The South African summer is off to a sizzling start, promising a season of long, baking days and scorching summer nights. And what better way to end a long day at the beach (or in the bush or in the city), that with sparkling dinner at one of the country's finest dining spots?
South Africa's GQ magazine has named its shortlist of South Africa's ten tastiest - and most tasteful - restaurants. GQ's prestigious list dishes up something to suit all tastes, ranging from fusion food cerebral cuisine to a simple - but oh, so delicious - loaf of bread.
Here's the full list of GQ's tasty top ten:
95 Keerom Gardens
Cape Town
021 422 0765
Having Rhodes House and 3 Green Street next door gives 95 Keerom an immediate trend advantage, but it's the simple and superb Milanese fare that secures the vote.
Yum Greenside
Johannesburg
011 486 1645
Dario D'Angeli is still the leader of the pack in JHB. His fusion food won him Eat Out magazine's Chef Of The Year in 2003.
one.waterfront
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
021 410 7080
Bruce Robertson's cerebral cuisine has deservedly won him a number of awards this year including Restaurant Of The Year (Business Day) and Chef Of The Year (Wine Magazine Top 100 Restaurants).
Madame Zingara
Cape Town
021 426 2458
A modern bohemian restaurant where every evening is a theatrical performance. The food and the service under Richard Griffin's direction have resulted in the place being packed to the rafters every night.
The stylish eatery that keeps moving forward. New developments mean Margot Janse's renowned food can be sampled in the new Tasting Room or
the funky upmarket bistro, Ici.
La Cucina di Ciro
Parktown North
011 442 5346
Ciro Molinaro's Mediterranean emporium is a fabulous tribute to all that is edible.
Reuben's
Franschhoek
021 876 3772
Modern, rustic cuisine that is uncluttered and uncomplicated. Award-winning chef Reuben Riffel is knocking out fabulous food in equally fabulous surroundings.
Lynton Hall
Pennington
039 975 3122
Cutting edge cuisine under the artful hand of deconstruction disciple Richard Carstens.
Ile de Païn
Knysna
044 302 5707
The bread at this fabulous bakery/restaurant is worth the drive from Cape Town. Breakfast and lunch centre around the gorgeous sourdough breads produced in the wood-fired oven of master baker Markus Farbinger.
- GQ's Top 10 South African Restaurants was originally published in the December 2004 edition of GQ magazine.
- For more restaurant write-ups, go to Tonight.co.za.