NV-80 Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Sea Point

I haven't been to NV-80 during my last stays in Cape Town and thought it's time to refresh my memories. I knew, that the atmosphere was not as stylish or cozy as other restaurants in Cape Town, but this time it felt like sitting in a station hall. With that high ceilings and no partitions it's getting really noisy and loud, even if its only half full. I would highly recommend to work on the atmosphere, as you really feel where this restaurant is located: Inside a shopping mall!

After a warm welcome by the manager we got our table. Unfortunately our choice, the Springbok, was not available (since a long time, as the waiter said). But that could happen. So we decides to go fir the Calamari tubes with some garlic bun as a starter and for the Main we had the fillet with Risotto and Cream Spinach. The food was absolutely perfect: Calamari had a nice flavor and the meat was such a good quality and on point done. The Cream Spinach also one of the best I had here in Cape Town. We were not expecting too much from the Risotto and to be honest, the Risotto was just cooked rice with some veggies and cheese on top. If you know what a Risotto can be you wouldn't call this Risotto. But as I said, we didn't expect too much! For dessert we had a nice Chocolate Fondant with Armagnac Ice Cream, also worth trying.

Let's talk about the wine list... I was really disappointed by the selection of wines they do offer. About three different wines per variety is not what you expect when having dinner in a place like this in Cape Town, where the best wineries are minutes away. We decided to try the Rijk Touch of Oak Shiraz, which was a bit like a lottery, cause the wine list just says Rick Shiraz. If you know a bot about wine you would expect a bit more information (Which range is the wine from? Which vintage is the wine from?....). And that is not a information only a Sommelier can work with, it is necessary as the different ranges of the wineries do have different qualities, prices and aromas. The information Rijk Shiraz or Creation Pinot Noir includes more than one wine of this wineries!!! The wine itself was nice and slightly chille, which I highly appreciate in this climate. Sometimes reds are served way to warm. But the wine glasses..... How can you pour a red wine in a small glass, which is maximum the size of a white wine glass (if its was that big)? to enjoy a good wine the glass needs to match with the wine. You don't need variety glasses but there is a difference between red and white wine glasses. You might also use a red wine glass for a white, but not the other way?

Service in genreal was okay. Not what you get sometimes here in Cape Town, but not bad. We've missed a bit of a personality. But it matched with the whole atmosphere. At the end we were surprised, that tables around us got some free Dom Pedros before paying, while we didn't... But that was just a small issue.

We were wondering, that the manager, who was very attentive in the beginning, wasn't been seen after 10 pm. When we left the restaurant, we saw him sitting at the table, right next to the entrance/exit, having his dinner... It is absolutely understandable that each and everyone should have his break and meal, but how can it be, that there is only one manager on duty (Hussar Grill Camps Bay always got a minimum of two) who is not present for an hour, having his meal in the middle of a still operating restaurant? Hospitality is really good in Cape Town, service standards are high. Please have a look at other restaurants with the standard you wanna provide and work on those little things, to be a part of that league.

I am trained in service industry and also wine, working in that business since more than 20 years, so I think I can evaluate the standard and quality of the offered service.

Food 5* Atmosphere...

.....……..After been in Lock-down indoors for over 120 days plus because of the Covid-19 Pandemic and now with the levels raised we just had to attempt to get out for a bit. With my wife’s birthday due in August we found out that NV-80 a restaurant we favour and has a good repute from our past experience, we decided to make a reservation for a birthday-lunch. On the day of our arrival at the intriguing wooden-door with the NV 80 on the opposite wall in gold we first noticed that the poster pasted on the door in blue indicating that they were well prepared to combat the spread of the corona-virus. “NO MASK” No entree. The first thing you encounter when you enter is the Sanitizer-Spray Bottle and then the host will take each patrons temperature, show that they comply to and with COVID-Management as per government regulations, directing your attention to this fact where each guest must scan the Bar-Code into their cell-phone and fill out their details as this is administered by “dineplan”. After as this is behind your back you can choose your seating. It was rather sad to note that all the Wines were in jail as in locked-up behind steel mashed netting gates. The beautiful large impressive bar where the Draught-Taps stood like ornaments because they were bone-dry more like Drought-Taps! But didn’t dampen our spirits as they still had sparkling-water and juices to toast with. The restaurant floor-space is massive they even have loads of tables with seating on the “L” shaped outside balcony with the one section direct-lii under the “Lions Head” peak which today was awesome-lii surrounded by a cloud. The decor is neat the wall at the bar is filled with some nice paintings and above the bar counter they have two wire-boats. The manager on floor-duty was very polite and friend-lii and so was our waitron. There is much to choose from on the menu. As they serve you fresh brown-bread with a nice pungent strong dip before you order we decided to skip the starter and go straight to the mains. My wife is a carnivore and ordered a 300g rump-steak and a side of chips. The rest of us were hook by the Calamari-Tubes in a light garlic-marinade and chips. The steak looked more like 500g and filled the plate it was excellent-lii done just as ordered and tender. The calamari was succulent and well flavoured they even threw in same baby-squid which added a niff-tii twist to the presentation and it was indeed delicious. The desert menu is short they list only 3 kinds to choose from 1. Chocolate Fondant / Armagnac-ice cream, 2. Creme Brulee / vanilla, hazelnut shortbread 3. Baked Cheesecake / white chocolate ganache. Seen that we had a birthday-girl here we requested that they serve us all three dessert on one platter and scribble “Happy Birthday” on the plate with chocolate lettering which the manager glad-lii obliged to and even glad-lii serve the dessert-platter and sang “happy birthday” to the birthday-girl, how cool and how awesome was that extra-act which only strengthens and solidifies of repute for the exquisite restaurant. They serve nice cappuccinos but the cups are way too small! We high-lii recommend this venue for...

Visited in December 2024. South Africa. Capetown. Seeking a seafood-centric dining experience, we discovered NV80. The restaurant itself is beautifully appointed, a spacious and airy venue with ample seating, decorated in a bright and welcoming palette.

The Food:

The menu is extensive, showcasing a strong focus on both seafood and grilled meats. We opted for a selection of appetizers and individual main courses. The Vietnamese-style oysters were a triumph – plump, fresh, and the perfect start to our meal. Next, the baby calamari were truly exceptional; tender and delicate, their slightly spicy tomato sauce was expertly balanced, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience rarely achieved with this ingredient.

In contrast, the Wagyu burger felt somewhat underwhelming in comparison to the seafood dishes. Ordered medium, it arrived closer to well-done, leaving the patty dry and lacking sufficient sauce and seasoning. The overall flavor profile was rather bland; a few adjustments would significantly elevate this dish. The grilled langoustines, however, were outstanding. Perfectly cooked, they were succulent and tender, and the garlic butter accompaniment was the ideal complement.

Service:

Service was impeccable. As the only diners present, we enjoyed undivided attention; the service was prompt, friendly, and the food arrived swiftly.

In conclusion:

NV80 exceeded our expectations. The ambiance, the high quality of the food, and the attentive service combine to create a truly delightful dining experience. This restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. A perfect...