Brass Bell Kalk Bay — Restaurant in Western Cape

A Love Letter to the Brass Bell seaweed and salt Restaurant (and Maybe to Eugene and Thomas Too...)

Let me preface this by saying I never go back to the same restaurant twice. There are just too many places to try, and I like to spread the love. But then... I discovered this gem down the stairs leading to the Brass Bell — and suddenly, I found myself breaking my own rule. Twice. And I still want more.

First of all, the view. It's so spectacular it deserves its own Michelin star. Add to that an atmosphere that's intimate yet inviting — like a warm hug wrapped in seaside air — and you're off to a great start before the menu even arrives.

The service? Top-tier. The staff are so friendly and accommodating, you’ll want to pull up a chair and chat with them all evening. Eugene, my server during my second visit, was charming, handsome, and so delightful I nearly asked him to hop into my suitcase and come back to England with me. (Customs might’ve had a few questions, but it would’ve been worth it.) The first time, I was served by Thomas — attentive, warm, and the kind of person who makes you feel like you’ve come home. He even recognised me the second time around — either I’m unforgettable, or the man has a memory like an elephant.

Now let’s talk food — glorious, glorious food. Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked, beautifully plated. The ravioli, filled with butternut and bathed in sage butter, was so divine I briefly considered proposing to it. I would genuinely fly back just for that one dish. The oysters? Plump, fresh, and as seductive as oysters can be (which is saying something). My mouth still waters at the memory.

As for dessert? Well, let’s just say I tried nearly all the puddings. Research, of course. And I regret nothing — each one was indulgent, delicious, and totally worth the extra notch on the belt.

Chef Richard clearly knows his way around a kitchen — and probably some kind of wizardry too, because the flavours are magic.

So yes, I broke my rule. I went twice. And if you told me I’d go a third time, I’d already be tying my shoelaces. This place...

I made a reservation 2 weeks ago for Valentine’s Day I get to Brass Bell my name is on the top of the list. My first time at Brass Bell, first Valentine’s Day newly engaged and we were just excited for the experience since we heard about it from many people. I give my name in and they tell me to walk up the stairs and look for my name on the table which I found very unprofessional. I get upstairs walk around like a lost soul and cannot find any table with my name on it. I then ask a waiter for assistance and he then looks around and comes back to tell me he cannot find my name. I walk back down to reception and let them know my name is not there and she then goes to check only to come back down a while later to say someone double booked my table. My disappointment was all over my face. By this time it’s 19:15 and she says sit on the couch and they will call me when the other people are done eating. They come back a little while later and asks me to take a table at the bottom which is not what I requested. I refused that table and waited a little while longer. Brass Bell you ruined my experience totally and I’m not even going to talk about the waiter who didn’t listen or took forever to bring my coffee...

My husband made a reservation for Valentines day. An early dinner. When we arrived his name was not on the list. They then apologized only after he showed them on his phone when he spoke to them and how long the conversation was. They then tried to appear very friendly and helpful by making a table available for us. Firstly the tables were very well covered in red and white. Lovely atmosphere but then we walked past all those tables went upstairs, past more beautiful tables and we were seated in a corner where the tables were not covered and no balloons and an atmosphere. I was very disappointed and it put a damper on the surprise for me. Needless to say we waited for about 30 minutes before a waitor came to give us a menu and then another 15 minutes before taking our order. We tried to be clever and order bother stater and main together but that was futile as the main was not prepared when we were ready for it. They waiter was apologetic but there was really not reason for the mixup. Nor for seating us at a table in a corner when there were clearly lotssssss of tables available through our time there. I am deeply disappointed in Brassbell. It has been my favour place but I don't think I will...