Hemelhuijs — Restaurant in City Centre

It's a hidden gem... my 1st impression when I walked, was this is fancy as the tables are neatly set up with glasses, knives, fork and beautiful proteas as a center piece. The decor and style gives an impression of a lavish feel, with lavish food prices... which not the case, it is a bit pricier than most places but its worth it.

My friends and I just walked in and there were a few reserved seats, thinking we will need to sit outside, which wasn't something we wanted. However, the manager or I think she was be the hostess, just removed the reserved sign to accommodate us. Which was really great. I felt a bit under dressed with sneakers and a cap, as we had just come from a 6km walk. Seeing people dressed up that early, was quiet something but not once did I feel like I didn't belong there, just because of how I was dressed. I was fascinated by the decor and the ceiling flowers. Floatimf shelves and some porcelain piece against the wall. So beautiful...

We were served with friendliness and a very attentive waitress...

I was super impressed with my food. I don't usually go for artichokes but it was delicious. My poached eggs were perfect but what top it for me was their mosbolletjie toast. I had to order another slice it was so good.. my friends also enjoyed their food, we were even impressed with the design of one of the plates.

1 critic...

the restaurant is quite small and there was a moment I felt uncomfortable because I think there were too many waiters for such a small place. When they not attending to the tables, they all gather in the corner, like sardines in a tin, just watching all the patrons. It was funny but it felt weird even though I know they just keeping an eye out for wehe they are needed but it felt like i was stared at..

It is definitely a place I will recommend and also will return for maybe...

What can one say about Hemelhuijs which would not be overflowing with complements and praise?! This is a rare find in today's world. From the food, to the bespoke menu to the waitrons to the decor, the handmade pottery, the exceptional drinks options - absolutely EVERYTHING about Hemelhuijs could be written in capital letters. They don't cater for the masses - this is a connoisseur's restaurant and food critics would find dream-food on offer here.

The space is small but cosy. The decor refreshes every season and is never old. The bespoke menu with creations by a master chef that are professionally photographed by the same master chef-photographer-interior decorator-potter-winemaker just sends shivers down one's spine! I have never been disappointed by the menu offerings on Hemelhuijs menu!

The restrooms at the back in the courtyard are an experience in and of itself too and even sitting outside on a dreadfully hot day, one still looks forward to a charming meal, prepared as the menu promises with flair, love, delicate and extraordinary flavours and colours, textures and food items which are all "out of this world"!

I can't praise this restaurant enough for what it offers to the...

We went to Hemelhuijs for lunch and ordered a flat white & ginger, lemon and lime leaf tea to start. The ginger lemon tea was very weak unfortunately at just tasted like hot water with a hint of ginger, there was also no lime leaf in the tea which was disappointing. The price for a flat white was R55 and I’m not sure how they justify that, seems very overpriced. The interior and ambiance is beautiful and they play classical music which is so calming. The restaurant is clean and decorated beautifully and the staff is friendly and welcoming. My only criticism is the prices, quality and presentation of the food. The food and especially the presentation was frankly just not up to par considering the price. The flavour was ok and I would give the dishes a 5/10. The bread course was tasty but not enough for us to return. We left feeling disappointed and like it was a waste of money, a feeling you do not want to experience if you’ve just spent...