The Waterside is the latest venture by The La Colombe Group, located on Pierhead at the V&A Waterfront. Headed by Roxy Mudie, serving both a reduced menu and tasting menu. Inside and outside seating is available
The tugs chug, the boats go in and out, and one’s heart beats faster
with the wonders of dining in the Mother City’s working harbour, the
V&A Waterfront.
At The Waterside the ebullient welcome of the milk bun with a trilogy
of arresting flavours is a memorable one. Roasted garlic with smoked
pine nut and rosemary, chicken liver parfait with rhubarb and salsa
verde and the beef tartare with oat and jalapeno, are rich yet light –
each as aesthetically delicate as the other. The oysters, an add-on
available to diners, are served tableside.
Chef Roxy Mudie grew up in the Middle East and New Zealand and
has travelled extensively. Her first fine-dining work experience was at
sister restaurant La Colombe. Her inspiration comes from the water, and
home. The palate cleanser of a granadilla ice lolly is quintessentially
Capetonian, and the first dish to be conceptualized when she was
planning her menu.
The chef’s menu presents myriad options with which you can wrestle –
the glorious garden presentation of the assiette of tomato with labneh,
zaátar and baba ghanoush, a real eye-catcher. Main courses are
equally demanding of attention – linefish with mussels, squid, Black
Forest ham and cauliflower and the gnocchi with tenderstem broccoli,
pickled carrot and salsa verde being on the lighter side.
Perfect endings are plentiful. How about the mango, pistachio and milk
chocolate or the beautifully plated cheese selection. Your last decision
lies in the bonbon chest – if in doubt, take the decadent salted caramel.
Service here equates to the rest of the La Colombe family, but less formal.
The array of wines by the glass and cocktails, with a comprehensive
wine list, make this worthy of more than a dash – sit back, enjoy the
view and savour every morsel. In a nutshell – five-star casual.