Review Zest - Gordon's Bay

What an amazing gem of a place! We had one of the best food experiences at this somewhat hidden restaurant in Gordon's Bay. From the moment we sat down right to till the end - we were completely overwhelmed by the excelent food, the great and friendly service, and the warm and welcoming athmosphere. Every dish and bite was an explosion of taste. This is definitely on our highly recommended list!

The beef fillet was delicious. The lemon cream pot also hit the spot.

Wet love this place. Enjoy good quality food while enjoying a magnificent view. Sunsets are awesome to view from here.

Best food experience I had, will absolutely go again! Our waiter recommend the line fish with lemon mayonnaise and blood orange reduction... what a great recommendation. The chocolate pave was delicious. Definitely a master chef dining experience. The star lost for atmosphere is the space inside very small and compact. They can do with some chazzy background music.

I absolutely loved this place. The food was exquisite and was beautifully prepared with great ingredients. I liked it so much I came back twice. There were new items on the menu on my second visit - i think they change it every day. I was in SA for 10 days and ate out the whole time. Only one restaurant beat this one, and it cost a good deal more than Zest.

Great service and food. Stunning views over Gordonsbay see.

Simple and inviting atmosphere, with a beautiful view of False Bay. Had options for my 7 and 4 year old. One had battered fried hake and chips, and the other the grilled hake and chips. Both were super fresh, tasty and the boys cleaned their plates. My wife and I shared (as we usually do) the Line Fish, cauliflower puree and grilled fennel, and the Thai Chicken and Prawn curry. Both dishes were also excellent. Will certainly return as soon as possible. 👌😊

Food was great and the people are very helpful.

B.E.A.U.TIFUL!!! Food is flavorful . The presentation of each dish was beautiful, and the flavors were exquisite. Service was Excellent, waiters extremely friendly and helpful, as for the restaurant itself, very clean, great atmosphere and the view 100% WOW. What more to say than " I highly recommend Cafe Zest to anyone that enjoys a good meal, great vibes and a mind blowing sunset view. See you soon...

Really great hidden gem that’s just in front of the beach. Food quality is excellent and staff are friendly too. Definitely splash out and spoil yourself with as much food as you can try - well worth it! It can get busy during lunch so either arrive early or a little later.

I usually dont ever write reviews but i felt that after my meal last night i just had to say something. i first dined at your restaurant in September 2016, where i enjoyed thee BEST chicken dish i had ever eaten at any place before. Last night i took my partner on a date night to your restaurant after raving about how wonderful your food is. The evening started off great and we shared your Lamb Cigars which was fantastic! My partner then ordered your Gourmet burger and myself the only chicken dish on the menu with great excitement! Our food arrived and in all honesty was presented lovely! However to my complete shock, my chicken dish was a disaster! The chicken was over cooked, dry and stringy, only two tiny pieces of chicken breast enough to feed a child perhaps. My potatoes were not cooked properly and were still rock hard. And the one measly piece of Aubergine and Tomato i ended up taking off because it tasted so terrible. on top of that the dish was covered in sauce, which when cold was not very nice at all being a creamy sauce. Going from the best chicken meal ive had to having the worst chicken meal ever, and for R115??? i dont think it was worth the money at all. HUGELY disappointed and unfortunately will not be going back again. I am all about supporting local as i live in GB and we dont have many places to eat as it, but when pub food ends up better than a R115 meal, then i think twice!

Zest - the Restaurant to relive your passion for Good Food!! Compliments to the Chef, Managing Staff & waiters for making you feel absolutely 'at Home' from the moment one enters the restaurant!! A mouth watering Mediterranean 'a la Carte' menu satisfies your appetite & brings your taste buds to life . A tranquil ocean view engulfs your state of mind & accentuates the art of preparing good food!! Thank you for my Zest experience.

Very unassuming little restaurant - really!! Loved the glasses they served beer and cider in and again lovely glasses for soft drinks. The two starters we ordered were visually extremely appealing, taste and combination of flavors worked great. Main course being fried hake was fantastic, again much preparation had gone into the visual appearance and so I wanted to tuck in. Overall a great experience - I will definitely return and would recommend this restaurant.

First visit after discovering Zest on FB. Overall: pleasant surprise! Party of four which included a couple who live in the USA and are well-travelled foodies. Menu limited but enjoyed roasted cauli soup + chicken dish Dessert menu only 3 options?? Service good Lighting too dark for oldies Worth a return visit, hope menu changes with seasons?

I've eaten there on two previous occasions, and both times the food was excellent! The chicken ballantine we had yesterday, was really delicious. Friendly staff, and lovely view of the beach, helped make for a relaxing lunch..

This little bistro is a slice of heaven. Beautiful food, great views, efficient friendly service make for a winning combination. In my opinion this is the only dining option in this quaint little town.

Honestly the best food and best meal I have had in years. The food is so delicious and beautifully presented.

Once again, compliments to the chef for his outstanding and well presented dishes. My taste buds went crazy with joy. My hubby and I couldn't get enough of the food. We will be back for more with a group of family and friends. Well done and keep it up!

What a Gem of a place. 2 nights in a row as we were on a long weekend In Gordon's Bay. Next level awesome food and fabulous chef and staff. Wish there was a Zest in Cape Town. Well done guys

One of my favourite restaurants in the Helderberg. Exquisite food, friendly staff and child friendly whilst still stylish and modern. Love it here!

Thank you for an amazing New years eve, fantastic food, live music and very friendly staff, Thank you forcan special evening, an must visit.

Absolutely my all time favourite. My husband arranged to take over the restaurant for my 50th Birthday. What a night! Reuben & Hermien are always so attentive and friendly. The food is fantastic and I love that he varies his menu according to seasonal options. You won't be disappointed.

Excellent food and service, will most definitely go back again Both our meals were perfect

Some of the best food I had in ages. Salmon mouse starter was out of this world. Best potato fondant I ever tasted, and cudo’s to the chef that actually came out and took the time to explain to me how he made it. Will definitely go back again and again and again.

Best fish in town. Really appreciated the fact that it was cooked to perfection, moist and just melted in your mouth. Well presented!

Our favorite place by far! Beautiful and delicious food, drinks and atmosphere! �

Thank you so much for making our anniversary dinner unforgetable! We had yummy starters and the best gourmet burgers ever...will definately be back. Well done Chef - 2 thumbs up

Amazing service, excellent food, great view, a must to all living or visiting Gordon's bay

My partner and I popped into Zest for an early supper. Straight off the bat, Zest has a great location facing the beach so is an ideal restuarant to visit for sun-downers or an early supper - the views are fantastic.<br/><br/>I ordered the mushroom risotto while my partner ordered the chicken pesto roulade. I personally really enjoyed the risotto, the portion size was perfect and the greens on the risotto gave the dish just the right amount of freshness to balance out the creaminess of the risotto. My partner really enjoyed the veggies that came with the chicken roulade but found the roulade itself a little dry. For dessert, we ordered the vanilla panacotta with berry coulis. I honestly think that this is one of the best panacottas I have tried. The panacotta was creamy and with strong notes of vanilla bean. The dish was elevated by the crunchy toasted almonds and the mixed berry coulis.<br/><br/>We were also really impressed by the service in the place, the food was prepared and delivered really well and overall, it was a great dining experience. I would really recommend visiting.

Lovely but Zomato menu 3 years out of date<br/>

I had grilled hake and potato wedges and it was a great choice. The wedges were a little spicy and crispy just the way I like them. The bread served with mussels was the best. My only regret is not staying for dinner. The lunch menu is a little limited compared to dinner options on the wall. Can’t wait to go back for dinner. Great service and location too.

An absolute gem! Outstanding food! Highly recommended! Wow! Cooked to perfection with love and care, beautifully plated and served. Went two nights in a row and can't wait to go back!<br/>

A lovely little gem in Gordon's Bay - delicious and honest, down to earth food plated beautifully!<br/>We ordered a few tapas as starters - the crabcakes and mussels were my favourites.<br/>Mains consisted of pork fillet, braised, spicy red cabbage and a tian of crispy fried potatoes; the springbok gnocchi which was probably the best I have ever eaten.<br/>The view was perfect, and menu well priced.<br/>Bookmark this bistro with confidence!

Every time I've been to Zest the food has been cooked to perfection, hake fish, Indian chicken, and lamb. I pray a blessing over this restaurant.

Hidden gem in Gordon's Bay. We love this place and do date night here almost once a week. Great food great setting great atmosphere and make sure that they add you to their sms list for great specials.

We had great Crab cakes, mussels and gourmet burgers during 2 visits. Food was perfect and plating is at a very high standard. Master chef Australia style. Excellent service as well.

Ambiance is elegantly casual. Service was quick and spot on. The specials are all chalked up on the wall and written to boost the appetite. Family faire with a chefs attention to detail makes you feel spoiled. The grilled yellowtail was so soft. And the herb crusted Mediterranean chicken was both crunchy as well as soft and moist. Booking is essential as the passers by have to wrestle for the tables that become available. This family certainly had service and food down to a fine art. So worth a visit. I'll certainly be back.

I have been remiss in writing about Zest in Gordons Bay but only because time has not been on my side. Today my mission is to clear my desk before we go on leave and so I am scheduling posts like crazy. Dave and I were invited by Zomato for a meetup at what is a local restaurant for us. We had been once before and I was looking forward to the opportunity to go again. They offer a small, limited menu and you can expect changes every day. Each chef in the restaurant has input in the menu which allows them to cook with confidence.

The most innovative and creative restaurant in the Helderberg! The chefs clearly have passion and that reflects on the plates. They have a blackboard with chefs inspiration dishes that changes every week. At Zest you will never be get bored with ordinary dishes because there's always something new to look forward to.

The True definition of ZEST<br/><br/>1. Noun - enthusiasm, eagerness, energy, and interest: or <br/>2.The skin of an orange, lemon, or lime, used to add flavour to food <br/><br/>Whichever of the two above dictionary definitions, this venue is rightfully named after, it does without doubt embrace both of the above.<br/><br/>An early Saturday afternoon meet up with the, as always, amazing staff from Zomato at Zest Mediterranean Restaurant in Gordon’s Bay.<br/><br/>Zest is situated at 71 Beach Road in Gordon’s bay (A hop, a cat eye, a pavement and a skip – and your floating around in the icy False Bay waters – if need be). Outside seating for those wishing to enjoy the breath-taking view of the bay (drinking your ’ Pina colada and French Champagne’) and a Mediterranean style, neat and tidy interior for those wishing to savor the culinary delights.<br/><br/>Zest is somewhat of a family affair. Hermien Van Berge runs the front of house and son, Ruben Van Berge (Head Chef) creates in the Kitchen. Ruben was a Stellenbosch student of Psychology with time spend at the likes of Spier, Volk Kombuis and River Cafe where he applied and enhanced  his skills. Completing the kitchen line up is Sous Chef, Eric Bertand and Chef de partie Zak Hoffman. A formidable trio – insert the meaning of Zest here. Enthusiastic, eager and energetic.<br/><br/>First up on today’s menu and off the chalk board was the chef’s inspiration - Camembert honey and sesame phyllo parcels with a deep fried, mozzarella filled risotto ball. A yogurt dukkah sauce rounding off the perfectly plated dish. The phyllo parcels and risotto ball were divine. <br/><br/>Second treat to follow, was the aubergine roulade, stuffed with mozzarella and chermoula pesto. Loads of mozzarella and an abundance of flavours. Aubergine and cheese guru’s, this is a must try.<br/><br/>On to the main courses. Lemon and herb grilled Swordfish, served with Bombay potatoes, radish and a sweetened roasted tomato and onion sauce. The dish was visually appealing and tasted as good as it looked.<br/><br/>Next dish worth its gravy in gold was the honey and hickory glazed Pork neck with an apple and cranberry gravy. The neck was perfectly prepared, plated and served with style. However the gravy was the star of this particular dish. Had there been rolls I would have soaked them and feasted true Viking style.<br/><br/>To round of an already superb meal, enter the desert. OH my word. Passion fruit sorbet in a shot glass topped with –at the table serving – of JC Le Roux champagne. My mind and taste buds really enjoyed the finale. So good indeed, a second (or should we say –let me confirm how good that was portion) was ordered.<br/>The sorbet was so good – my suggestion – incorporate it into the menu as a palate cleanser between courses. That would get me back in a flash.<br/><br/>The various selection of Riebeek wines served throughout the meal complimented each dish with grace and style.<br/>As expected and rightfully so, a shot of espresso was called for and served to complete and end off the ‘event’.<br/><br/>In summary- An eatery that could and should be supported more regularly by the local community. Well worth the visit, even if not a local.<br/>A chef and staff that is above all, enthusiastic, creative and embrace the new generation of true South African Chefs.<br/>Serving staff are polite, attentive and add value to the entire dinning experience. Big thumbs up to front of house staff.<br/>Meal and drink pricing are current and the menu caters for those with big wallets, small wallets and those with varying appetites.<br/><br/>Thanking You, Hermien, Ruben and staff for a very enjoyable afternoon spent with great people, great food and at a great venue.<br/>Mr G – Marcus Gibbons

Situated along the beach you will find this precious family run restaurant that serves up gourmet Mediterranean dishes showcasing the chefs passion and creativity.<br/><br/>As part of a Zomato meet up, we were treated to five spectacular dishes perfectly paired with a lovely selection of wines. <br/><br/>First we had a Camembert, honey and sesame phyllo pastry together with a deep fried risotto ball filled with mozzarella and a yogurt dukkah sauce. If I could have a bowl of the risotto balls everyday I would be smiling.<br/><br/>Next a Aubergine roulade stuffed with pesto and smoked mozzarella served with a tomato chutney. A lovely vegetarian option full of flavor. <br/><br/>The sous chef created a linefish dish served with bombay potatoes and a smoor sauce which was one of the blackboard dishes, showing off the kitchens skills. After my first bite of the potato, I was planning on attempting to make them at home. The fish was paired with Riebeek Cellars pinotage rose' - my favorite of the day. <br/><br/>Our last dish was a honey and hickory glazed pork neck with sweet potato, fennel, tomato and a apple and cranberry gravy. Each dish had the loveliest aromas and did not only look good, but tasted great. <br/><br/>To finish off, we were wowed with a simple yet amazing passion fruit sorbet topped with champagne. A refreshing and delicious dessert that I will have everyday :) <br/><br/>So please take the drive which is really around the corner to experience it for yourselves and enjoy a stroll on the beach after.

A fantastic gem on the beautiful beachfront of Gordon’s Bay.. Beautiful views of the ocean! Zest offers a modern and new take on Mediterranean food. The menu is diverse and includes all the lovely Mediterranean flavours one would expect, but with added sophistication. I was invited to attend for a Zomato meetup, which included a wine pairing. Everything was prepared beautifully and plated perfectly. They offer a daily chalkboard menu, which could change daily – I love this as for me it means that the chef loves to be creative with food and this creates inspired cooking. They offer a really nice variety of wine. The décor in Zest is lovely as well, with olive green touches enhancing the Mediterranean feel. Tasty food, very well presented.

An interesting little place amongst some more well known and well established eateries on the beach. <br/>A small menu that doesn't really cater for kids, but the items listed all sounded awesome! Our meals were interesting,from the plating - 3 differently flavoured mini brulees - and very flavoursome. <br/>Worth a try.

Great view, great food, definitely will return. Felt like we were on holiday in Mauritius as the weather was perfect. Menu on the blackboard was tempting but we opted for beer batter hake and it was delicious. One drawback... slow service.

Good service, awesome position and really good food all add up to one of the best restaurants in the area. Would really recommend it to anyone in the area.

What a treat! Great views, awesome vibe & delicious food. We had the Line Fish & it was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. Will def go back.

What a delightful little gem. Good food, good service and good live music. Try the Parmesan mousse. Very affordable prices and a warm fireplace.

It is rare to find a restaurant that has friendly service and food to match. Exquisite food. The chef tonight was Zack, everything cooked to perfection. Specials and chef's specialties are a great way to keep things fresh and new. Always a pleasure eating at Zest.

Zest has an amazing view and the food is super tasty. I will definitely come back again. This is a must during any visit to Gordans Bay Area.

Zest has a chilled vibe with a stunning view. Their meals was awesome. My husband had the chef's special which was the steak with potatoe salad. I have the beer battered hake. And my daughter had the pork neck and pear. Omw it was great and the presentation amazing. The chef brought our meals to the table which made you feel like you are VIP. I will definitely recommend Zest if you want to feel spoilt.

One of the best restaurants I've eaten at. From starter to dessert... Every single meal was out of this world! The owner & chef is exceptionally welcoming and has great one on one interaction with the patrons - we enjoyed his hospitality and interest. The views of the beachfront and ambiance is really lovely. We highly recommend this 5 star restaurant!!!

Seasonal differences play havoc with restaurant business in the Western Cape. Hence we were the only diners on a Monday night for dinner.<br/>Great views of the ocean and Table Mountain. <br/>The menu is small with a chefs special blackboard. <br/>We opted for the Caesar salad, sirloin and hake and chips. For dessert coconut mousse and churros. <br/>The hake and chips were the highlight of the meal. <br/>Adequate wine selection.

We really had the best night at Zest! We went there on Friday and had an amazing dinner. The food was presented beautifully with really good wine! We loved the staff and we loved the food! The view was just absolutely amazing with a nice vibe! We got to listen to a live performance and all the guests mingled. We had so much fun and would definitely recommend Zest that wants that fine dining experience! Great place!!

The food was amazing. My husband and I like to make a point of it to never eat at the same place twice. We found this gem thanks to TripAdvisor and it is well worth it. It is reasonably priced and the food is really amazing. The owner and chef comes to your table to chat and hear your comments. The view is great as well being right on the beach. We had a prawn started with great seafood and poultry mains and ended it off with chocolate ravioli. Amazing