Walking into this restaurant on Waterkant Avenue, one might think you’re stepping into a world where social media doesn’t exist; eating is a pastime and people lunch at leisure instead of working.
Hemelhuijs was conceived in October 2010 by Cape Town restaurateur and interior designer, Jacques Erasmus. The open plan restaurant doubles as a showroom for Jacques’ creative pieces, furniture, crockery and home ware. Almost all of the fixtures are for sale and adorned with fresh flowers, giving the restaurant a simple but sophisticated air and attesting to its motto, “Everyday Luxury.”
With a seasonal menu serving breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday, the food is made from locally sourced ingredients tailored to suit the weather. All season breakfast dishes range from poached eggs, artichoke, smoked trout or bacon with hollandaise sauce to French toast, pecorino, and bacon served with homemade prickly pear syrup.
Lunch is a long affair, offering three delicious courses from soup and broth, to wholesome salads and then main dishes that are as creative as they are colourful. Served on Jacques’ luxury black plates, the lunches feature coriander roasted lamb ribs with a homemade plum sauce; seared tuna tempura rolls with sweet soy, fresh ginger and coriander, or for the more adventurous, baked Scottish salmon with sesame, white chocolate butter and shaved daikon radish.
Being a small space, service is always easily available but not suffocating. If you’re not fortunate enough to have an afternoon to spend dining out, the list of refreshing beverages allow for a quick cup of freshly brewed coffee or a squeezed juice. Or go for a slice of cake – made every morning and displayed at the counter to tempt you.
Opening hours:
Monday | 9am – 4pm |
Tuesday | 9am – 4pm |
Wednesday | 9am – 4pm |
Thursday | 9am – 4pm |
Friday | 9am – 4pm |
Saturday | 9am – 3pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Tel: +27 21 418 2042