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Salsify @ the Roundhouse

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2023 - Top 100
Fine Dining
The Roundhouse, Roundhouse Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8040
(605 reviews)
RRR+

Attributes

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

Chef Ryan Cole and his team build on their background of modern, classical cooking in this Refined dining houses in a national monument Expect the unexpected.
Within the walls of The Roundhouse, a heritage building that has assumed many faces over its storied past, guests pass through the central chamber that hosts the muse 1.3m Lady Salsify statue into a luxurious lounge and absorb the contemporary, historically-inspired artworks that fill the interior.

The first dining room, aptly named the “Leather Lounge, exudes a feeling of comfort and opulence, with floor to ceiling leather-clad panels and an inviting fireplace.

The second dining room, the ‘Sea Room, boasts spectacular vistas and is where the distinguished legacy of the space is complemented with touches of modern furnishings and crisp white napery that blends seamlessly to evoke a feeling of old world charm.

An opulent culinary journey accented by daring decor and whispers of history- a journey with 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.

Reviews (605)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.6
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Benjamin B. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 24 Jan 25
    This was an exemplary experience. Light, well balanced food; wonderful wines; excellent service. World class.

  • CLAUDINE C. Dined: 3 days ago
    2.8
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 23 Jan 25
    We have been to Salsify for many years and really loved our meals and experience there. We just found that it has become very overpriced for any locals (we were the only locals there it seemed) and the wine per glass is what you would pay for a bottle elsewhere. The flavours are still amazing but portion sizes are extremely small and there is no choice in the menu which features many items that are quite niche and that many people do not eat (e.g. oysters) . The setting and the story is still beautiful but unfortunately is targeting the international tourist market.

  • Johan L. Dined: 4 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Jan 25
    Best food i have had in cape town. But quality costs!

  • Geoffrey F. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Erik G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    Great as always!

  • Pamela E. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    One word! Amazing!!!

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 20 Jan 25
    An absolutely outstanding experience with so much attention to detail, from the moment you arrive the experience begins ! We have experienced many different fine dining restaurants not only in South Africa but all over the world and this rates in my top 2.

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    This is more than dining, it a culinary experience. We have had tasting menus at Michelin star restaurants before, but nothing topped the food and presentation. The explanation of the wine with each course was fabulous. We are from the U.S. and made reservations online in advance and so glad we did!

  • Tino S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    My favorite among the fine dinings.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday CLOSED
  • Tuesday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Wednesday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Thursday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Friday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Saturday 12h30 - 21h00
  • Sunday 12h30 - 02h00