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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
(1472 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 (1472)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.7
Service 4.8
Ambience 4.8
  • Stave Dined: 4 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 08 Jul 26
    One of my favourite eateries in the City Bowl... and hands down my favourite curry restaurant. Steve Smith: editor VISI magazine

    Vadivelu responded on Wed 08 Jul 26:
    That's a great compliment from a man with fine taste, thanks Steve!

  • Elina Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 05 Jul 26
    We are regulars at Vadivelu and the experience is always fantastic! We’ve tried quite a number of menu options - all of which delectable, but butter chicken and Durban lamb curry remain our favourites. Sam, our waiter, is always happy and friendly and makes us laugh. Thank you Vadivelu once again for a wonderful evening!

    Vadivelu responded on Wed 08 Jul 26:
    Thank you for such a thoughtful and kind review Elina

  • Tim W. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Lloyd Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service N/A
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 02 Jul 26
    Always a great evening.the food outstanding

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Thank you Lloyd and please keep coming back

  • Tracy Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 02 Jul 26
    Delicious food and excellent service

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Many thanks Tracy

  • Craig R. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    3
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 29 Jun 26
    Food was warm, not hot. Flavour was lacking in the main meal. I paid a deposit of R600 as we were a party of 6 and it was not deducted from the bill so had to remind them of that. Overall average experience.

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Sorry to hear this Craig, not sure what happened here because I haven't had feedback from the team yet. Apologies also for the deposit process, it's horribly manual at the moment but our service providers are telling us this will change soon. I hope you dare to try us again soon, let us know, and we promise to knock your socks off!

  • Braydon O. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Vriti Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Jun 26
    Thank you for making my birthday a truly awesome experience. The food was all delicious and service was great! Thank you again!

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Happy Happy Birthday (again!) Vriti!

  • Amanda K. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Jun 26
    What a fabulous afternoon! Great food, amazing team - we'll definitely be back!

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Cheers Amanda, come back soon!

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 27 Jun 26
    We look forward to returning for another wonderful experience. The food was without question the best Indian cuisine we have experienced in Cape Town with it being coupled to great service.

    Vadivelu responded on Thu 02 Jul 26:
    Thanks Mark, it's customers like you who keep us going, we appreciate it!

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