Food lovers in Cape Town, clear your calendars – Farro is back in the Mother City! After a long journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town’s CBD, then out to Gabriëlskloof, husband-and-wife duo Chef Alex and Eloise Windebank are bringing their much-loved restaurant back to Cape Town, this time in the heart of Gardens.
Where they’ve been
For those who never made it to their Johannesburg spot, here’s a quick refresher. Farro built its reputation on refined yet approachable European cooking – flavour-first plates with zero fuss. Their Illovo restaurant was a hit, but unfortunately, didn’t survive the lockdown. A popular Cape Town pop-up in 2022 hinted at a comeback, and a reboot at Gabriëlskloof in the Overberg kept loyal fans flocking in. Now, Alex and Eloise are ready to bring things full circle with a new home in Cape Town.
A new home
From 15 October 2025, Farro will open its doors at 30 Wandel Street, Gardens. Tucked inside a Victorian terraced house, the restaurant promises to revive the intimacy of their very first space.
Twenty six seats spread across two upstairs dining rooms, with views of Table Mountain set the scene. Downstairs, a stylish cocktail bar flows into an open kitchen, while upstairs retains its original Oregon pine floors, high ceilings and arched details.
The Windebanks have poured their heart and soul into this new chapter. Eloise calls it a “labour of love”, with vintage furniture, artworks gifted by close customers, hand-sewn linens, and even their grandmother’s cutlery making an appearance – making Farro feel more like coming home than dining out at a restaurant.
What to expect
On the menu, of course, is Farro’s 5-course signature progression: Snacks, pasta, fish, meat, and sweet. Expect handmade pastas, perfectly cooked fish, locally sourced cuts of meats, desserts that keep it classic, and yes their famous beignets are making a return.
Drinks are just as thought through. The wine list highlights small South African producers and lesser-seen varietals, while the cocktail bar – designed by Eloise – mixes classics with house signatures. Even the soft drinks are crafted in-house, staying true to Farro’s handcrafted ethos.
This is the kind of spot that feels both special and familiar, and if you’ve missed their cooking, now’s your chance to book a table – trust us, you’ll want to be first in line when Farro flings open its doors.
More information
Opening date: 15 October 2025
Reservations: Dineplan
Where: 30 Wandel Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Contact: Website | Instagram
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