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Salsify @ the Roundhouse

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
Fine Dining
Location Pointer 394M+HX Cape Town, South Africa
4.7
(930 reviews)
RRR+
Favourite

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 (930)

4.7 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.8
Value 4.6
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.7
  • Paul B. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Dec 25
    Truly amazing

  • Claire G. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 13 Dec 25
    We did feel part of a ‘performance’ where everyone had their roles and cues and we had to fit in. Service was ultra professional but lacked some warmth and authenticity. Food was excellent and worked well with the wine pairings. We preferred the more friendly sister restaurant COY.

  • David M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 12 Dec 25
    Outstanding. They go out of their way to make it an experience. As expected, the food was top quality, well explained and a sensible amount to savour over three hours. It would be easy for them to get so pretentious it detracts from the enjoyment. They don't.

  • Daniela C. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 11 Dec 25
    The whole evening was amazing! Highly recommended.

  • Wilson C. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 10 Dec 25
    Positive: Food was fantastic. Very creative and well-executed Negative: Service was very slow and rigid. As the evening went on, we were waiting 15-20 min between courses. Little pleasantries were missing from a restaurant this caliber. We left with no one acknowledging our departure

  • Bruno K. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Sandra A. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 10 Dec 25
    Very special experience

  • Louise D. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • BluePeak Contact Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 09 Dec 25
    Great food, experience and atmosphere!

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