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Vadivelu

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50
Indian
Location Pointer 151 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
4.8
(1507 reviews)
RR
Menu
Favourite

Attributes

  • Child Friendly
  • Romantic
  • Outdoor Seating
  • WiFi
  • Fireplace
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Top 50
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50

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Menu
Favourite

INDIAN WITH ATTITUDE!

No 14 page menus where choosing is a challenge and whatever you choose tastes the same.

We are also not “Asian fusion”, we’re not fusing anything together.

We are just us. Authentically South Africanly Indian, if there is such a thing.

We are doing whatever we want to do, our take on recipes passed on from ancestors who arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers 150 years ago. Recipes adapted from a Tamil heritage with wonderful creativity applied to different available local spices.

Our name, Vadivelu, the name of co-owner Jason’s late father, is a nod to this ancestry.

Our menu is short*, interesting, changing and delicious. It’s Indian for sure, but with attitude.

Truth is we don’t speak much Tamil or Hindi, so our menu speaks English. It’s just easier for everyone, we know what we’re cooking and you know what you’re eating.

*OK, we’re trying to make it short, but it would be a crime to restrict you from Chef Jai’s imagination

Opening Hours

  • Monday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (1507)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Tracy v. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Carol Ann F. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 16 Aug 26
    Love

  • Sabation Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 16 Aug 26
    The food at Vadivelu was nothing short of exceptional. From the very first starter to the final spoonful of dessert, every dish was beautifully prepared, bursting with flavour, and a delight to share. What truly elevated the evening, though, was the warmth of the people. The friendly manager made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived, and Gina, our wonderful waiter, was attentive, gracious, and effortlessly made the experience even more memorable. With its inviting ambience, beautiful music, and outstanding hospitality, Vadivelu is so much more than a place to eat—it’s a place to linger, connect, and savour every moment. Good food has a way of bringing people together, and last night, surrounded by wonderful company, it did exactly that. Thank you to the entire Vadivelu team for an unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to return!

  • Anton N. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 06 Aug 26
    Wonderful little restaurant. Warmly greeted by owner/manager; good service, delicious food. We will definitely be back

    Vadivelu responded on Mon 10 Aug 26:
    Many thanks Anton and we hope to see you again soon

  • Yvette P. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 06 Aug 26
    delicious food, great service. bit hectic sitting in the front area with people walking in and out and not closing the door

    Vadivelu responded on Mon 10 Aug 26:
    Thank you Yvette for this. It's always been a tricky one for guests next to the front door on the terrace in Winter, we are yet to find a solution. Try and book next to the fireplace next time, and we can promise to keep you warm!

  • Cynthia M. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 05 Aug 26
    Amazing food and excellent, warm, knowledgable service! We’ll be back!

    Vadivelu responded on Mon 10 Aug 26:
    What a lovely review Cynthia, thank you so much

  • Jessica R. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 04 Aug 26
    The whole evening was amazing! All of the food was absolutely delicious and our server was so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves Indian food and we will definitely be back :)

    Vadivelu responded on Tue 04 Aug 26:
    I can't add anything to this perfect review Jessica except to say 'thank you' and we hope to see you again very soon

  • Thys Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 02 Aug 26
    Fantastic food

    Vadivelu responded on Mon 10 Aug 26:
    That's great to hear Thys, thank you

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