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Aubergine Restaurant

Fine Dining Mediterranean South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
Location Pointer 39 Barnet St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
4.6
(382 reviews)
RRR+
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Gourmet Guide Plated 2019

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Menu
Favourite

Aubergine Restaurant opened its doors in September 1996 with a vision to create a gastronomic haven in an atmosphere of timeless elegance where diners could enjoy innovative and creative combinations that excite the senses and pique curiosity. We are proud to have gained a significant following from both within South Africa and abroad and it is always a pleasure to welcome back guests who share our passion for good food and wine. Aubergine has received numerous local and international awards and been consistently rated among the top restaurants in the country.

Outside Seating
Our outside terrace is open for lunch and dinner. Note, you can only book outside online for lunch, not dinner. Simply add a special request to your reservation and ask to be seated outside. Weather permitting, we will be more then happy to have you enjoy your meal on the terrace.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

This bastion of gastronomy cemented Cape Town as a fine-dining destination nearly 30 years ago. It has remained steadfast, timeless rather than trendy, fitting for the setting steeped in history. Chef Harald Bresselschmidt revisits the classics using French techniques, elevated
with Asian flavours. Why the name Aubergine? Apart from being alphabetically foremost, this humble vegetable is a great platform for carrying flavour…a little like the wines at Aubergine.

The heritage building recently had a ‘nip and tuck’ so that guests can now take their time over small plates before settling in for something serious. Al fresco dining in the courtyard is popular for lunches and lazy summer evenings. Regardless of what you order or when, know that wine will lead the way. The cellar dictates the menu: when a wine is ready to share, a dish is crafted. Perusing the vast, impressive wine list that has been personally perfected over time, is a must for any connoisseur.

Expect hero ingredients like veal and rabbit on the menu, simply with sublime sauces. Harald likes to maintain the integrity of some of the natural textures. There are no flaws, no fuss or unnecessary drama, it’s simply exquisite food and wine, married to perfection.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 14h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 14h00 - 18h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 18h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (382)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.6
  • Paul C. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Rob S. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 01 Jan 26
    Great gourmet dinner with a more classic twist. But the wines .... probably the best list of SA wines in the country at fair prices

  • Markus P. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 01 Jan 26
    It was really outstanding Only recommendation for us next time, „only“ 5 courses

  • Janna R. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 30 Dec 25
    We had a great Honeymoon Special and it was the Perfect end for our Honeymoon. Thank you so much.

  • Chiara S. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 30 Dec 25
    We spent a wonderful evening at Aubergine Restaurant. The sprinbock in particular, was fantastic, best we ever had. Highly recommended

  • Julius C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Hans-Peter M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 26 Dec 25
    Just fantastic!

  • Ali A. Dined: 1 week ago
    1.3
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 2.0
    Ambience 1.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 26 Dec 25
    To the owner: congratulations on your establishment, however please consider a more capable and less insulting chef in the kitchen. The only reason we stayed for more than 3,5h dinner for a 5 course meal is because we were forced to pay upfront. We should’ve noted that something was off then… Your menu is so inconsistent and random as if a kid put it together The quality of your food is so awful that one of us even ended up with food poisoning On top of this, you even try to manipulate the bills with additional items which were never consumed, obviously to charge us even more You guys have absolutely no clue what you are doing. I hope people avoid this as you’re damaging the reputation of fine Cape Town restaurants who are actually making an effort and care. And you know we were not the only ones thinking in this way that night :)

  • Regnald M. Dined: 1 week ago
    2.5
    Food 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 25 Dec 25
    Underwhelming experience After all the hype surrounding the Xmas eve dinner we were expecting to be treated to a culinary experience. What we got instead were 5 courses of vey mediocre dishes. All dishes lacked seasoning and were downright bland. The beef dish was very tender but not seasoned at all. A real chore to eat. The blue cheese macron desert was so overpowering none of us could take more than a single bite. We were offered a “organic” grape juice that was sickly sweet. At the end of the meal we all felt that we had been misled by some of the good reviews that the restaurant has been getting. Considering the amount of money we’re were forced to pay in advance, we felt robbed.

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