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La Colombe Constantia

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
Fine Dining French
Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Nek
(2446 reviews)
RRR+

Attributes

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

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.

Reviews (2446)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Danielle B. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 30 Apr 25
    We booked a birthday dinner for ten while on vacation, and La Colombe delivered an experience that felt as thoughtful as it was extraordinary. From the start, the team made the birthday guest feel celebrated—welcomed at the door, greeted with a handwritten note from the chef, and gifted a box of sweet treats. It was personal, not performative, and set the tone for the evening. An elegant presentation of ingredients kicked things off, followed by standout service throughout. Hilton, our server, struck the perfect balance of attentiveness and ease, handling questions and dietary needs with grace. Our sommelier was charm personified and guided us through a remarkable selection of remarkable South African wines. Chef James’ secret sauce on a tuna dish nearly stole the show—until the arrival of a regional seafood tribute waffle that had us all wide-eyed. The meal unfolded with creativity and restraint: inventive presentations (including artful use of dry ice), custom pottery, and bold but balanced flavors. The amuse bouche, served in an "eggshell", and a perfectly paired cellar wine experience were particular favorites of the birthday guest. La Colombe manages to be refined without feeling stiff, and celebratory with just the right amount of excess. A rare combination, and one we won’t soon forget.

  • Madelon T. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 30 Apr 25
    Exceptional. Theatre and flavours that are out of this world

  • Wilcarina Y. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Eberhard G. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 29 Apr 25
    Coming back next year as usual. Best Restaurant in whole South Africa

  • Maren W. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Megan A. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 29 Apr 25
    What a magnificent experience! The food to the service, everything was on point.

  • Banyana M. Dined: 4 days ago
    4
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 28 Apr 25
    Beautiful restaurant with amazing view. The food is presented artfully. Unfortunately I was sick so couldn’t complete the set menu and my husband also had to discontinue halfway to accommodate me having to leave. I was disappointed to find that they still charged us the full cost as we were planning to go back. Otherwise good service.

  • Antoine d. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 28 Apr 25
    The dedication and pride of the personnel around food and wine is amazing.

  • Samuel F. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 28 Apr 25
    The food and service are absolutely stellar- truly world-class. However, I found the dining room to be oddly cold and a little corporate. It does not feel like an inviting interior that sets the stage for the theater of culinary excellence. That aside, the experience was truly remarkable- ingenuity and experimentation aplenty in the dishes, amazing combinations of flavor and a truly exceptional staff.

  • Andrew S. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0
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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