The Nines by Kove Collection — Restaurant in Sea Point

Visited in January 2025. South Africa. Cape Town.

This establishment consistently ranks among our preferred dining destinations on Sea Point. The restaurant itself is rather spacious and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the sea, with both a terrace and an indoor seating area. The decor is tastefully appointed in light tones, and I suspect that advance reservations, particularly for dinner, would be advisable.

The Food:

We opted to share several appetizers and main courses. The fresh oysters, served with a simple wedge of lemon, are consistently excellent; plump, with a subtle, slightly sweet, and distinctly maritime flavor - indicative of an exceptionally fresh product. (For oyster enthusiasts, a larger platter with a signature dressing is available). Following the oysters, we enjoyed the young cucumbers with mayonnaise dressing. The cucumbers were incredibly fresh, sweet, and crisp, a deceptively simple yet and, in fact, one of our absolute favourites. For our main courses, we selected the butternut ravioli with sage, pine nuts, and butter. This was a truly masterful combination; the pasta itself was perfectly prepared, smooth, slightly chewy, and well-seasoned – an ideal foil to the rich filling and sauce. We also sampled the seafood platter for one. This featured a selection of prawns, crayfish, calamari, mussels, and fish; all of which were exceptionally fresh and flavourful. The combination with the two accompanying sauces only further enhanced the seafood's natural flavors. The platter was, in all respects, a very generous and satisfying portion for a single diner.

Service:

The service was exemplary; our waiter was both friendly and humorous, offering helpful advice when we were selecting our dishes and remaining readily available throughout the meal should we require anything. The atmosphere, overall, was wonderfully pleasant.

Conclusion:

This restaurant is a genuinely excellent choice, equally well-suited for a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner - particularly at sunset. Every dish we sampled was delicious, and the consistent high quality has remained unwavering over time. I wholeheartedly recommend...

The Nine Restaurant, Cape Town**

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, The Nine Restaurant exudes a charming ambiance that marries modern sophistication with warm hospitality. Situated in a vibrant culinary scene, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that celebrates both local flavors and international influences.

Upon entering The Nine, guests are greeted with an inviting atmosphere adorned with contemporary décor and elegant furnishings. The restaurant's chic design sets the stage for an unforgettable dining journey, whether it be a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends and family.

The menu at The Nine boasts an enticing selection of dishes crafted with care and creativity. From tantalizing starters to mouthwatering mains and decadent desserts, each dish is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques. Whether indulging in seafood delicacies, savoring succulent meats, or exploring vegetarian options, every palate is sure to be delighted.

The service at The Nine is impeccable, BUT I WAS FORCED TO TIP the WAITER I DIDN'T Like THAT.

However, it's worth mentioning that during my visit, there was a noticeable focus on tipping by the waiter. While tipping is customary in many dining establishments, it's essential that it doesn't detract from the overall dining experience. Guests should feel appreciated for their patronage without feeling pressured to tip beyond what they feel is appropriate.

Despite this minor observation, The Nine Restaurant remains a standout destination in Cape Town's culinary landscape. Its combination of exquisite cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive service makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, seeking an exceptional dining experience in the Mother City.

In summary, The Nine Restaurant delivers a dining experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. With its delectable cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, it's no wonder why The Nine is a beloved culinary gem...

What started as an amazing evening, with delicious food and picturesque views, ended with a decision to NEVER dine at The Nines again.

We arrived just after 18:00 for a 18:00-20:30 reservation and were seated at the perfect table with a breathtaking view. We were approached by Tapiwa who was friendly from the offset and informed us he would be serving us for the evening. We ordered sparkling water and were left to peruse the menu.

A second waiter named Collin then approached our table and informed us he would be serving us. We told him we were already being served by Tapiwa and he then gave an awkward chuckle saying that it was okay as they were all one family. Sadly, we didn’t see Tapiwa again until much later as, Collin proceeded to serve us from that point.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meals — my husband had the Sea Bass (he felt the portion was a bit small) and I had the Roast Baby Kingklip with Fries. For dessert, my husband had the Whipped Vanilla Cheesecake and I had The Nines Chocolate Sundae (what chocolate dreams are made of). We also shared a bottle of the Kove Collection Chenin Blanc.

At 20:05 as we were finishing our desserts and wine, my husband suggested we end with cocktails as we still had time left before 20:30. Right at that moment, the manager approached us and asked if he could move us to the lounge once we had finished our desserts as they had another booking. I was in utter disbelief. Our booking was until 20:30 yet, at 20:05 it was being suggested we finish up and move to the lounge?

Then, just minutes later, Collin approached us with more urgency and said he could move us to the bar as we finished our wine.

At this point my husband suggested we get cocktails elsewhere and we paid and left feeling like we had been kicked out.

Clearly The Nines is more concerned with making money than with ensuring customers are happy and will return again. I would not recommend you dine here unless you like your evening ending on a low note.

Oh, and it was our...