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La Colombe Constantia

Fine Dining French
4.8 RRR+
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Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Great Views
  • Wine Estate
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

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La Colombe is one of South Africas most iconic and internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments. Originally founded on the historic Constantia Uitsig wine estate, it relocated under new ownership to the picturesque Silvermist organic wine estate at the top of Constantia Nek, with breathtaking views overlooking the Constantia wine valley, False Bay and Hout Bay.

Chef Proprietor Scot Kirtons philosophy and approach lies in the fusion of Asian and French cuisine and the pursuit of excellence and perfection on each plate, resulting in numerous local and international awards.

The freshest seasonal produce, uncomplicated clean flavours and classical elegance are the essence of his inspiration and passion for food. Scots delivery of classic signature dishes and his endless array of sublime new inspirations form the mainstay of La Colombes Tasting Menu.

With impeccable service and an award-winning winelist, La Colombe is a truly unforgettable experience.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

Regular swallows return for more than just another flutter of the legendary tuna in a tin at Silvermist Forest, Constantia. New and astonishing dishes illustrate why this world-class restaurant continues to clock up awards and accolades. Slick and sensational, it’s a murmuration of flavours—800 plates glide out of the kitchen during four hours of service under the wings of executive chef James Gaag.

The ‘dove nest’ starts the show with chef James’s favourite ingredient three ways—an ode to his mother who grows these Jerusalem artichokes. An artistic array of fresh ingredients, introduced tableside, indicates the backbone of the adventure. The charcuterie trolley is a feast of tastes and textures that, at first glance, belie the many months that have gone into perfecting each element in the restaurant’s innovation lab. From chickpea and lentil to salmon gravlax, KZN duck ham to Wagyu biltong with white onion mousse, it is clear how this innovative craftsman will always push the envelope. Components are spicy, techniques cutting edge, and every part of the produce journey is interrogated and honed.

The wine flights are impressive and popular. The clandestine cellar experience, led by passionate sommelier Michelle Erasmus, is a worthy addition. Guests leave their phones in a box before entering her enviable underground ‘office’. The silence and intimacy add to the intrigue as you witness her ability to pair a rare vintage with a veritable feast of flavours in one dish…smoked quail, foie gras, dried plum, truffle, and exotic mushrooms dovetail beautifully.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Thursday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Friday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Saturday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30
  • Sunday 12h00 - 13h45, 19h00 - 20h30

Reviews (2634)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Rodney B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 05 Jul 25
    The best presentation and quality of food I have eaten. Service is also top notch!

  • Clive O. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 01 Jul 25
    Firstly, I must commend the culinary team; the food was truly exceptional and certainly deserving of its recognition as the 55th best restaurant. The quality of the dishes was outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors. However, I did feel that the overall presentation and the detailed explanation of the dishes lacked a certain "character" or theatricality that one might anticipate from a restaurant of this caliber. In comparison, I recall a slightly more elevated and engaging experience at your sister establishment, The Pier restaurant at the Waterfront, particularly in how the food was presented and described. While I understand that each restaurant has its unique identity, this was a noticeable difference. Furthermore, I was a little disappointed to find that the main course options, specifically the lamb and wagyu, were duplicates of those offered at The Pier. This created a slight feeling of being "cheated," as I had anticipated a distinct menu for your signature restaurant. On a positive note, I greatly appreciated the attentive gesture of your staff holding an umbrella for me during the rain upon arrival. However, after settling the bill, the departure experience felt somewhat abrupt. Beyond a polite farewell from our waiter, there wasn't the same level of detailed care or assistance as we navigated the rain to reach our car.Overall, these are minor points, but I believe addressing them could further enhance the already wonderful dining experience you provide. Despite these observations, I genuinely love the food and the overall experience that accompanies it.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 30 Jun 25
    This was a once in a lifetime experience. We had some food preferences and the chef was very accommodating. Everything was so delicious.

  • Derek C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 30 Jun 25
    From start to finish it was amazing, our waiter made the experience even more fulfilling as he pieced together what can only be described as tastegasmic journey through planet pallet. And the theatrics of the trip to the cellar for one of the courses was beautiful showmanship. Thank you.

  • Melanie H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Lesedi S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 29 Jun 25
    This restaurant is very lovely, I will be going back!

  • Dudley H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Fabio M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Jun 25
    Although it’s far from downtown, it’s WELL WORTH the visit. What a delicious food, plating, experience, service - it’s all top notch. Hard to pick a favorite plate in the whole experience.

  • Suzy M. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.7
    Food 5.0
    Value 0.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 28 Jun 25
    It is not often that you get food that not only surprises but also moves you! Thank you for an incredible experience

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