Homespun: A Restaurant That’ll Make You Want to Drive to the Northern Suburbs

If you’re on the lookout for a remarkable dining experience that’ll leave you satisfied and craving for more, you’ll absolutely love Homespun – a hidden gem located in the picturesque northern suburbs. It’s a place that I cannot recommend highly enough!

Picture this: as you step inside Homespun, you’re immediately greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The rustic, yet inviting decor instantly puts you at ease. The flickering candlelight and soft music playing in the background create the perfect ambiance for a delightful evening.

But ambiance alone doesn’t make a restaurant worth visiting. Let’s talk about the food! I can assure you that Homespun delivers on that front as well. With a menu inspired by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, every dish is a testament to their commitment to freshness and quality.

Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or have any dietary restrictions, Homespun has something for everyone. Their diverse menu showcases a wide variety of options, from hearty burgers and succulent steaks to delectable salads and flavorful vegetarian dishes. Trust me, your taste buds won’t know what hit them!

Now, let me share a little secret with you – the dessert menu at Homespun is out of this world. Indulge in their decadent chocolate lava cake or savor their creamy homemade ice cream. You won’t be able to resist! It’s the perfect ending to a memorable dining experience.

But it’s not just the food that makes Homespun special. The impeccable service provided by the friendly staff adds to the overall charm of this restaurant. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you’ll be treated with genuine hospitality that’ll make you feel like a valued guest.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking to enjoy a dining experience that combines mouth-watering food, a cozy atmosphere, and exceptional service, Homespun is the place to be. Trust me, you won’t regret taking the drive to the northern suburbs!

Let me tell you what “homespun” means. It’s a word that describes something simple and rustic, like those things made at home. You might wonder why I mentioned this. Well, I live in the northern suburbs, and in my free time, I love exploring Durbanville, Bellville, and Table View for restaurants with my partner.

When I first ate at “Homespun by Matt” in 2014, it was right around the time they became really popular. It was one of the busiest restaurants in Cape Town that winter, with people having to wait for four weeks just to get a table. I recently went back to Homespun for dinner while I was making a list of the best places in the northern suburbs (make sure to sign up for our newsletter to see it first!). And I was reminded once again that Homespun is the absolute best restaurant in the northern suburbs. It’s even ranked number two in Cape Town on TripAdvisor, beating out fancy restaurants like La Colombe, Greenhouse, La Mouette, and even The Test Kitchen. But that’s a whole different story for another time.

A fancy restaurant with a cozy feel

When you walk into this place, you’ll immediately feel a relaxed and friendly vibe. The staff here are professional, but also really close-knit. It’s obvious that they enjoy spending their Sundays together, their only day off.

The space itself is small, but it’s got a cozy feel to it. The walls are dark, but the copper pipe lights give off a warm glow. On the other side of the room, you’ll find French-style mirrors against white-washed facebrick. The tables and wicker chairs are plain, but they’re made more dramatic by the Victorian candle holders. And let’s not forget about the candlelit chandeliers hanging overhead – they add a touch of romance to the whole place. Oh, and did I mention the paper stars hanging from the roof and the glass-domed plants in the bathroom? Turns out, the staff actually made those themselves.

When I sit down at the table, the scent of rosemary wafts from our wooden place settings and instantly makes me hungry. And let’s not forget about the gigantic wine glass that’s just waiting to be filled. The cutlery is neatly stored in decorative containers on each table, so there’s no need to feel overwhelmed about which utensil to use for each course. And the water? Well, it’s served in these cool old bourbon bottles. Now, it’s finally time to dig in and enjoy the meal.

An unforgettable dining experience

The way they present the cocktails and the food at this place is truly captivating. It’s like being transported into a different world. And the best part? The taste matches the spectacular visual appeal.

When I learned about the owner’s background, it all made sense. Having grown up working in his father’s restaurant, he knows a thing or two about good food. Drawing inspiration from his travels around the globe and collaborating with a talented chef, they have managed to create a dining experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

A Delicious Start

Let me tell you about the starters we had. I decided to be adventurous and went for the crocodile carpaccio. It was served on a bed of fresh rocket, with puffed barley, creamy avocado puree, a drizzle of indulgent white cheddar sauce, and a touch of caramelized onions. The combination of flavors was absolutely divine (R85).

My dining companion opted for the beef tataki, which came with a delicious caramelized white onion puree, tangy pickled ginger, crispy fried onions for some crunch, and a dollop of wasabi-infused kewpie mayo. The dish was a beautiful blend of textures and flavors (R75).

Delightful Main Courses

When I touched my knife to the braised sticky pork belly, it practically disintegrated. The combination of lentil and pork cheek ragout, carrot and citrus purée, aubergine tempura, and Ayran made for a delightful dish (priced at R135). However, the true star of the evening was the Asian-style tempura duck. It was not only my favorite item on the menu, but Matt’s too. Served with Cape Malay-inspired vermicelli, chipotle aioli, exotic mushrooms, and coriander foam (also priced at R135), it was a culinary revelation. Don’t forget to try the recommended wine pairing, the La Brie chardonnay.

Now onto dessert!

We couldn’t resist ordering the Valrhona blonde fondant (priced at R80). After all, it’s one of the best desserts in Cape Town. While the fondant was truly divine, the Gorgonzola-and-fig gelato (priced at R35) stole the show with its unique and refreshing twist on the traditional cheese board.

I’m really excited about the incredible value Matt and his team bring to the table when it comes to fine-dining. It’s got me feeling like a kid in a candy store again. You just have to check out the amazing à la carte menu they have on offer!

Now, let’s talk about when you can swing by. Homespun is open from Monday to Saturday, starting at 6 in the evening and closing at 11. Plenty of time to satisfy those taste buds of yours.

Want to get in touch? Give them a call at 021 556 2824 or send an email to reservations@homespunbymatt.co.za. They’d love to hear from you and help you with any inquiries or bookings.

So, where exactly is Homespun located? You’ll find it on Porterfield Road in Table View, right opposite Catch 22 and Domino’s Pizza. Can’t miss it!