs. Not to forget the interesting take on a "Hot Chocolate" for dessert.
Okay, I thought Lefty's ribs were good, Then.I came here. The meatiest, juiciest, stickiest pork ribs you ever done had in your life.
They serve a homely slow-braised oxtail with gorgonzola mash which is just what you need for winter. The vibe is very relaxed with a very home style feel with the natural wood tables and chairs.
Also, the malva pudding with Amarula custard will melt your face with sweet goodness.
Its a hidden gem for after work drinks or coffee so of you're looking to escape the craziness of Cape Town's social sphere make a plan to swing by here.
Better ribs than Lefty's. Jenny Sarah Coulson Dominique Andrea Vieira Claire Mc Gorian
Dominique Andrea Vieira
+4.5
Eighty-Ate? More like Eighty-Great - ok the pun is bad but the food is absolutely delicious. They've got a new winter menu, which takes more of a family style approach - dishes like pork ribs (AMAZING), oxtail, Gorgonzola mash, and desserts like malva pudding and a baked hot chocolate.
There is good wine, a gorgeous fireplace and the service is outstanding. Give them a call and ask about their bottomless rib special- it really is special 😊
Although the service was a bit slow we had a wonderful Father's Day Lunch and ate truly delicious ribs at Eighty Ate this past Sunday. Their bottomless rib and beer combo is a steal at R160 a pop!
Probably best steak I've had in years! Quite pricy but amazing quality food - definitely value for money! Friendly staff, stunning decor, homemade pasta and the perfect medium fillet steak ? Was too full after mains but will be back for that brownie!!
A few weeks ago I got invited to a Zomato foodie meetup - a bunch of foodie cats wine and dine and pretty much just have a smashing time, and Eighty-Ate was our fabulous restaurant.
Until my Zomato invite had arrived, I had never heard of Eighty-Ate. But damn, what a place to have a meetup! I really was so impressed and I can recommend it before I've even told you about it.
Now, we got champagne on arrival. Unfortunately, not every Tom, Dick and Harry is going to get this - purely because you aren't cool foodie cats like we are so don't be offended.
We got so spoilt! 3 starters, 2 mains, 3 desserts and a whole lotta wine - I wish every meal could be like that. So the starters were oysters with pineapple and red onion salsa, parmasan asparagus crisps with garlic aioli, and beef carpaccio canapes. It came as quite a shock, but the oyster was my absolute favourite. I only had my first oyster last year, but I'm clearly growing up or something because I loooved it! The sweet and slightly acidic salsa complimented the oyster so well. The asparagus was just as delish, but a tad cold for my liking and the beef carpaccio was also lovely - but I find it hard to get that wrong.
Next up was a moskonfeit bobotie phyllo pocket and braised lamb shank in red wine sauce on garlic cauliflower mash. Okay, so here's the deal. I really am not a fan of bobotie - the cooked raisins and the egg topping freaks me out and makes me feel really weird. My mom knows this and still makes it - thanks mom. BUT, Eighty-Ate's little bobotie parcel got me. It was probably the pastry. I love pastry and would eat it err'day if it didn't make me fat. The lack of egg was also fantastic - so thumbs up Eighty-Ate for making me enjoy bobotie!
Cape Town kitties, the lamb was just too good. I'd like to marry that piece of lamb and have a bite of it every day for the rest of my life.
Lastly, pudding. I have always been a pudding princess which is why my mom probably sent me to a dietician when I was little. I'm happy to say that I have a lot more self-control now which I gladly lost when I looked at the trio of desserts in front of me. Rose terrine, chocolate brownie with chocolate ganache, and sparkling wine jelly.
The sparkling wine jelly was nice, but not amazing - maybe it's cause I'd already had so much wine and champagne that I just didn't want to be eating alcohol. Also, I found the chocolate crackling things on top to be a strange thing to pair with it. The rose terrine and chocolate brownie on the other hand were amazing! The brownie was tops for me - it was just so chocolatey and I felt like the kid on Matilda that had to eat that chocolate cake in front of the school. I was so happy with life after eating that.
Apart from the food, the service was top notch and the actual restaurant is beautiful! It recently got a face lift and I'd like to know who was in charge of that because hell, they did a mighty fine job. Light wood furniture, clean and simple finishes, the interior designer can have a go at my apartment any day.
The prices aren't cheap, but they aren't unreasonable either. You're getting amazing food in a stunning venue so I can say it's well worth it. Of course if you're a student and running on a budget, then I'd probably save this for a special occasion, other wise Eighty-Ate is definitely worth a visit.
Had a great first experience at 88. Had the lamb shank for dinner and it was absolutely perfect. Combined it with the Hartenberg Merlot. What a night/meal. Will def be back!
We are off to a very good start when you are greeted warmly with a glass of bubbly. The decor is not overdone and the large wooden tables are fantastic. It feels as if you are sitting at a kitchen table in the comfort of your own home. The food is really good all round with decent portion sizes. The key dishes that stood out for me would be, the Oyster served with a pineapple and red onion salsa (if you have never tried an oyster before, this would be THE place to try it - no Tabasco needed) and the the Yellowtail served on a bed of delicious creamed spinach and slow roasted baby tomato's.
The wine on offer is fabulous, especially the 'Vinum Africa Cabernet Sauvignon'.
Did I mentioned that the sorbet palate cleanser was AMAZING! I would have loved an entire bowl actually. Dessert was lovely and you must try the rose terrine. A very close second was the chocolate brownie floating in it's own little pot of chocolate ganache - Yumo! Eighty-Ate is a great spot.
It's hard to give out a 5-star rating, but I simply cannot fault any aspect of the experience we had at Eighty-Ate last night. We were welcomed by the lovely Sunette with tall glasses of Villiera Starlight Brut NV, which we paired with oysters in a pineapple and red onion salsa. I've never had much time for oysters but this turned out to be one of my favourite dishes on the (extensive!) menu. Next was parmesan asparagus crisps paired with Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc, followed by beef carpaccio paired with a Vinum Africa Cab Sav. See where this night is going yet?
Onto the mains. I fell head over heels in love with the moskonfyt bobotie, which was lightly wrapped in phyllo and tasted of the Cape. Paired with Winery of Good Hope Bushvine Pinotage, the flavour combinations made beautiful sense. There was no stopping Sunette, though - next up was braised lamb shank ("cooked for MANY hours") on garlic cauliflower mash, paired with Bein Little Merlot. I died a little.
Lastly, dessert. Think sticky chocolate brownies served in individual dipping sauce pots, champagne jelly with fizzing candy and - my personal highlight - a revolutionary rose terrine. Seriously, I'm going back just for that rose terrine.
Every aspect of the night was considered, from the jazzy soundtrack to the soft lighting, and I will be recommending this hidden gem to absolutely everyone I meet.
UPDATE:
I have since returned to Eighty-Ate, this time for a more relaxed, family-style dinner. We tucked into platters of ribs, oxtail, Gorgonzola mash and a beautiful table salad (herby and with my favourite pickles - olives and capers!). We ended off with Amarula custard poured over sticky malva. Perfection. I also looooved the welcome cocktail, which was a brandy, ginger ale and citrusy concoction that set the tone for the night. Truly one of my favourite spots in Cape Town!
What an amazing little hidden gem this is! On first impression, the decor won me over before I had even tried a mouthful of the food, the interior is very contemporary and super stylish with really stunning table decor. But when I did try the food, boy was it good!
I tried oysters of the first time and even though I was extremely hesitant, I ended up really enjoying them! I think it was the delicious pineapple relish on them that I really enjoyed! The bobotie and lamb shank were both to die for. The bobotie was served in a really crisp pastry with pineapple and a thai curry sauce that took the dish to a completely new level, while the lamb shank was some of the most tender melt in your mouth meat that I have ever tasted. Being the chocoholic that I am, their chocolate brownie won me over completely, soft delicious brownie in a cup drowned in a think liquid chocolate.... what more could a girl ask for!
Last night (Thursday); I was invited to my second Zomato Meet Up for Food Bloggers held at Eighty88Ate – the restaurant at The Cape Hollow Boutique Hotel which juuuuuust so happens to be my neighbour.Once we were seated at “the perfect table for 10″, head chef Sunet introduced the food & wine pairing menu, going through each dish and the combination of flavours; as well as explaining what Moskonfeit is – ‘when the farmer has pressed the grapes and made the wine, he has leftover skins that he throws away. Then, when he isn’t looking, his wife collects the residual grapes and makes jam with them. I have used that jam instead of the usual apricot jam in your bobotie parcels. It’s very Cape Town”.So, first course.Three small, but perfectly portioned starters: Oysters with Pineapple and Red Onion Salsa, Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus Crisps with Roasted Garlic Aioli and Beef Carpaccio Canapés; each served with a complimentary wine pairing.Now let me just express my situation here: I have never had an oyster. I have never wanted to have an oyster. Oysters creep me out.I ate an oyster. The foodie/blogger pressure is REAL so, with much pep talk, I did it. I had a frikkin oyster. It was slimy and chewy and gross but I did it and that’s done. Goodbye.Anyway, the starters were all delicious, although the asparagus could have been hotter. But all-in-all, a great start to the evening and really beautifully displayed. Oh, another thing is that I don’t drink red wine (like, ever) and last night I had THREE GLASSES. All different and all, I must admit, quite delicious. Not too strong or too bold, or two ‘red-winey’, but smooth and delicate and lovely when sipped after their corresponding dishes.So now I eat oysters and drink red wine. Good Lord, I’m fancy.Drinks and conversation both flowing; the first of the second course plates was served: Moskonfeit Bobotie Phyllo Pockets and another red wine. Now let me tell you something; this is not jou ouma se bobotie wat jy’t op die plaas as a kinder geeet. This is gourmet bobotie that is presented below a tower of crystalized noodles and tastes even better than jou ouma s’n. YES I SAID IT. Eighty88Ate beats granny. Flippin delicious, full of flavour and all wrapped in a crisp, crunchy phyllo pastry pocket. DELISHSTIXX.Then, a small palate cleanser that tasted like the birth child of a lemon and a pineapple (I mean that in the best way) cleared our taste buds in preparation for the next dish: Braised Lamb Shank in Red Wine Sauce on Garlic Cauliflower Mash (#banting). I am not usually a fan of lamb, and especially lamb shank. Anything on the bone freaks me out and I do my utmost to avoid it. Now obviously I couldn’t refuse the food and, as I have mentioned, being at a table with foodies changes things and makes you think you can/should try new things (hence my third glass of red by this point). It is probably a good thing though, to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who appreciate food as much as you do but may do so in a different way or over alternative flavours that makes you sit up and think “hey, it can’t be that bad”. The lamb was actually delicious, although I still struggled with the sinewy texture and didn’t clear my plate like the rest. The cauliflower mash was also super tasty.And then dessert. OMFG. A trio of desserts – something I really dig because then you get to enjoy multiple tastes and textures without getting too much of one type. This is actually one of my favourite ways of eating in general, but is particularly conducive to dessert when there are rich, indulgent flavours that you can get over quite quickly (I don’t have a sweet tooth – I prefer salty, savoury flavours. Give me the lime green Pringles over chocolate any day).Rose Terrine (my number one choice), Chocolate Brownie in a mini-cup of Chocolate Ganache and Sparkling Wine Jelly. The latter literally exploded in your mouth and fizzed and popped and was like a firework on your tongue.I think it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that I was extremely full and EXTREMELY SATISFIED. Looking at the menu at first, I was a little nervous as to what I would actually enjoy eating and drinking because so much of it is not what I usually go for. But that is what these foodie meet ups and Zomato is all about – exposing you to new foods and flavours and encouraging something a little extra, a little unexpected.
I really enjoyed the buffet breakfast that was offered. The staff was welcoming and informative. The service was impeccable and I felt very comfortable. There were no feeling of being rushed. Extremely relaxed atmosphere, that was conducive to laughter. The attention to the clients seemed like magic with a waitron checking if you needed something as soon as you looked around . Highly recommended.
We went there for dinner, the staff actually welcomed us from the door with so much warmth and friendliness. Took the covid regulations very serious, they had masks, took our temperature at the door and sanitized our hands.. Thank you for that.
The food was amazing, we had the lamb shank and my goodness it was falling from the bone and was surprisingly filing, then for desert we had their top deck chocolate mousse and it was melting on my tongue to be honest and we loved it.
Thank you for being professional and very friendly.
We went to Eighty-Ate on a Wednesday evening and we were the only customers at the restaurant. The decor was nice, friendly service, cocktails were well priced and our food arrived within a reasonable time. We had the deconstructed Beef Wellington. The presentation was good and the dish was average. We enjoyed our time there but not a place we would visit a second time.
My wife and I got engaged here. Beautiful restaurant. Our waiter was so nice taking the video of me proposing. Food was incredible. OVERALL one of the best restaurants in Cape Town.
Amazing, tasty food. We had the beef wellington and the ribs. Was the best I've ever had. Because it was our anniversary, the FB manager went out of her way to put roses and petals on the table & write on the dessert plate. Thanks for making it so special. Will never forget this!
Food was delicious qnd portion sizes were good. Besides load shedding the atmosphere and vibe was overall great 😍. Yummy food for sure.
A truly enjoyable evening out with my wife. Great food and equally great service. Surprisingly the prices are extremely good for a restaurant of this caliber. The lamb shank falls of the bone. 👌👌. A Must for anyone
Went there for my sister's 25th birthday on the 3rd Septermber, I must say we received a warm welcome from the reception and the waiters. The food was nice, portions were huge and the atmosphere was just something else. Thanks to the manager who managed to move the dates from the 4th sept to the 3rd as desired as 3rd was fully booked on call. The waiters kept checking up on us. We enjoyed our time there and definitely going back. I loved the chilled environment. I also have managed to get brownie points from my sisters too, they could not keep their month closed about the place. The service was super excellent!!!
Great place,excellent service. Enjoyed our meal. Staff was very polite and friendly. Value for money
Lovely, quiet evening with hubby. What a gem. We celebrated my birthday. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating, she made our evening very special. We both had the lamb shank (meat was cooked to perfection) and cheese cake for dessert. Will definitely go back.
Seymour Molebogeng More
+5
The food was amazing, the atmosphere was good… I would definitely recommend this place
The staff are friendly and the place is really well decorated. Beautiful. The ribs are the best I've had in a long time.
We received an exceptional services from the waiter that was service us. We were 10 minutes late over our booking and went there in the evening but we were given the best service. I didn’t get his name but it’s a Xhosa tall guy. He kept checking if we were still okay and made sure he was visible for when we required his assistance. The food met our expectations and beyond, we left the place overly satisfied. The seats are comfortable , the music suits the place. The setting is also spacious. Please keep up the good work!!
Good food, excellent service. Nice decor. Definitely will go back!
Likhona Luningo (Rossie Hamilton)
+5
I went there yesterday on my birthday and it was wonderful, the restaurant itself was quite empty but it was really peaceful and it was nice to have the restaurant all to myself😅. The service was lovely, the waiter was the sweetest, he made sure that everything was good, asked if we needed anything else, just overall calm and nice. The food was amazing, I had the grill platter and it was 10/10 thee best thing I've had, I highly recommend this place for functions and celebrations.
It was such a pleasure having diner here on the whole experience was amazing from making the reservation the staff made us feel at home the restaurant itself is beautiful and not overbearing would definitely recommend it and will be going back!!
The Ambience was lovely,relaxed and intimate. As ths evening welcomes itself, the ambience becomes warm and romantic. Food is good, but it didnt necessarily wow me like i throught it would. Lovely place.
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