3 restaurants in Joburg and Cape Town to check out

WHILE the past two years were hard on many restaurants with frequent closures and switches to carry-out dining, these places are ready to serve delicious fare during this much better year. Ouzeri

Last week, chef Nic Charalambous opened the doors of his first restaurant, Ouzeri, within the trendy foodie hub of Cape Town’s city centre. Inspired by the taverns in Cyprus and Greece it serves up a contemporary celebration of the two countries’ flavourful, regional dishes and culinary traditions.

“My dishes are versions of the food I grew up eating. The menu is in many ways my interpretation of the food and culture of my Cypriot heritage,” says Charalambous, who is the owner and executive chef.

The restaurant menu, which weaves between the ‘similar-yet-different’ dishes of both countries and their regions. Each dish highlights a regional speciality or favourite, taking diners on a flavour-filled journey through Cyprus and the Greek Islands.

Where: At 58 Wale Street, 061 533 9071

Café Fleur

It’s no secret that French cuisine is considered among the best in the world – and the good news is that South Africans can now experience the traditional flavours of France, paired with top local and French wines, within an hour’s drive of Cape Town.

Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West has just launched a new restaurant, Café Fleur. This destination pop-up is inspired by the floral beauty of the 322-year-old estate, as well as the classic cuisine, elegant ambience, excellent service, and wine-making styles of France.

The petite menu has been refined to five starters, five main courses, and four desserts that showcase a diversity of ingredients and flavour profiles.

Main courses include roasted rack of lamb, duck a l’orange, and cheese and leek tart. Desserts include apple tart and crème caramel, and choux pastry with coffee cream.

Where: Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 021 847 2111

ONE80° Pool Deck & Bar

The Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton has launched its newly renovated rooftop pool, the ONE80° Pool Deck & Bar, which has the exact vibe to lure you away from the warmth of the indoors.

The bar at the pool serves wellmixed cocktails and the menu offers a range of food from ribs n’ wings to freshly baked pizza.

The Sandton skyline serves as the perfect backdrop. Social events are back and if daytime fun is more up your lane, the ONE80° is perfect for cocktails and to grab a light lunch.

Every last Saturday of the month the pool deck and bar will host Saturday Sessions, where you can enjoy house music with your squad.

Where: Rivonia Road and Daisy Street, 011 245 8000