The Waterside — Restaurant in Foreshore

Even though the weather says otherwise, winter is soon coming to an end. How do I know? Because the winter specials wrap up at the end of August, bittersweet because I love the cozy hideaway but not the tourist rush. We decided to take advantage of the lunch special at R595 per person. A while back I went to Pier upstairs, so I was curious to try The Waterside’s vegetarian menu. Walking in from the icy wind, we were met with warmth, both the temperature and the smiles. Wine-lined walls, modern coastal elegance, sleek chairs, oak tables, and those big harbour views. It felt polished but not try-hard. I ordered bubbles (it was Women’s Month after all) and loved seeing a whole page of women-owned wines. My rosé MCC had a blush-gold hue and tasted as crisp and elegant as it looked. The vegetarian menu started with sweet potato, my favourite vegetable, but dressed up like it was headed for the Met Gala. A glossy tamarind sauce, curled ribbon garnish, edible flowers, all beautifully plated. It wasn’t just a looker, the sweet potato was soft and naturally sweet, the sauce gently spiced with curry notes, tangy tamarind sass, plus kimchi for heat and crunch. A touch more salt and it would’ve been perfect. Then came the palate cleanser: the cutest little cactus pot. Zesty lemon sorbet with a tequila-mezcal kick, crunchy chocolate-chilli “soil”, refreshing, grown-up, and genius. I’d happily drink it as a summer cocktail. Mains were gnocchi, golden potato pillows with a light crisp, salsa verde sauce, fresh broccoli and carrots, crispy garnish for seasoning. Vibrant colours like a spring garden on a plate. Comforting, zesty, salty, fresh, all in harmony. Honestly, vegetarians know what’s up; I had zero FOMO. And then dessert, maybe my favourite dessert ever. Minimalist but perfect plating: ruby-red rhubarb tart, creamy cheesecake swirl, dainty quenelle of ice cream. The tart was tangy, jammy, with a buttery buckwheat base. Paired with the decadent cheesecake swirl, it was pure magic. Love at first bite. The ice cream added a cool, not-too-sweet balance. Together? A modern rom-com love triangle that worked. Overall, The Waterside gave me an amazing afternoon: tranquil atmosphere, gorgeous views, and food that’s both beautiful and flavourful. Service was warm, welcoming, and polished. If you’re wondering whether the vegetarian menu is worth it, it absolutely is. Highly recommend....

Embarking on a fine dining journey at this exquisite restaurant was an experience that elegantly melded culinary artistry with impeccable service. From the moment we were seated, it was clear that the evening would be nothing short of spectacular, especially with the promise of a nine-course feast laid before us.

The service was exemplary; our waitress possessed an impressive knowledge of the menu, articulating the details of each dish with such passion and precision that it enhanced our anticipation for each course. The attention to dietary needs was particularly noteworthy. The staff's willingness to cater to individual preferences and their meticulous preparation of dishes well in advance spoke volumes of their commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

Among the culinary delights, the tuna dish stood out as a masterpiece, its flavors and textures harmonizing in a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. The starters, too, were a revelation, setting a high standard for the courses that followed and leaving us eagerly anticipating the next culinary delight.

The ambiance of the restaurant added an extra layer of magic to the dining experience. Positioned with views of the Waterfront, the evening scenery was breathtaking. The contrast of the vibrant lights against the dark ocean provided a stunning backdrop that transformed the meal into a truly enchanting experience.

Cleanliness and attention to detail were evident throughout, from the pristine condition of the bathrooms to the manner in which the staff ensured our water glasses were always filled, reflecting the high standards maintained by the establishment.

The combination of attentive staff, a meticulously crafted menu, and the serene ambiance made for an unforgettable fine dining experience. It was a celebration of culinary excellence and service that went beyond mere satisfaction to truly captivate and impress. This restaurant is a gem that stands out not just for its food, but for the entire experience it offers, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in the art of...

When we arrived at the restaurant - having made a booking and paid a deposit for each of us – we had to wait a number of minutes while a walk-in customer babbled on to the front of house manager. What should’ve happened is that the walk-in customer should have been asked to wait a moment, and the front of the house manager should’ve checked with us whether we have a reservation, in which case we should have been welcomed and shown to our table without delay. I have eaten at these sorts of fine dining restaurants, many times over the years and in different parts of the world. I have been to la colombe many times. We both ordered the full chef’s menu. We both felt that the food was only pretty good; it lacked the WOW factor. Every over-complicated course consists of a tiny portion of food, with far too many drops of jus, and specks of foam, and smears of oil and and and… The food is simply too fiddly, with too many competing flavors all the time. One would be much better off simply going to a decent restaurant and ordering a three course meal: the portion sizes would be sufficient, and the food would be well prepared with quality ingredients that are allowed to speak for themselves, without all the clutter on the plate. The pricing would also be palatable. This meal was not good value for money at R1460 per person. We don’t even drink alcohol. This is far more than double what a three course meal at an excellent city restaurant would cost. I also usually tip generously, and take exception when a compulsory tip of 13% is added, especially when it is only a table of two people and the service has been what one would expect from any ordinary restaurant. While this is an interesting experience, it is not worth repeating and I would not recommend it to anyone, even if they haven’t tried something like...