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

Reviews (877)

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

    Reviewed on: Thu 13 Nov 25
    This was our third visit to Salsify and it never disappoints. The Spring Chefs Menu was a tasting experience and absolutely delightful. Fresh, clean flavours that all work in delicious experiences in every course. Definitely the best restaurant in Cape Town.

  • Eberhard S. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 13 Nov 25
    What a wonderful evening - we will be back

  • Klaas K. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 13 Nov 25
    Special experience. Certainly the way you are being welcomed. Food is delicious but the ambience is a little stiff and could me a lot more loose. Overall: very nice to eat there a single time.

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

    Reviewed on: Wed 12 Nov 25
    Amazing experience! Thank you

  • Pedro M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 0.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Utz G. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 12 Nov 25
    A feast for eyes and palate and all accompanied by knowledgeable and attentive service!

  • Lord Roy Dined: 4 days ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Jeroen H. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
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