Love love love HQ! We have enjoyed an HQ meal numerous times since our arrival Cape Town a few years ago and make a point of taking our out of town visitors there every chance we get!
We typically go on a week night and have been very fortunate to only experience good service and great food. The first course salad is crunchy and fresh, while the steak is always to perfection and the fries are warm and tasty.
Best of all they always try their best to accommodate my food allergies in my salad and herb butter preparation.
No restaurant gets it 100 % right every time, but for an above-average hit rate, great local talent on entertainment, super ambiance and delicious fuss-free food, this one gets 5 stars from me!
After reading some of these reviews not sure if we were at the same place!!! Had an absolutely fabulousssss Father's Day at HQ yesterday. Service, ambiance and food were superb! Loved the way the waiter wrote down the steak preference on the paper overlay! My family and I found this quite impressive and a nice touch to ensure everybody get the correct meal!! Well done HQ ...we'll definitely be back!
Incredible night of tapas and champagne! Food is always of the best quality alongside their excellent service. Know it can be tough for restaurants to accommodate for special dietary requirements but I was super impressed with how the clued up the staff were and how they throughly explained how dishes could easily be adapted to meet my needs. Thursday's half price tapas are such a treat, and can be paired with bottomless champagne for their Love Thursday event � definitely will be back!
Always a great time at HQ. Steak and red wine is always a winning combo but now with the winter chill in the air the fire place is making it even better. Thanks for another great night and as always great service!
Friendly staff, awesome food, delicious cocktails. Thank you to Loveness our waiter for making our anniversary very special!!!
Amazing venue , had a great conference event there , great hosts , great staff and the food was out of this world ! Loved the steak but also loved the vegetarian option ! I'll definitely be back in the future !!
This was our second time here, and yet again we were not disappointed. Efficient staff, lovely venue and incredible food.
Wow had my sisters baby sprinkle there....everyone was so accomodating....ambiance was delightful.....food was absolutely devine!! Even our waiter was professional at all times. Can't wait to go back there soon!! :-)
Ashley Cheslyn Petersen
+5
Great place, awesome staff, Roger our waiter served us well. Thumbs up.
When there's a special event at HQ, dont miss it. Was happy to make a reservation for 3 on a Thursday; they were hosting a bottomless bubbly event and half-price tapas.
Was pleased with how we were served and the spot that they had chosen for us.
Ordered a meze platter, chicken wings and the calamari. The bubbles kept on coming and the service was good as well. There was a great dj, who just helped to keep the mood of the venue at a constant high.
Before going Vegan I had the pleasure of eating a steak here. It’s an unforgettable food moment. It is truly the best steak in Cape Town. Done to your whims. The accompanying shoe string fries taste golden & buttery. The starter, a classic Whaldorf salad was also brilliantly served with a buttery creamy blue cheese. Now however I wish they would expand the menu to serve those of us who are making different food choices. Perhaps out of their capabilities?
I was fortunate enough to attend the HQ 10th birthday celebration. On the evening they served the guests with platters not canapes, pork belly and their signature steak.
Hands down some of the best steak I have ever had, melt in your mouth and full of flavour. I loved the pork belly as well.
The staff is very friendly and helpful as well and the place has an awesome vibe. Wife and I will be returning soon.
We received excellent service, the food was phenominal and we will definitely be back. The pork belly tapas was especially good. A wonderful night!
Absolutely incredible evening at HQ. Will recommend it unreservedly to anyone and everyone. Thank you for an amazing meal! The truffle mushrooms were the best I’ve ever had.
Fantastic setting and vibe accompanied by great service and food. We had 5 tapas, 2 craft beers and used an Entertainer voucher Prices are a bit steep but worth it.
Kelly Elizabeth Parker
+4.5
Had Black Angus sirloin steak well explained, presented and delicious, some chili poppers that was very good, and a salad. Had a good time, and we might have had the best wait person in the building - William. He took care of our table like we were the only people he had to take care of, but he really had many tables, and was the same with all guests. William is a great asset for HQ. He should be a corporate trainer.
One of my go-to's on a Thursday night - they do half price tapas! The drinks are also super tasty and the steaks are juicy and full of flavour. I am vegetarian now but could honestly just eat the chips and side salads - they are so tasty! The service is good, the drinks offer something different, and the vibe is great. I had a party here a while ago and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Highly recommend!
I would like to try the Cheesecake and Coffee as they really looked good but the atmosphere at HQ in Heritage Square is quite awesome.
Their service is quite slow that’s why we ended up not ordering here.
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We generally find that most places that offer up tapas are rather pricey 🤔, and HQ is no exception... you'll need to be ready to foot a larger bill than usual evenings out for tapas 💰
Needless to say, their tapas were quite impressive... we ordered Parmesan and truffle fries 🍟 chilli poppers 🌶 and triple cooked pork belly cubes (if you've read our other reviews you'll know we have an affinity for pork belly ☺️)
To backtrack a little: we went thinking we would have dinner but realized that we weren't up for big portions of food (perhaps it was the combination of limited options and prices 👀) so instead we abandoned our reservation and opted to sit in the part of the establishment where people order tapas and and drinks 🌮
For drinks, we ordered a bottle of simonsig Kapse Vonkel 🍾🥂(we always suggest you buy locally produced bubbly 🇿🇦... it's underrated, delicious and friendly to the pocket ). That sufficed between the three of us and prepared us for a time when the establishment turned into a lounge with a live DJ playing, people moving tables and finding space to dance 💿💻 great ambience if you want to feel the energy of the Cape Town scene without actually going to a club 🚫
Staff are good but very busy, almost seem torn between the restaurant and the tapas part of the establishment so service was lacklustre (esp the closer to midnight it gets) 🕚
*TIP: make a reservation well in anticipation of a visit, it's rather popular and almost never has free space ☎️
Re food: our avid red meat lover friends recommend their sirloin steak and chips... so if you're hungry and don't mind forking out a little more... indulge yourself! 🍖
Not entirely sold on the food and service but the vibe makes up for it. I've had a few client dinners and a birthday or two of my own at this venue, each time the seating has been an issue, but with enough wine the guests seem to forgive the error.
Your main meal options are steak or... steak. I'm not even kidding. So we went with the steak. Seriously though, you won't be disappointed. Service is incredible too. No need to stress about your steak getting cold because you're waiting for your friend's meal. The whole table's food is brought at the same time. Another detail that stood out was that the waiter wrote how you would like your steak done on the paper tablecloth so, when the steak is brought out they know where to place which steak and the proof is in black & white.
I love to go have that weird looking Mayan cocktail in a statue cup! Was a bit disappointed by the main menu being a set menu and only have one option as a non red meat eater... but found the tapas to be a nice alternative on the lounge side. This section is cosy and sometimes pumping with the crowds
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I’d been to this venue in a previous incarnation several years ago, so I was eager to see how the venue had changed and keen to experience my first “Raise the Steaks” event hosted by HQ restaurant.
The evening would consist of 3 courses paired with 3 wines. The venue is relaxed with a slight industrial edge and plenty of space.
• The first course consisted of Tomato Caprese with Roast Tomato Puree, marinated Bocconicini cheese (which when translated means “small mouthfuls” an apt description); Pesto balls, Balsamic gel and Parmesan crisps. This course was accompanied by the Tokara Chardonnay 2015, vibrant and fresh with hints of almonds and vanilla.
• The main course consisted of Rib-eye steak or Scotch fillet, which was cooked to perfection with Fondant potatoes, Roasted vine tomatoes and Salsa Verde Bone Marrow Butter. This course was accompanied by the star of the show for me, the Rijk’s Touch of Oak Pinotage 2013. The perfect accompaniment to this course.
• There was also a vegetarian option, which was a nice touch considering the evening was dedicated to us meat lovers. This course consisted of Foraged wild mushrooms sautéed in Café de Paris Butter (which comprises of a complex assortment of herbs and spices with a list of ingredients nearly as long as my arm), served with blue cheese crumble and truffle mayonnaise.
• Finally, the dessert consisted of Eton mess with seasonal fruits and meringue accompanied by the Graham Beck Gorgeous Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Beautifully presented, and the meringue was just delicious.
A meat lover’s dream, steak prepared to perfection, three well constructed and executed courses .The décor has a slight New York feel and one could easily be forgiven for thinking this eatery was situated in the Big Apple.
HQ Monday’s are an institution for a reason. 2 for 1 Salad, Sirloin, and Chips. The salad is a simple lettuce with vinaigrette, Parmesan shavings and pine nuts but one of the best salad I’ve had somehow. It’s really good and sets you up for the main - a nice sirloin made to your liking with butter of Paris and a side of fries. The portions are generous and the food really flavor some. I usually have mine with some Weiss beer. The restaurant also usually has some entertaining singer performing. Really good vibe.
Anastacia Candice Julie
+4.5
A carnivore's dream!
We popped down to HQ on a cold Monday night and were greeted by not only the warmth of the blazing fireplace, but also the warmth of the staff. On such a great note, the night couldn't possibly get better, or could it?
We decided to order a bottle of Ernst Gouws & Co Shiraz while we lounged happily around the fireplace. The manager came over and poured more wine whilst striking up a conversation. To say that we felt valued was an understatement. We were then collected by our waiter Trevor and taken to our table.
Trevor was exceptionally knowledgeable and very easy to converse with. He helped us choose our options and we were pleasantly surprised when our meals arrived. The steak was absolutely yummy, so literally melted in my mouth! We ended up with doggy bags, because there was so much to consume! but what a treat! The ambiance was amazing, they had a live performer while we enjoyed our meal.
Overall, what a classy, sophisticated, value for money, quality establishment. We will definitely be back. Thanks so much to Trevor and the rest of the team on a job well done!
We came to HQ for the Monday steak special and were pleasantly surprised! The salad, steak and frites were all delicious. The service was excellent as well. We really enjoyed the live music too. If we lived in Cape Town this would be a regular dinner spot for us.
It was my 22nd birthday on Friday the 26th May so my best friend and I decided to eat with HQ. We had a lovely waiter, Desmo? I think has name was, who was very sweet and kind. The steak I had was good, cooked just right, but my friends steak was more fat than meat. Anyway, I had a lovely meal and a lovely evening.
We went here for afternoon drinks - and when we got there the options were limited. The waiter said the bar was open, but when I ordered a cocktail, he said there's no bar man. The place looks like it has an amazing vibe in the evening though.
PS the manager was really cool ☺️
Superb quality food and helpful and friendly staff. The Social Brunch is a must try, with an amazing atmosphere, laid back music in the background and amazing food and drinks.
Beautiful evening. Celebrated our Anniversary at HQ. Steak was delicious, ambience electrifying and company amazing. I would definitely recommend anybody to visit.
Absolutely fantastic! Went to HQ for the first time for their Tuesday date night special: 2 salads, steaks with fries, and a glass of Wolftrap red each for R250 (as I recall). We didn't make a reservation and had to wait a while at the bar for an opening, which in itself turned out to be quite a treat! Their cocktails are fantastic, the decor is lovely, and on date nights they seem to have live singers too- so worth it!
Aside from the chatty, warm atmosphere, the food itself is definitely a show-stopping attraction. The steak is by far one of the BEST steaks I've eaten in a long time.
I would recommend HQ in a heartbeat and am all too excited to return to check out the other side of their surprisingly large restaurant! Most bang-for-your-buck indulgence I've come across. Thank you HQ!
Been here for the tapas for maybe 3 times now, and it just never disappoints. The tapas, the drinks and ambiance is on par. If you're looking for a good vibe to enjoy with friends, definitely go there on a Thursday.
I love this restaurant and their concept! The starter salad (I recommend drinking the wolftrap chenin blanc with it) is DIVINE as is their famous steak and chips (wolftrap red) The sauce over the steak doesn't take the taste away from the meat and compliments it perfectly! I recommend their malva pudding or chocolate fondant for dessert (to die for) and rather not their Creme brûlée (it seems like it's prepared well in advance and not even the sugar is heated before serving)
I only wish the service was better...
We went to HQ for dinner on their "date night" which they hold once a week where you get 2 meals (comprising of a steak with sauce and salad and fries and a glass of red wine) for the price of one. Thus it's fantastic value for money in a really nice setting. The food was good. They also had a singer at the venue who was amazing and serenading guests which really added to the ambience and made for a fun night out.
HQ has a great location and atmosphere that has some really vibey nights.
They have some great half price tapas and cocktail evenings - which is necessary because the prices are on the more expensive end of the spectrum!
I recently tried the coconut calamari which came with a pineapple Salsa and a grilled lime - it was absolutely delicious, however it was VERY rich and I wasn't able to finish it.
I also tried their pork belly which had all the elements to make it great - but didn't love entirely up to the expectations. Again, far too rich and was sliiightly tough/rubbery.
I also tried their lavender and fynbos cocktail which was absolutely delicious!
I really enjoyed the music and the vibe!
You would think that a restaurant that only serves one dish, would execute the meal perfectly every time. Unfortunately, I feel that HQ is highly overrated. While the vibe is absolutely incredible and the service just as good, I don't think the steak and chips is that amazing and it's a pity that you can only pick from 1 cut of meat; sirloin. The presentation is boring and the sauce that comes served over the steak is extremely oily. All in all I'm happy that I finally got to try it out as people are always going here and I had a read through the tapas menu, it sounds very interesting and I'll definitely come back to give that a try but not again for the steak.
The simplicity is appealing. Although it's not the top 5 best steaks in Cape Town according to me. None the less, the restaurant definitely provides a lovely atmosphere. I think they can maybe budge a bit on the price, otherwise, nice.
I went to HQ for my birthday and I must say it was awesome! The tapas are peefect for sharing with a group of friends... not to mention delicious!
Their cocktail menu is sooo long and colourful you wish you could have them all!
Great food, great drinks, great vibe.
Went here for a family dinner. We sat in the dining area downstairs. Love the decor with the low lights and open kitchen. I absolutely love the fact that the menu is so simple. It's steak or a bettter kind of steak. The salad starter is absolutely delicious and very more-ish. The steak is sirloin. It was good, and comes with a herb butter that melts into a sauce over your steak. Wouldn't say it's the best steak I've ever had in my life but was good, no reason to complain. I think the idea of them bringing top up chips and sauce is awesome and really different. Such a cool touch!! Great date night special on a Tuesday. They also have a buy one get 1 free on a Monday.
Always GREAT. Love it every single time.
For those that have never been - you can't take your own wine. They serve steak. Good steak. And top it up halfway through with more sauce and fries 👌🏻
In my opinion, one of the best places to eat steak in Cape Town. No mess, no fuss - Salad, Steak and Chips. Simple.
Steak cooked to perfection and the salad is dressed to perfection. Coupled with amazing service.
We used the Entertainer App and this was happily accepted by HQ (we have had issues with other restaurants in the past)
Great location with secure parking. Only down side - it was really warm inside and the tables were so close together that it did feel a tad claustrophobic.
Thought it was a really good quality steak with, dare I say, McDonalds type chips but turned out to be really delicious.
Simple but elegant, plus the occasional live singer.
Sanelisiwe Sani Sibanyoni
+4.5
Best shots in Cape Town! Insane vibe on first Thursdays & crazy crowds. Setting is amazing & there's no denying the beauty of it. I love, loove HQ👌🏽 one of my best nights in Cape Town were definitely spent at HQ
I've spent many a Monday and Tuesday night wining and dining at HQ. Their Salad, Steak and Chips specials on those days make it an easy stop for an affordable steak dinner. The starter salad is as simple as it comes, but somehow, it's delicious. A perfectly balanced light and tasty appetiser for the steak to come. While it may not be the best piece of meat you've ever eaten, it's definitely good enough to warrant the price. The steak comes topped with a Café de Paris sauce, which quickly melts and floods your plate. I'd suggest asking for sauce on the side if you want to avoid this. The option to refill your chips definitely adds extra points from me. Food aside, the atmosphere is quite loud and busy on most nights. Service is on and off, but the management are usually very quick to sort out any issues. If you're planning to visit on a Monday or a Tuesday, definitely book in advance as they usually fill up very quickly.
Green Salad
: A classic green salad, served with shavings of Parmesan cheese, olive oil vinaigrette and pine nuts.
Sirloin Steak and Thin Cut French Fries
: The medium cooked sirloin steak (250g) is served with the HQ signature Café de Paris butter sauce. This tender butter soft steak is juicy and downright delicious. Did I mention that the fries are bottomless?
Chocolate Pecan Nut Bread Pudding
: This pecan nut and dark custard pudding is layered with bread and served with vanilla ice cream. A delicious, rich and decadent winter pudding.
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I haven't been to HQ in a long time. It has a nightclub feel to it and it tends to be very busy. The last time I was there (on a weekend), it was loud - not ideal for a romantic dinner. Oh and they only serve one thing if you're sitting down at the tables. Anyway, it was my bday and decided to go there with my partner on their Tuesday Date Night. We made a booking but we were running really late. I was embarrassed as that's not the type of thing I would usually do. We parked in the really exorbitantly priced parking area opposite HQ on account of being late (R45 flat rate). The hostess was nice but explained that she gave our table away (as you can only expect). She asked if we can wait a few minutes by the bar and she would seat us. As promised, she was back in 5mins. The seating wasn't ideal - it was very, very close to the tables next to us. I was tempted to leave (it's my bday and I'll cry if I want to...). Decided to stay and glad that I did. The staff was very nice. The salad was good - not great. I loved my steak, though. The second helping of chips was great too. I had the dessert - it was a baked mudcake (can't remember the name). It was lovely. Although I could hear the conversations of the people next to me, I tried to block them out and focus on the music. The date night music is awesome! They played a lot of 2000-era romantic music, cheesy and wonderful. I actually wanted to stay longer just for the music. It actually really made my night as they played so many songs that I love. I paid with the Entertainer app and it was quick and easy. All in all, I'll be back. The place is very busy so make sure you book beforehand (and come on time!).
Great spot for a night out with friends, just be sure to book in advance. They serve steak, so if you are planning on a selection of food, forget it. But... Their steak is amazing! I haven't been there in a while and must definitely make a plan to go back to see if they are still as good as before. It gets very club like after 10pm and the bar area buzzes with people drinking and dancing. Great fun to be had
We went to HQ for the first time for First Thursday . Was a great vibe and awesome feel . Does seem to become a bit overcrowded . We ordered a bunch of different tapas which were pretty good . The coconut calamari was a winner . Would go back maybe just not on First Thursday .
Went to HQ on a Thursday night for the tapas special, the place was packed and had a great vibe!!
Great music and surrounded by awesome friends just made it a good night!!
Their tapas were amazing, my favourite was the lamb sliders and chilli poppers but others really good too.
Service was great I expected to wait a while for the food but it arrived promptly.
Eliana D'Alessio Mattiello
+4
Dinner at HQ was a wonderful experience. The food, service and vibe were tops. We enjoyed the experience very much. We weren't sure what to expect but as it turn out, the starter salad, was superb, and just the right size. The main ( of meat and chips was excellent) . For a Resturant that serves a simple "steak chips", we found it refreshingly outstanding. The service was good, and we found it to be reasonable priced as well. We highly recommend it.
Last night I was set for the HQ half price tapas on Thursday, and I was not disappointed☺️. With the fireplace, the house beats and friendly staff, the team at HQ really impressed my siblings & I. Some of the tapas (which was well presented) ordered was the Cajun chicken flatbread, sirloin cubes, the spicy chilli poppers, Parmesan & truffle fries and lamb sliders. My favorite was the steak& chilli poppers. Really friendly management and attentive waiters. Will be back soon.
I decided to have my birthday dinner here on a Monday night. They have a special on Mondays where you get served a salad starter and steak main with chips for R99. It's a beautiful steak done to your liking, with café de Paris sauce. There were just a few downers to the evening - we had one drinks menu between 6 ladies, our table was so badly lit that we couldn't read said menu and the only alternative option for my Hindu friend to eat was a mushroom as the food on the tapas menu can only be ordered, served and eaten in the lounge area. If I had known this beforehand, I would've booked a couch in the lounge area. Oh and one of my friends stood at the door unacknowledged for 5 minutes before being seated by a waiter. What's the point in having multiple hostesses if they can't even bother to greet you?
Visited HQ for the first in a while and a lot has changed. The addition of tapas to the menu has added diversity to the menu but it's taken a bit away for the HQ dining experience. It was a very nice vibe but with the music blaring it was a bit difficult to have a nice sit down dinner! The food was as fantastic and the service was great. I'll definitely be back but with different expectations👍🏻
Three words. Steak and chips. That's all they do and they do it well. We were there for a wine tasting evening which gave much better value for money but I'll recommend HQ on any night.
Food and vibe was really good . Tuesday night special date night . Salad starter and steak was really good as usual . Good atmosphere with live background entertainment . Waitress was very disinterested and did not do this fine establishment any justice . Would I be back ? Sure !
We went here on a Wednesday for the Wine and Dine evening. The wines from Ernie Els was excellent! So impressed! And the steaks were cooked to perfection and very tasty. Salad was very simple and a bit bland. The dessert was out of this world! Atmosphere I rate a 10/10!!!
Date night special is really good with those delicious steaks with the awesome sauce, speedy service at that. The place is very intimate and perfect if you want to go out and have good conversation over a great meal, I will be recommending this place to all my friends
For some reason the salad is very simple but bloody good. One of the best salads ive had! Steaks are always done to the right temperature requested. Sauce is awesome, especially with the unlimited fries!
The setting is very classy. Great for drinks followed by dinner. I went for the Tuesday date night special. Food was good, with a top up of chips and sauce offered. Great value, would definitely go again!
I didn't get to take a picture of my meal because my battery died but the steak was really good. It was my first time at the restaurant so I was initially a bit shocked at the set menu situation that they have going on, but I really enjoyed the options. The starter salad was a bit bland for me but the main was really good ! I enjoyed the intimacy of the venue. We were told that on Thursdays they have Tapa's so we came on another day and it's such a nice warm environment, there's music in the background and the food is quite yum (and half price!)
Lovely little intimate restaurant.
Came a second time for the tapa special on Thursday's and I LOVE it, it's really affordable and the ambiance I great.
Hubby and I went to HQ tonight. We loved the steak. My personal opinion is it is succulent and the string chips are lovely. The starter is nice even though it is something you can make at home except for the dressing. We didn't have any disturbances as we went early and no one was seated next to us but I can see how it can get busy and it is not suited for an intimate affair. I would definitely go back for another taste as it is affordable for a starter and excellent steak.
HQ undoubtably knows how to make a good steak and fries. The week day specials always keep people coming back. It does get a bit of an operational machine feel with the tables almost on top of each other and loud music making everyone have to talk even louder to be heard. JonJon Clark
Amazing restaurant to get together with old friends. Best steak around and the bottomless chips are to die for. Love coming here. Monday nights has become a normal thing.
Came here tuesday night for the date night special! Service was really speedy and the steaks were cooked perfectly to order with a really nice lemon butter garlic type sauce. Chips were also reallly tasty and chip refills are also such a win. Only problem was that the special stated you would get a bottle of red wine to share with the meal and instead we were only given two small glasses of wine.
The steak the superb. Very tasty. The vibe is absolutely great. Very cool. House music was alright (a bit too loud).
I was disappointed with the desert though.
The Monday night special is the epitome of value for money when dining out in Cape Town and the fact that they're on the entertainer is even more of a treat.. One of my favourite places to eat an incredible meaty meal!!! Absolutely superb!
Great vibe. Service was fast. Spacing wasn't great, almost got hit in the head like 3 times by a tray. Other than that. Great food reasonably priced
They have a great entertainer special of their signature steak, chips and salad. The steak is perfect and with the first bite it is clear why it is a signature dish.
They also offer some great tapas which in turn makes them one of the best tapas restaurants in Cape Town.
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