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La Colombe

Cape Town

• The Best Restaurant in Africa 2024

A classic yet whimsical wine country escape

On the Pass

James Gaag

Flying the flag: Tucked away in the Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley towards the sea, South African fine dining institution La Colombe is the flagship restaurant of Scot Kirton’s La Colombe Group, comprising a slew of the country’s top restaurants. Consistently winning local and international awards, chef James Gaag and his team create elegant dishes grounded in French technique and accented with Asian flourishes.

Fun dining: Though the eight or 10-course tasting menus are executed with impeccable precision, the experience remains playful and approachable, with guests selecting their own canapes as they begin their meal. The journey, which also features a vegetarian offering, begins with the Dove’s Nest, a refreshing combination of lemongrass, ginger, pomelo and kalamansi served in little egg-shaped vessels. An impressive spread of charcuterie is followed by the now classic Tuna La Colombe which is prepared tableside in an engaging and entertaining display – a theme which carries on throughout the meal.

Cheers to that: The restaurant’s accolades aren’t confined to the food. La Colombe’s award-winning, extensive and well-curated wine list will impress even the most discerning oenophiles with the flexibility to opt for a pairing, bottle or carafe. Ensuring inclusivity for guests who don’t consume alcohol or wish to consume less, a lot of thought and care has also gone into low and no ABV options.

Seasonal inspiration: The menu leans heavily on local and seasonal produce, allowing the ingredients in their prime to shine in each dish. Though their presentation may be elaborate, when it comes to flavour, the dishes are clean, classic and uncomplicated.

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