La Colombe

It’s been a while since I’ve written a restaurant review, mainly because we’ve been frequenting the same places that I’ve already covered. However, we had the privilege of dining at one of the country’s top restaurants for lunch yesterday, and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped in until the time we left, everything was truly exceptional. Upon entering La Colombe, we were greeted with a delightful treat: a chocolate-coated shell filled with a citrus palate cleanser that bursts with flavor. After that, we were shown to our table, where our waiter, Philip, took care of us throughout the afternoon. Philip was friendly and humorous, adding to the overall enjoyment of our experience. We opted for the Winter Special Menu, which consisted of seven courses. Thankfully, we were hungry, as there was more than enough food for lunch. **First Course**: Marlin tataki, burnt lime, lamb roti. Served in a mini garden on our table, this course offered two bite-sized morsels of flavor that were absolutely delicious. The lamb roti was so tender that the rib bone could be pulled out without disturbing the dish. **Second Course**: Sweet potato, wagyu drippings, oxtail. This dish was mixed at the table, filling the air with incredible aromas. The fresh sweet potato bread paired perfectly with the mix for a delightful taste experience. **Third Course**: Tuna ‘La Colombe’. This signature dish has never tasted so fantastic. The tuna was perfectly cooked and had just the right kick of spice, making it my favorite of the day—at least until I tried the next dish. **Fourth Course**: Kerala-style quail, prawn, coriander. I had to change my mind and declare this as the best dish of the day. The adorable quail drumstick was accompanied by a delicious prawn and perfectly cooked duck breast, all enhanced by a heavenly coriander dressing. **Fifth Course**: Naartjie. This was the best sorbet I’ve had in years. It was served on a smoking tree and was as visually stunning as it was tasty. **Main Course (Sixth Course)**: Malay-style linefish. The yellowtail was cooked to perfection, featuring crispy skin paired with delightful sauces, crispy squid, and chargrilled corn. Alternatively, we could choose the petit poussin with sweetbreads and truffle. While this dish looked great and featured delicious vegetables and sweetbreads, the poussin was slightly dry, which was the only minor disappointment of the meal. **Dessert (Seventh Course)**: Bahibe, blood orange, smoked almond. This dessert was sweet but not overwhelming—a perfect ending to an exquisite meal. It featured smoked almond ice cream, chocolate mousse topped with blood orange, and dark chocolate. **Petit Fours**: Speckled egg, rooibos macaron. Served in the mini garden, the speckled egg was outstanding. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience! For anyone considering a visit, I highly recommend it as a must-try! **La Colombe Restaurant Ratings**: Food: 10 out of 10 Service and Staff: 10 out of 10 Ambience: 10 out of 10 Overall: 30 out of 30

As a local from Cape Town, this is my third time visiting, and I must say, bravo! It might be a bit pricey for most, but I really recommend that you visit La Colombe at least once a year.

After being seated, we browsed the drink menu and opted for a glass of Groot Constantia 2017 Pinotage. It was a smooth and delightful choice! We then considered our meal options: the Spring Menu or the Chef’s Menu. Although I found both appealing, I felt the Chef’s Menu might be a bit too much for lunch, so we all settled on the Spring Menu. Our culinary journey began with MARLIN TATAKI and BURNT LIME LAMB ROTI, featuring seven courses of exquisite dishes. I knew I was in for a treat! The presentation was stunning, resembling a beautiful forest with the Marlin Tataki and the lamb roti served in a sculpted stone dish. It was artistically arranged, and the aromas were simply enchanting. Our fantastic waiter not only served the dishes but also explained how to enjoy them, which was very helpful. I wish there was a way to convey the amazing smells through pictures—it was truly mind-blowing. Next, we enjoyed SWEET POTATO BREAD WITH WAYGU DRIPPINGS and OXTAIL. I ended up with crumbs all over the table, but it was absolutely worth it! Calling it "so good" doesn’t even begin to cover it; it was a masterpiece of culinary art at its finest. Following that, we participated in a blind tasting of TUNA 'LA COLOMBE.' It’s remarkable how the chef creates such a beautiful balance of the freshest ingredients, artfully arranged and served in a can, with the ingredients listed on one side and 'La Colombe' on the front label. When you open the can, the enticing aroma fills the air, making your mouth water. It was a playful, interactive experience, filled with highlights and absolutely no disappointments! Each course was an explosion of flavor and tantalizing aromas, a true feast for the eyes and senses. I could keep going on about this experience, but I highly recommend making a reservation. You won’t regret it! Our waitress, Marion, was a delight and made our visit even more enjoyable. Just a heads up: it’s on the pricier side, but every penny is worth it. This is not just about eating to fill your stomach; it’s about celebrating the art of food.

Amazingly delicious!! Super creative and inventive dishes delivered in a beautiful restaurant by friendly people. If you can splurge a little.. you can definitely splurge it here, you won’t regret it.

The food was a brilliant fusion of sublime tastes and visual stimulation . Both flavors and presentation were on point ! The wines were sumptuous and superbly paired with their respective dishes. Service was excellent both the waitstaff and sommelier were informative friendly and attentive . I felt the bland decorative style of the restaurant with average round tables did detract from the overall experience. All in all a wonderful and highly recommended spot!