La Petite Colombe

The service, the presentation, the combination of taste, the atmosphere… it was quite the experience to not miss out on. It’s an interactive experience with some entertainment on how they serve the dishes. The tasting menu was a lot of food, way too much- they could have cut down on some courses or portions. But everything was great!

Wow, we always return to one of our favourite fine dining spots in the SA winelands, and once again, the multiple-course tasting menu did not disappoint (low-key out of this world). Each dish was expertly prepared, full of incredible flavors, and beautifully presented. The service was warm and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. The setting in the winelands is the perfect backdrop, turning the meal into the most unreal experience. Honestly, this place compares to, if not outshines, some of the 3 Michelin star restaurants I’ve been to in London. It’s definitely worth the visit, and we’ll always be back for sure!

We went for dinner and had the full chef tasting menu, it was sensational! Best meal we have both ever eaten and so much of it! Cannot rate this place highly enough, and felt so looked after, hope to return!

From the moment you arrive at this picturesque estate, surrounded by lush vineyards and striking sculptures, it’s clear that you’re in for an extraordinary culinary experience. Stepping into the restaurant, you are warmly welcomed by professional and attentive staff before being guided to a comfortable waiting area. We began our evening with drinks while taking in the breathtaking views, followed by an exquisitely curated amuse-bouche course aptly named The Picnic. Every element—from the artistry of the presentation to the delicate balance of flavors—was meticulously considered and executed to perfection. Once seated at our table, the menu was thoughtfully explained, and we were presented with an extensive wine selection, including three pairing options for those looking to enhance their dining experience further. Throughout the evening, each dish was beautifully plated and expertly introduced by the waitstaff, showcasing the precision and care behind every creation. The flavor combinations were masterfully balanced, making each bite a delight. While the portion sizes appeared modest at first, the progression of the meal was so well-paced that by the time we reached the main course, I was already satisfied. A particularly memorable moment was the dessert, accompanied by a heartfelt story about the chef’s mother. This personal touch added a layer of warmth and emotion, making the final course even more special. However, if I had to highlight one standout dish, it would be the main course—especially the Wagyu supplement, which was an exceptional choice and well worth the indulgence. In summary, this dining experience has been the highlight of my restaurant ventures in Cape Town. For anyone seeking a world-class culinary journey, I cannot recommend this establishment highly enough.

This is amongst the best food and service experience we've ever had! There must be a reason why this doesn't have 1 Michelin star at the very least. The attention to detail and the overall pleasant and professional demeanor from the staff made it that much more enjoyable. Every dish and plating is well thought out and the flavors are top notch. We left here with an unforgettable experience!

The food and service were generally impressive, delivering a high standard of quality. However, for a Michelin-starred experience, we had hoped for a more adventurous approach in the use of spices, which would have elevated the flavors further. While the service was attentive, the rotating servers created a lack of continuity, and unfortunately, the lead server seemed ill-equipped to offer informed wine pairings from the main menu, which detracted from the overall experience. A major drawback, however, was the ambiance. The disruptive sound of a staff member repeatedly shouting “server” every time food was ready from the kitchen counter was jarring. A discreet signal, such as a silent light, would have been a far more appropriate and refined solution.

Best meal I’ve had in a while - worth every cent. Easily the top bread course I’ve ever had, and every dish after that was creative, delicious, and beautifully presented. The sea bass chowder in particular was divine. Fantastic service and beautiful views. Next time I probably won’t do the wine pairing again. Every wine they served was excellent, and there was more than enough of it, but the food was the standout to me - since the pairing is almost the same price as the food itself, it’s not something I think I’d do again.

La Petite Colombe – A Good Conclusion, but Not a Highlight This review is not an easy one for me, as I had high expectations for La Petite Colombe. I chose it as the grand finale of my fine-dining tour through South Africa, a restaurant that undoubtedly aims for recognition in the upcoming Michelin Guide. However, in my opinion, it reveals certain weaknesses that cannot be overlooked. The concept of the restaurant is undeniably well thought out, and the individual courses are of high quality and well-executed. The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the lamb main course: buttery tender, of exceptional quality, and melting in the mouth. The ingredients and their preparation are a testament to the expertise of the kitchen. However, compared to other fine-dining restaurants in South Africa, I must honestly say that La Petite Colombe fails to reflect the diversity and essence of South African cuisine. It lacks finesse, the courage to experiment with spices, and the boldness to take risks. While the dishes were visually impressive, they fell short in terms of innovation. The flavors were enjoyable, but they did not reach the level of excitement or discovery I experienced in other restaurants in the region. The service also contributed to my mixed impression. My head waiter often seemed distracted and not fully present when presenting the dishes. The team as a whole rarely showed passion; I often felt that the presentations were mechanical and lacked emotion. There were exceptions – one or two servers stood out for their genuine enthusiasm – but compared to other establishments, the overall service felt impersonal and somewhat detached. La Petite Colombe will likely earn stars, as it adheres strongly to classic fine-dining standards. However, for me personally, it reaches a maximum of one star. The quality of the dishes and ingredients is excellent, and the ambiance is pleasant, but it lacks innovation, personality, and the soul that makes fine dining truly unforgettable. I do not intend to criticize the restaurant harshly, as it has its strengths and provides a solid experience. However, in my personal ranking of fine-dining establishments in South Africa, it unfortunately finds itself near the bottom.