La Colombe Restaurant — Restaurant in Western Cape

Visited in June 2024 South Africa. Capetown.

Nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful and enchanting Constantia Valley, La Colombe is a contemporary French restaurant that exudes elegance and sophistication. The restaurant's bright and airy ambiance, tables adorned with white tablecloths and impeccably dressed servers, sets the stage for an unforgettable fine dining experience - so, we are here!

Food La Colombe offers a 10-course tasting menu, complemented by two wine pairing options: classic and iconic. The culinary journey begins with a delightful amuse-bouche served upon arrival - a refreshing citrusy cocktail that awakens the palate.

The ensuing amuse-bouches are equally captivating, featuring a selection of pâtés and terrines paired with soft, freshly baked brioche. We opted for the biltong, salmon, and salami pâtés, all of which were flavorful and delishious.

One of La Colombe's signature dishes, the Tuna in a Tin Can, has remained a menu mainstay for a reason. The tuna is prepared to perfection, and the accompanying secret sauce elevates the experience.

The parade of amuse-bouches continues with a delicate crab and yellowtail and then surprising delightful quail stuffed with crayfish which is unusal comination- an artistic and gastronomic masterpiece.

For the main course, I selected lamb and my husbant selected the Wagyu beef, which is offered as an upgrade from the lamb. The beef was exceptionally juicy and flavorful, boasting a rich, satisfying meatiness and marbling. In comparison, the lamb seemed lean and lacked seasoning.

An additional course, which can be pre-selected from the menu, is the wine pairing interlude. We highly recommend indulging in this experience. Conducted in a historic wine cellar, the tasting features a smooth, vintage 2001 Shiraz paired with truffle and foie gras amuse-bouche.

The dessert offerings, however, were the weakest link in the meal. The strawberry mousse with sorbet, meringue, and coconut base was overly dense, cloyingly sweet, and lacked the refreshing acidity that could have balanced the flavors. The petit fours were similarly underwhelming.

The Service The service at La Colombe was impeccable. Attentive and knowledgeable servers ensured that our every need was met, and the pacing of the meal was perfect, allowing for ample time to savor each dish without feeling rushed. Empty plates were cleared promptly and efficiently.

Conclusion La Colombe is an excellent choice for a special occasion dinner. The elegant ambiance and attentive service create a memorable atmosphere. While the tasting menu was mostly exceptional, the desserts fell short. If you are seeking an unforgettable fine dining experience in Cape Town, we highly recommend La Colombe. It ranks among the top set-menu restaurants in Capetown we have had the pleasure...

Food presentation 9/10 Restaurants atmosphere 7/10 Service 9/10 Food 6/10

My husband took me here for my birthday. I think a lot of people booked this restaurant for special occasions as well since there were a few tables were also celebrating something.

When we sat down in the restaurant, we were offered if we would like some wine (sparkling or champagne, etc). To be fair, this is a fine dining restaurant that provides a set menu, i would have thought the drinks were "complimentary drinks", however, they were not. Eventually, it was R1000 for 2 champagnes. I was SHOCKED. Also, I personally have never been to a restaurant with a set menu that does not include a drink / soup. (Unless you consider the dove's nest thing were the complimentary drinks, in that case, that was rather stingy as the nest was not a proper drink at all.)

Food presentations were no doubt 9/10. It's extremely exquisite and pretty, Portions were ok, considering its fine dining.

Flavour wise, I personally like the Tuna and the quail, also the linefish the most, as a person who's not fond of fish, the seabass tasted actually surprisingly good. (8.8/10)

The "Sweet potato, pine nut, pork, duck liver" was rather a waste. It tasted like purely just fat. Looks really pretty but nothing special. (3/10)

The "Nitro citrus", to be honest, I think it's more of a show to present throughout fine dining. They called it "palate cleanser", for me, it was simply pop candy with a bit of citrus flavour in my mouth. (5/10)

The "Alaskan King crab", I don't even know how to describe this. The outside bit tasted a bit dry, or was it supposed to be dry? Tasted a bit fishy as well. (5/10)

The "Dry aged duck", it was more or less a bit salty. Or maybe that's how a dry aged duck taste😂 but in a way it was quite tasty. (7/10)

The "cheese & honey", well well well, here we come to the dessert part. WEIRD. For me it was just weird. I understand the fact that they're trying to combine savory and sweet together but it just did not work. Have a try at Hagen Dars's Peanut butter ice cream, that's what I think they actually did a good job with combining 3 falvours together. (5/10)

The "Eclair", more dessert selections comes into a box, that was rather inspiring and innovative for the whole course. I've never seen that else where, thumbs up for that. (8/10)

Environment wise, it was quite a loud/rowdy atmosphere for a fine dining restaurant.

Overall 6.5/10. We have two other cocktails. In total, our bill was more than R4000. (Less than R5000). I really appreciate my partner taking me here for such a great experience. (Yes, in general, I'd say it's a great experience for fine dining.) But would we ever come back again?...

"La Colombe Restaurant: A Culinary Journey Beyond Expectations"

La Colombe Restaurant, nestled in the heart of an upmarket vineyard, offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends contemporary cuisine with local ingredients and a distinct French flair. From the moment you step into this culinary haven, you're transported into a world of refined elegance and gastronomic adventure. Here's a review of this remarkable modern French restaurant.

Ambiance (5/5): La Colombe's setting is nothing short of enchanting. Surrounded by lush vineyards and featuring tasteful, minimalist decor, the restaurant exudes a sense of tranquility and sophistication. The panoramic views of the vineyards and the elegant interior design make it an ideal destination for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.

Service (5/5): The service at La Colombe is impeccable. The staff is not only attentive and professional but also genuinely passionate about the culinary journey they are guiding you through. They are well-versed in the menu and wine pairings, providing valuable recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is exceptional.

Cuisine (5/5): The menu at La Colombe is a masterpiece of contemporary French cuisine that makes innovative use of local ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, both in terms of presentation and taste. The fusion of traditional French techniques with locally sourced, fresh ingredients brings a unique character to every plate. The attention to detail in each course is astounding. From exquisite appetizers to indulgent main courses and heavenly desserts, every bite is a revelation.

Wine List (5/5): Given its vineyard location, it's no surprise that La Colombe has an extensive and impressive wine list. The sommelier's recommendations perfectly complement the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a novice, the selection caters to a wide range of palates.

Value for Money (4/5): Dining at La Colombe is undoubtedly a premium experience, and the prices reflect the quality and exclusivity of the restaurant. While it's not an everyday dining option, it's worth the investment for a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself to a truly unforgettable culinary journey.

Overall Impressions (5/5): La Colombe Restaurant is a modern French culinary gem that exceeds expectations on all fronts. From the stunning ambiance to the outstanding service and, most importantly, the exquisite cuisine, every aspect of your visit is carefully curated to create a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for a refined, gastronomic adventure with a French twist, La Colombe is a must-visit...