Forget hearts, this little eatery tugs at our apron strings

Try Chef’s Apron for a reasonably priced breakfast or lunch

What does it mean to eat well in Cape Town? For me it’s always been a case of ‘the pricier the dish, the better the taste’. Of course, this is a fallacy, but it would make sense that restaurants which take their time in choosing the best ingredients are going to up their prices in order to make a profit.

That said, I was surprised when a co-worker came into work the other day gushing about this low-priced yet amazing spot downstairs—Chef’s Apron was it? Naturally I was sceptical. But one omelette and a hot coffee later, and I was convinced. 

I popped in to have a chat with the restaurant’s chef, Attila Allmann, while waiting for a generous portion of lasagne.

Tell me about your breakfast menu?

We tailor our menu to an individual’s taste. Dishes on the menu meet a range of requirements from fruit salad for the health nuts to a big breakfast. The Whole Hog Breakfast for one has been a hit – it’s comprised of eggs, tomatoes, slices of fried smoked beef, beef sausages and slices of toast (R30). And we also bake fresh bread, croissants and muffins every day.

Tell me about your concept?

We’re about good value for money. All the produce I source on a daily basis and we never overcharge.

How did you start?

This is a family affair. I actually have a telecommunication business, but my passion has always been food. I’ve been playing with the idea of doing something in the food industry for a while. And then one day my niece, Theresa Venter, left her job and I just said to her: “Look. Let’s go head first and start a business.” She brought her husband, Dick Venter (he makes the best coffee by the way), on board and here we are. I’m totally surprised with the amount of business we’ve received so far. Our lasagnes (R25) sell out every day.

Yes, the lasagnes are quite popular... Any other lunch dishes you would recommend?

Everything! But, if I had to pick a few... our chicken pies (R25) are quite popular. And then there’s also the chicken schnitzel that we serve with creamy tagliatelle (R40).

How do you manage to make a profit with these low prices? I have to ask...

I buy smart. I do the shopping myself and I pick the best ingredients which are on sale or well-priced. It’s all about actually going out there and looking, you can’t be lazy.

How do you find Chef’s Apron? Walk down vibrant Long Street and stop at 210 on Long. Tucked away inside, you’ll find this small and comfortable space with tables decked out in red and white checked tablecloths.

See you there...

By Taryn Jacobs (like the coffee)


Chef’s Apron
210 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)78 450 2103

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 5am – 8pm

Check out the cheapest breakfast in Cape Town.

For your monthly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.