The Grille Shack — Restaurant in Western Cape

I travel Clarens Drive quite often. It is my 'going home' route from Cape Town to the Overberg. I have seen the Grille Shack every time I venture that way and I've threatened to stop over many times before but this time I had a tourist en route from the airport and after a journey of 22 hours he needed a decent coffee and a bite to eat. I think 'love at first sight best describes our experience. The moment you step out of your car, you enter another world. The backdrop of mountains, the massive garden and then the feeling of otherworldliness are just a few of your sensory observations. Decorated in an array of grilles of vehicles, old road signs from a bygone era, industrial lamps and a photo gallery, the front of a red jaguar in pristine condition, the back of a Valiant with leather upholstery as a seating area.... my thoughts drifted back to the 60's and the 70's and it was a sheer delight. The food was excellent. I would call the portions rather small for a 'big' breakfast, but with homemade roosterkoek instead of ordinary toast, the eggs and bacon were presented in a very authentic enamel plate. Large cappuccinos were served in enamel mugs and the beautiful baby blue Morris Minor was parked under the tree as if my grandmother was just stopping by for some fresh produce. I will definitely stop again, this time to also visit the gift shop. I have to congratulate the owners on achieving a beautiful moment on a breathtaking route. Here are some photo's to whet...

We celebrated my father-in-law's 60th birthday here.

Food was amazing, their sharing platters - top notch - I don't think I even ate a main meal because I was so full from the starters - they are definitely not stingy with their dishes.

Friendly, patient (my mother-in-law had many questions about the dishes hehe) & attentive staff.

There's a little play area outside for kids between say 5 to 10 years of age - not really much variety, but plenty of grass to run around on. Now let's talk about the play area for the babies up to 5 years old - very cute indoor play area with a large table comfortably low enough for my 1 year old to explore the 100s of little things he could find. There's a whole wooden kitchen as well, with play stove, pots, pans, utensils, play food that can be assembled (like burgers), There's dinosaur sets, cars, soft toys, puzzley things, logic toys, absolute variety in this area - your baby/toddler & even preschooler will love it!

Parking is a bit of a shlep & it is not a tar road, it's stones, so wheelchairs might be a lil' challenging to move but not impossible.

They have a cute gift shop where you can purchase sterling silver jewellery, beautiful mugs, scatter pillows, even wines & sauces they use.

All in all, it was a great experience & I wouldn't mind dining...

A visit to The Grille Shark should be added to your list of things to do in Cape Town. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a delightful blend of culinary excellence and a vibrant atmosphere. The moment you step in, you’re greeted by a modern, chic interior that instantly sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

The menu at The Grille Shark is a testament to the chef’s creativity and passion for fine dining. Specializing in grilled seafood and steaks, each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and a keen eye for detail. The seafood platter, a crowd favorite, features a succulent array of prawns, calamari, and line fish, all perfectly grilled to enhance their natural flavors. Equally impressive are the steaks, cooked to perfection and served with a selection of delectable sides.

Beyond the food, The Grille Shark boasts an extensive wine list, curated to complement the rich flavors of the dishes. The staff are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well-cared-for. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Cape Town’s culinary scene. A gem not to be missed during your visit...