Brash

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We're Gabriel and Benji, two best friends who turned an unrelenting passion for smashburgers into Brash—Cape Town's buzziest burger spot. What started as a food truck doing pop-ups at Broke Klubhouse and The Electric has grown into our very own retro diner on Regent Road in Sea Point. We believe burgers deserve to be made with care, precision, and zero compromise. Our philosophy is simple: do one thing exceptionally well. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel—we're perfecting it. From the moment you step into our red-floored, old-school diner, you're part of the Brash family. We're here to serve damn good burgers, crispy fries, and a vibe that keeps you coming back.

Our style is rooted in American diner nostalgia with a Cape Town twist. We're inspired by classic smashburger joints that focus on technique over trends—places where the sizzle of beef hitting a hot griddle is the soundtrack and where every ingredient has a purpose. Our aesthetic is retro and warm: think 70s diner energy with red linoleum, wood accents, and a buzzing atmosphere where neighbors become friends over burgers. We're all about simplicity done right—perfectly caramelized, crispy-edged patties, soft brioche buns, and that signature smoky, beef-forward flavor. No fuss, no frills, just pure burger bliss. We draw inspiration from the craft and community around us, creating a space that's as much about connection as it is about food.

We specialize in one thing: smashburgers. Our menu is intentionally tight—just two burgers (the Classic and the Mack Daddy), fries that people rave about, and soft serve to finish it off. Each burger features two smashed beef patties with those iconic lacy, crispy edges, American cheese, pickles, onions, and our signature sauces, all on a pillowy brioche bun. We're halaal certified, so everyone's welcome at our table. Our process is fast but never rushed—most orders are ready in under five minutes because we've perfected every step. We're not trying to be everything to everyone; we're committed to being the best at what we do.

Address: 90 regent rd, sea point

Site: www.brashburger.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/brashburger/#

We're FYN, a modern African fine dining restaurant led by chef founder Peter Tempelhoff, culinary director Ashley Moss, and sommelier and service director Jennifer Hugé. Our experience is driven by dedication, collaboration, and relentless attention to detail. Suspended on the 5th floor of Speaker's Corner above Cape Town's vibrant city centre, we exist between stillness and energy—a space of quiet contrasts where dark meets light, expansive yet intimate, raw and refined.

Our style follows Japan's culinary philosophy—seasonal, restrained, and celebrating the inherent character of each ingredient. We create an emotive reflection of land and sea through modern African cuisine, weaving together tastes, textures, thoughts, and memories. Our approach is rooted in provenance and sustainability, working with carefully selected suppliers including ABALOBI fisheries, regenerative farms, and local foragers who harvest indigenous ingredients like dune spinach, sea lettuce, and kelp.

We specialize in kaiseki-style dining experiences—five waves of courses that pay tribute to the native ingredients found along the Western Cape. Our menu is a fusion of South African ingredients and Japanese cooking techniques, balancing authenticity and innovation while straddling the fine line between time-honored traditions and creating something entirely new. Every plate tells a story of ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Address: 5th Floor, Speakers Corner, 37 Parliament St, Cape Town

Site: www.fynrestaurant.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fynrestaurantcpt/#

We're Clarke's Bar & Dining Room, a Bree Street institution established in 2011. Born in a former motorcycle garage, we're a Cape Town diner that transforms throughout the day—from family-friendly brunch spot to casual coffee joint to vibey nighttime bar where DJs and parties fill the space. We believe in creating a welcoming home for the creative community, where our staff serve excellent food with genuine warmth, and every meal feels like catching up with friends.

Our style is retro American diner meets Cape Town cool—minimalistic, effortlessly stylish, with designer-diner interiors and plant-filled courtyards. We're inspired by the beauty of simple, honest food done right: classics with little twists that surprise and delight. From sidewalk seating perfect for people-watching to open kitchen counters where you can watch chefs work with calm precision, we've created a space that doesn't take itself too seriously but takes hospitality very seriously. The aesthetic is organic, inviting, and authentically unpretentious.

We specialize in all-day comfort food that satisfies every craving. Our famous butter-fried brioche bun burgers (voted best in Cape Town), buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, huevos rancheros, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and twice-fried fries with aioli are legendary. We're masters of breakfast-to-dinner dining with fresh juices, West Coast oysters, creative cocktails, and bar snacks. We also proudly serve as a collection point for Umthunzi Farming Community—supporting small-scale organic farmers in Cape Town's townships by using their seasonal produce in our kitchen and providing access to ethical markets.

Address: 133 Bree street, City Centre,  Cape Town

Site: www.clarkesdining.co.za

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/clarkescapetown/#

We're Terrarium, the contemporary fine-dining destination at the Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. Led by Chef Patron Chris Erasmus (formerly of the acclaimed Foliage in Franschhoek) and Head Chef Anlou Erasmus, we're redefining what sustainable fine dining means in an urban landscape. We bring the pioneering spirit of foraging and zero-waste cooking to the heart of Cape Town, discovering a wealth of hyperlocal food sources—from urban community gardens to daily foraging expeditions on Cape Peninsula beaches, to our hidden kitchen garden on the hotel doorstep.

Our style channels creative spirit through seasonal, low-waste cooking infused with cherished childhood nostalgia. We reimagine beloved South African flavours through a distinctive contemporary lens that's both edgy and deeply rooted in memory. The intimate 30-seater dining room feels earthy yet chic, lined with art celebrating our nature-infused ethos—from wood carvings to paintings in natural African clay pigments. Tall windows frame scintillating views of the Waterfront and Table Mountain, with a slim terrace for pre-dinner cocktails. We're inspired by the beauty of provenance, sustainability, and the delicious possibilities hiding in plain sight across Cape Town.

We specialize in hyperlocal, farm-to-table fine dining that celebrates seasonal indigenous ingredients through creative techniques. Our offerings include à la carte dishes like Steak and Caesar with anchovy dressing, Braaied Lambs Tail reminiscent of family gatherings, and West Coast Catch elevated with fish-bone-based potato purée, alongside our signature eight-course Fauna (meat-focused) and Flora (plant-focused) tasting menus. We practice zero-waste philosophy, support urban community gardens, and forage daily from Cape Peninsula beaches for ingredients like dune spinach, sea lettuce, and kelp.

Address: Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Rd, 

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

Site: www.newmarkhotels.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/theterrarium_restaurant/#

We're Sepial's Kitchen "in the meantime," a 16-seater intimate restaurant in Woodstock at The Palms. Led by Chef Sepial Shim, we've been on a slow, nomadic journey through Cape Town—from Salt River to Constantia Uitsig, Parliament Street, Makers Landing, and now our new home where we combine fermentary and eatery. We're a place you can visit when you need a small break from busy life or wish to share a good meal with beloved people. Our journey didn't start with grand plans—it began simply because Chef Sepial wanted authentic kimchi with her meals and couldn't find what she loved, so she made it herself.

Our style is rooted in authentic Korean cuisine infused with the soul of fermentation. We're inspired by traditional techniques passed down through generations, creating new tastes from familiar ingredients through the art and science of fermentation. The atmosphere is tranquil, serene, and welcoming—a bright, intimate space where Chef Sepial herself often serves guests. We believe in the beauty of slow food, umami intensity, and dishes that are exciting, surprising, comforting, and made with love. Our aesthetic is simple yet refined, allowing the food to be the star.

We specialize in Korean cuisine with a deep focus on fermentation and locally sourced ingredients. Our legendary Korean Fried Chicken, handmade dumplings, beef bulgogi, kimchi pancakes, and seaweed and cucumber salad are beloved classics that have followed us through every location. The Fermentary is our heart—where we create unique flavors through aging local ingredients, making everything from kimchi to chili oil. We offer regular menu items, kimchi-making workshops, vegan options (including vegan croissants and "death by chocolate" vegan cake), and seasonal fermented products. Every dish celebrates flavor through care, respect, and the soul of the food.

Address: Corner of Sir Lowry Road, Selwyn St, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa

Site: www.sepialskitchen.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/in_the_meantime_ct/#

We're Tambourine, a modern small plates restaurant on Harrington Street that opened in July 2025. Led by head chef Keane Munro (mentored in kitchens from Franschhoek to Singapore) and executive chef Kyle du Plooy, we're a dynamic duo exploring the rhythm of flavors without boxing ourselves into one cuisine. We're the sister restaurant to Gigi Rooftop at Gorgeous George hotel, but our heart beats to our own drum—one that honors heritage, champions sustainability, and tells stories through every plate. We believe good food starts at the source, and we've built our entire philosophy around that truth.

Our style is rustic-chic with no BS—just good flavors in an unintimidating space. The heritage building's exterior explodes with lively red ochre, pink, and midnight-blue designs, while inside, original brick walls meet intriguing light-art installations by artist Ralph Borland. His dichromatic filters hang like upside-down lollipops, casting orange and green beams across tan banquettes. We're inspired by the rich tapestry of South African cultures and flavors, cooked over open fire with a layered, thoughtful approach to culinary artistry. Low lighting, comfortable leather chairs, and a casual vibe create the perfect backdrop for both intimate dinners and relaxed lunches.

We specialize in farm-to-fork small plates that tell stories. Our menu showcases seasonal, local produce—60% coming from our own pesticide-free, regenerative farm project at Moya weKhaya in Khayelitsha, run by 10 gogos and 2 men with youth getting involved to add muscle to their knowledge. Signature dishes include charred baby cabbage with chestnuts, dates, blue cheese and chives; smoked hay butter risotto with Jerusalem artichoke and pistachio; chicken wings stuffed with sticky bacon jam; and West Coast mussels with nduja, dill and coconut cream. We use only pasture-raised meat, line-caught wild fish, and family-run traceable dairy. Everything—from bread to pasta—is crafted from scratch over open flame.

Address: 104 Harrington St District Six, Cape Town

Site: www.tambourine.co.za

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNx2hPXQBQ5/?img_index=1#

We're Beyond at Buitenverwachting, named after the historic Constantia wine estate that means "beyond expectations"—and that's exactly what we deliver. Led by the formidable trio of Chef Patron Peter Tempelhoff, Service & Beverage Director Jennifer Hugé, and Executive Chef Sebastian Stehr, we opened during the pandemic in 2020 as a full-circle moment for Tempelhoff, who returns to the Constantia Winelands where he once ran Greenhouse. The concept of family runs through everything we do—our team of long-standing partners and new faces is multicultural, diverse, and proactive, committed to growth, excellence, and raising the bar on à la carte dining in Cape Town. We're housed in a historic thatched building steeped in 250 years of heritage and local support.

Our style is warm elegance with understated simplicity. The glass-clad dining room features sage-colored walls, smooth wooden tabletops, velvety armchairs, herringbone feature walls, and dramatic dried floral displays—all with expansive floor-to-ceiling views overlooking sloped vineyards and mountains. We're inspired by the beauty of letting quality ingredients speak for themselves, treating them with a light touch and respect. Natural textures, earth tones, and terracotta create an atmosphere that's sophisticated yet accessible, never intimidating. We believe provenance should never be eclipsed by concept—the ingredient is always the star.

We specialize in provenance-driven fine dining that celebrates the "weird and wonderful"—rare-breed meats, seasonal heirloom vegetables, and artisanally crafted cheeses sourced from smaller growers and producers. Our menu features aged Limousin beef, local Ibérico pork, Karoo lamb, and foraged ingredients gathered at low tide during full moons—mussels, limpets, ocean snails, seaweed, samphire, wild African sage, spekboom, and dune parsley. Our Origins of Flavour experiences explore indigenous ingredients used 150,000 years ago, marrying ancient Cape coastline foraging with seasonal produce from local small-scale farmers. Everything is cooked over binchotan coals with restraint and simplicity.

Address: Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town

Site: www.beyondrestaurant.co.za

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantbeyond/#