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Welcome to Mantra Café – Camps Bay’s coolest new spot!
Located on the iconic Camps Bay strip, this brand new addition to the Melissa’s chain is a definite winner.
The Melissa’s group of coffee shop-delis has just opened a fabulous new restaurant on the famous Camps Bay strip. Situated on the first floor of the former Tuscany Beach, right above another exciting newcomer called The 41, the restaurant boasts an amazing view of the beach and palm trees. The large glass panels slide open and shut depending on the weather, revealing a stunning panoramic view. As I walked up the stairs, I was completely blown away by the breathtaking scenery.
As soon as I stepped inside, I knew I was in a Melissa’s café – the classic black and white café-style rattan chairs were there, all around. But this is no ordinary Melissa’s; this is Melissa’s on steroids – a bold new venture into the world of unique dining experiences.
Beachside Elegance
Imagine this: a cozy bar, complete with a row of seats along the side, where you can take a break from the beach and indulge in a refreshing cocktail, beer, coffee, or a light meal. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what you’ll find at this beachfront gem.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a trendy ambiance that combines modern sophistication with a touch of relaxation. The charcoal-patterned wallpaper adds a stylish flair to the bar area, while the exposed ceiling beams and sand-colored floors create a natural, beachy vibe. And let’s not forget about the captivating artwork and a stunning photograph of swimmers capturing the essence of Camps Bay beach.
Come and witness the magic at sunset
It was a Friday evening when I arrived at 6.30pm. The wind was blowing fiercely, and I was just in time to witness the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the ocean – truly spectacular! The restaurant was buzzing with activity. I saw a large family who seemed to be having a very late lunch, some elegant couples enjoying their evening, and many trendy and happy diners who arrived throughout the night. As soon as we walked in, the managers and part-owners, Ian Smith and Stehann Burger, warmly welcomed us. Unfortunately, the third manager, Simone Ruthven, was not available that evening. They led us to our seats in the main section of the restaurant because the lower window terrace was too sunny, even at that time of day. Our server, Lauren, handed us the menu, and we settled down to enjoy our drinks while we contemplated our options.
A view to remember
When I was feeling a bit hungry, my friend and I decided to order the delicious Mantra salad to share. After that, I chose the grilled prawns while my friend went for a thick-cut sirloin steak, both accompanied by Mantra’s flavorful Bearnaise sauce. Let me tell you, that salad was amazing! It had fresh butter lettuce, big pieces of avocado, and toasted pumpkin seeds, all tossed in a sweet honey-raspberry dressing. And to top it off, there was a generous amount of Parmesan shavings. But that’s not all we tried. We also had a crispy, thin-based pizza bread that was sliced into small pieces and topped with olive oil and grated Parmesan. It was the crispiest and tastiest pizza bread I’ve had in a long time. It was so good that we can’t wait to go back and try one of the seven different pizzas they offer. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
I couldn’t wait to dig into my plate of grilled prawns. The dish came with a lovely side of herbed potato chips and delicate pea shoots. The portion size was just right – there were eight prawns, which was plenty for me. And let me tell you, they were cooked to perfection! The prawns were seasoned with a mouthwatering combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs. The sauce wasn’t too heavy, which I appreciated. It had just the right amount of flavor to enhance the natural taste of the prawns. As I picked up each prawn, I couldn’t resist licking my fingers clean. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the restaurant provided a finger bowl for me to clean up any stickiness. A small gesture, but it made me feel taken care of.
Now, some people might think the prawns were slightly overcooked because they had a bit of difficulty removing them from the shells. But you know what? I actually liked it that way. I enjoy savoring every part of the prawn, including the skin. It adds an extra layer of flavor that I find irresistible. So, for me, those slightly stubborn shells were a welcome challenge.
The steak my friend ordered was cooked to perfection. It had a warm, rare center, just as it should be. It was served with a unique but delicious Béarnaise sauce. On top of the steak was a beautifully roasted garlic clove, which I devoured quickly. If you don’t eat garlic, make sure to let the waiter know when you order. I glanced over at another table and saw a mouthwatering Mantra burger, topped with dill pickles, red onion, tomato, and melted cheese on a toasted brioche bun. The thin-based pizza being enjoyed by someone nearby also looked incredibly tasty.
You’re in for a treat at Mantra Café, open from 8am till late, serving up a delightful selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, tea, cocktails, and dinner. The menu is carefully crafted to cater to every palate. You’ll find all your breakfast favorites like muffins, croissants, scones, and a variety of hearty cooked breakfasts. Indulge in classics like eggs Benedict, the traditional English breakfast, omelettes, or treat yourself to the mouthwatering smoked salmon hash browns.
Hey there! I’ve got some great news for you! Have you ever heard of mantra plates? They are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a quick snack or something to share with friends after a fun day at the beach. And let me tell you, they are totally worth it!
These mantra plates, which cost around R100 each, offer a variety of mouthwatering options. You can choose from a delicious Caprese salad, Patagonian calamari prepared in both fried and grilled styles, sticky chicken wings, refreshing tuna ceviche, and flavorful beef carpaccio. Sounds amazing, right?
But wait, there’s more! The main courses at this place will blow your mind. They have an incredible selection to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional battered hake and chips, succulent mussels and yellowtail, perfectly cooked wood-fired chicken, or tasty wood-fired pork ribs with a sticky BBQ sesame sauce, they have it all. It’s a tough decision, but a good one to have!
Now, let’s not forget about our vegetarian friends. They haven’t been left out either! Mantra plates also offer a delightful option for vegetarians – the Aubergine Parmigiana. It’s a dish that will satisfy any veggie lover’s cravings.
So, the next time you’re searching for a place that offers a wide range of scrumptious food options for a reasonable price, you should definitely check out mantra plates. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Melissa’s luxury shop, located at the entrance of the restaurant, offers a delightful selection of bottled fruits and vegetables, as well as relishes and pickles. They also have a range of beautiful table linen, crockery, and gift items. Make sure you take a look at the stunning cake stands made by potter Gemma Orkin, where they display their delicious cakes. While the cake stands are not currently for sale, you can ask Gemma to create one just for you if you’re interested.
You can visit Melissa’s luxury shop from Monday to Sunday, between 8am and 12pm. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, you can reach them at 021 437 0206 or send an email to campsbay@melissas.co.za. The shop is located at Mantra Cafe, on the 1st Floor of 43 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this wonderful shop and discover all the treasures it has to offer.
