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Salsify @ the Roundhouse

Fine Dining
4.7 RRR+
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Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Great Views
  • Sunsets
  • Fireplace
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50

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With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Lion’s Head as a backdrop, Salsify is a cornerstone of Cape Town's fine dining scene and work to preserve heritage – paying homage to history, stories, and ingredients while crafting light, delicate dishes.

The interiors offer not only a glimpse of the building’s history but also challenge the ways and graces of the time period, merging old and new. From hand-made origami ceiling installation, to the 1.3m Lady Salsify to pops of colour and touches of local art, Salsify’s space is grounded in its location – between land and sea.

Chefs Ryan Cole, Nina du Toit and their team, serve modern cooking, inspired by nature and driven by the seasons. Within the richly storied walls of national monument, The Roundhouse, an opulent culinary journey finely balanced between history, seasonality, and sustainability – a meal at Salsify is unlike any other.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

The setting is sublime, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head, with the Twelve Apostles providing a dramatic backdrop. Housed in the historic Roundhouse, Salsify gives a subtle nod to the site’s history while its menus and décor change seasonally and sustainably. You’ll be welcomed with a washing of your hands and taken to the new
Preservation Chamber, where fermentation is showcased in various stages of development. Settle in for a world-class 10-course chef’s menu or a reduced menu, knowing that your meal will redefine the way you love food.

A coal-roasted oyster with spekboom and ginger is dubbed ‘rys, vleis en aartappel’. The charred West Coast abalone with squid ink custard and Madagascar caviar is without doubt the finest way of indulging in this precious hero protein. Move on to the cold-smoked yellowtail with amasi whey, dill, and sorghum, knowing that while chef Ryan is dedicated to sourcing the finest local ingredients responsibly, his first choice is to catch from the sea himself.

The vegetarian course of a parsley dumpling with Jerusalem artichoke and wood sorrel transitions seamlessly into butter-fried line fish with lime leaf and a local squid emulsion, before the pork jowl with sultana and pork skin crumb shows that the chef’s boundary-pushing extends beyond ocean fare. Karoo Wagyu beef sirloin, joined on the plate with beef shin-baked rice and chakalaka, is cooked to perfection. The predessert of Madagascan vanilla and guava may lead into ‘Bertie’s pecan nuts’ with cherries and ancient grains. Every course is thoughtfully married with a wine of note and is completely in sync.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 18h30 - 20h30
  • Tuesday 12h30 - 14h00, 18h30 - 20h30
  • Wednesday 12h30 - 14h00, 18h30 - 20h30
  • Thursday 12h30 - 14h00, 18h30 - 20h30
  • Friday 12h30 - 14h00, 18h30 - 20h30
  • Saturday 12h30 - 14h00, 18h30 - 20h30
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (999)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Vincent B. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 23 Jan 26
    An amazing experience from the very beginning. The food was outstanding and extremely well presented and explained. Every detail was thought of and the service was just perfect. Perfect evening

  • Herve M. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 23 Jan 26
    Très bon restaurant, très belle expérience nous sommes sur de la grande cuisine avec un service soigné attentionné et efficace. L'accompagnement mets / boisson sans alcool est une très belle experience. A consommer sans modération.

  • Sarah H. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 22 Jan 26
    Fabulous from start to finish, lovely staff, amazing food. One small caveat I think they should not allow people with children into the restaurant (under 12?) there was a couple with a young baby and with the best intentions it’s not the place for small children.

  • Adrienne B. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 21 Jan 26
    One of the best dining experiences I have had. Food, service, attention to detail were all excellent.

  • Gavin S. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 20 Jan 26
    The most magical dining experience in the whole of Cape Town. We visited to celebrate my mums 80th birthday and this place was a perfect way to celebrate. It is not possible to get higher standards in food, service, setting etc anywhere in Africa in my humble view. I have nothing but the highest praise for this amazing fine dining experience. I’m eternally grateful to everyone there

  • Jonathan H. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 19 Jan 26
    Great experience! Michelin-star level in terms of food and service. Stanley was amazing and very kind during the whole experience.

  • Chris B. Dined: 1 week ago
    1
    Food 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Service 1.0
    Ambience 1.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 19 Jan 26
    Very pretentious, food too many ingredients, very overcomplicated, forgot to think of the flavour which is the most important thing in the end.

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