Pilcrow & Cleaver — Restaurant in City Centre

We have steered away from the CBD for some time. However Pilcrow and Cleaver's (P&C) menu was enticing enough on the restaurant week website, to make a return. I am glad we did. It is an intimate restaurant with direct access and interaction to the small kitchen, which is incorporated with the seating area. Service was impeccable from the start. We were greeted with friendly smiles, and seated on high chairs at the window (though I wish that we were told before hand of this, as I prefer not to dine on high stools). The food was excellent. My wife had the springbok loin as a starter which was tender and delicious. I had the crumbed oyster and pan fried scallop, which was beautifully presented (though I still prefer my oysters raw). For the main I have the most beautifully prepared Kingklip -it was so very fresh, and tender -not many restaurants get Kinglklip right. My wife had the burger which she really enjoyed. I had the deconstructed Cranachan. The whisky soaked oats were overpowering, and the white chocolate on the plate was pasted too firmly onto the ceramic, which made it difficult to combine with the oats -it would have balanced off the whisky (hence 1 star less). The sorbet though was magnificent and had fresh spring notes. Overall this is a restaurant that I would highly recommend. We will...

I am devastated to write this review as I have only heard wonderful things about Pilcrow and Cleaver but unfortunately last night was probably one of the worst food experiences I’ve had in Cape Town. I don’t take this lightly. First off my Espresso martini glass had a chip on it, I didn’t mind as that’s an honest mistake but in hindsight I should have taken that as a warning for what was about to happen. The first two courses were beyond terrible. We asked for our duck to be medium rare with crispy fat and when it arrived it was GREY. Well done to the maximum. The next course was ceviche scallops and we hardly finished it. The Love letter dish was next and it was totally unbearable and I sent it back. I said we wouldn’t like to continue eating as this is really not good at all. And our waiter agreed, we waited 20 minutes and they brought our last meal anyway! To top this all off I almost got charged more as my deposit wasn’t deducted at first. Firstly I can’t believe I paid what I paid for the food we received and didn’t eat. I will never go back nor would I recommend this to anyone. If you do go, check your bill to make sure the deposit is deducted and perhaps go on an evening when the head chef is around as it might be...

Pilcrow and Cleaver: I am singing their praises at the top of my voice! 5 out of 5 for everything!

Firstly, bookings can be made online, situated in center town. It's a small establishment, and I waited about three weeks for an availability on a weekend. Their operation is refreshingly different - no waiters, the chef serves you, and there is a no tipping policy!

Upon arrival we received a welcome cocktail and a tasting portion of liver pate and bread. R500 charge for a 4 course meal, or at lunch time there is a two course offering. One cannot say it was a tasting menu!! Their portion sizes are incredibly generous. We weren't expecting such big portions, and mistakenly ordered too many meat options. I would highly recommend one orders a veggie, fish, meat and dessert choice. There isn't a dish served that evening that I wouldn't recommend.

If you HAD to twist my arm, my choice would be: Love Letters (prawn ravioli), Almond coated sea bass, Malay...