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elgr

Contemporary International
75 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
(1523 reviews)
RR

Attributes

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated

ëlgr is fine food, great wine and inspiring cocktails, all served in a relaxed environment. Menus are seasonal and change often, with exceptional, original, yet uncomplicated flavours. The dishes are creatively presented with simple, fresh ingredients. ëlgr takes pride in craftsmanship and as much as possible is home-made in ëlgr’s kitchen

Gourmet Guide Description

Discreetly tucked away behind a dark door on trendy Kloof Street is an edible oasis. Rather than being renowned for fine dining, it’s labelled refined dining with something with everyone. Some come for a cocktail and snack, others for the chef’s choice pairing menu. It’s always for something special. From the marinated olives that arrive as a welcome, to the home-made charcuterie and gherkins, legendary pizzas and simple desserts, quality reigns supreme.

This nod to excellence is the signature of Swedish chef Jesper Nielsen. If you ask him what makes Swedish cuisine special, he’ll tell you it’s that for six months of the year they don't have much available. “So, it's a lot about preserving and pickling and figuring out how you can make things last the longest,” he explains. “When you find an ingredient that you are excited about, like the pure flavour of a strawberry or delicious radish, it's not over-complicate things. Find things that elevate one star element and focus on that instead of having six, seven, nine or 10 components, instead just two or three.”

The food-and-wine pairing puts sommelier Le Roy’s talent in the spotlight, after winning an award for the most sustainable wine list in the world. The focus is unequivocally on refined, premium ingredients. In the words of Jesper, “I'm a sucker for pizza. That's why it's on the menu. If I could only choose the one thing, then it would be a pizza; it's always nice. People often think pizza, oh, you know, it's just going to be a relaxed, casual, but maybe sub-standard meal. But I think for me, when I walk away from a meal at elgr, I think about the ingredients.”

Reviews (1523)

4.6 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.7
Value 4.4
Service 4.6
Ambience 4.6
  • Riaan B. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 17 Apr 24
    The food was delicious and I believe it is good value for money - for this reason alone I would recommend elgr. However, I do not find that the wine pairing offering, with the tasting menu, is justifiable with the price. If I had to visit again in the future I would rather opt for different glasses of wine or rather purchase a bottle to enjoy. Could not fault the service on the night.

  • Emma T. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Ina V. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Apr 24
    One of the best restaurants in Cape Town

  • Kelsey H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Apr 24
    I’ve been to elgr twice and have loved it every time. The food is delicious and ambiance is laid back with great music. Highly recommend the ajvar salad, lamb ribs, and raspberry semifreddo.

  • Kate T. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 12 Apr 24
    This is the 5th time now that I have eaten at Elgr, and it gets better each time. The food and wine are sublime, always, and the service impeccable. Last night we brought two couples with us who hadn't eaten there before and they also loved it. I will keep going back again and again.

  • Jade B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 09 Apr 24
    Wonderful experience, food was incredible. Will definitely be back

  • Kyle P. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 07 Apr 24
    A great restaurant with excellent service and delicious food.

  • Joachim I. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Garth R. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 18h00 - 23h00
  • Wednesday 18h00 - 23h00
  • Thursday 18h00 - 23h00
  • Friday 18h00 - 23h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 15h00 - 18h00 - 23h00
  • Sunday CLOSED