Discover the Tangram Restaurant at Durbanville Hills: A Favorite Spot for Locals in Cape Town

Experience the perfect blend of modern bistro charm and breathtaking sunset vistas.

As I make my way up the hillside to Durbanville Hills Winery, the noise and commotion of Cape Town city gradually fade away. The lush vines that surround me provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle below. Perched high on the western slopes of the Durbanville Wine Valley, this hidden gem offers sweeping views of Table Mountain and Table Bay. And right here, on the upper floor of the winery’s tasting lounge, lies The Tangram Restaurant – the ultimate spot to soak in these breathtaking views. Step onto the terrace, designed like a fortified bastion, and savor a glass of sparkling wine. Trust me, the experience gets even better when the sun starts to set. Then, find yourself a cozy table by the tall glass windows, where you can indulge in a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The Restaurant Week Top Honor

Did you know that The Tangram Restaurant is a top choice for Cape Town residents? It’s true! In fact, it just won the prestigious title of South Africa’s Best Restaurant at the 2023 Restaurant Week. With 140 restaurants competing for the honor, including some of the city’s most renowned establishments, being named the best is quite an achievement.

Delicious bistro cuisine

I just have to tell you about this amazing restaurant I discovered. Chef Tamzin Ehlers creates a menu of delicious bistro dishes that are perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. The flavors are approachable and the portions are generous, so you’ll definitely leave feeling satisfied. But what really sets this place apart is the creative twists on classic favorites.

For starters, I had the oxtail raviolo and it was absolutely incredible. The rich and savory flavors were out of this world. And the prawn arancini with mussels, spekboom, and salmon mousse were a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Now, let’s talk about the mains. The pork belly is a crowd favorite and for good reason. It’s always on the menu, but the accompaniments change. I had it with a cauliflower puree, matchstick potatoes, roast tomatoes, and crispy crackling. The flavors were amazing and the crackling added a nice crispy texture.

If you’re a steak lover, you have to try the fillet steak. It was grilled to perfection and served with a sweet corn fritter that added a nice crunch.

Now, let’s talk about the wine. Durbanville Hill wines are the perfect pair for these delicious dishes. They complement the flavors perfectly and enhance the overall dining experience.

When you look at the menu, you’ll notice that each dish is paired with a suggested wine in just the right amount for tasting…and guess what? The wine is actually free! It’s a fantastic deal and a wonderful way to fully experience the Durbanville Hills range. I especially loved the Collectors Reserve Cape Mist Sauvignon Blanc with the prawn arancini, and the Collectors Reserve Lighthouse Merlot with the pork belly. Oh, and here’s a tip: if they offer you a taste straight from the barrel in between courses, definitely say yes.

Save room for dessert!

Chef Tamzin’s expertise in pastry and baking really shines when you get to the sweet part of the meal. I can’t even begin to describe how delicious the éclair was – it was so light and delicate, filled with caramel and topped with a perfectly roasted marshmallow. And let me tell you about the chocolate namelaka that came with it – it was a creamy, heavenly ganache. But that’s not all! The chocolate and espresso cheesecake was simply divine. It was so rich and intense, my taste buds were in heaven. I actually had some leftovers and gladly devoured them the next day – that’s how good it was!

The Tangram Restaurant has a special appeal that keeps locals coming back, and I think I’ve figured out why. It’s all about the delicious food, perfectly paired with thoughtful wines, and the warm and knowledgeable service. And let’s not forget about those stunning views!

If you’re wondering when you can visit, the restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with three different time slots: 8:30am – 11am, 12pm – 3pm, and 6pm – 10pm. On Sundays and Mondays, they’re open from 8:30am – 11am and 12pm – 3pm. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly!

For any inquiries or reservations, you can contact the Tangram Restaurant at 021 558 1300 or send them an email at info@durbanvillehills.co.za. They’ll be happy to assist you with anything you need.

Speaking of location, the Tangram Restaurant can be found on Tygerberg Valley Road in Durbanville. It’s a beautiful spot that’s worth a visit, so make sure to check it out!