Lunch at Aubergine Restaurant

Daytime fine dining in the heart of Cape Town

Award-winning Cape Town restaurant Aubergine has been making diners smile since 1996. The longevity comes as no surprise to its regulars (of which there are many), as chef-owner Harald Bresselschmidt is as creative as he is hospitable. Famous for his inventive dinner menus, the kitchen whizz also offers a new lunch menu every week, to be enjoyed between noon and 2pm from Wednesday to Friday during the warmer months of the year (September to April).

Guests can enjoy selections from the enticing menu that allows for either a two-or three-course offering on the restaurant’s terrace in the summer sunshine or can dine inside, amidst simple elegance under a thatched reed roof.

The tree-lined outdoor area is tucked away just out of reach of the bustle of the surrounding business district, affording guests a prime perch for a quiet, peaceful alfresco lunch. The sophisticated indoor seating rests in a building dating back to 1830 and offers visitors a glimpse into the past, while at the same time giving them a chance to experience modern South African gastronomy.

Either way, Aubergine is the perfect setting for a quick business power lunch, a more leisurely inner city romantic rendezvous or a gathering of friends who love food and wine (lighter styles of vino, like Grenache and Pinot Noir, grace the lunch wine list).

As for the regularly changing culinary repertoire, previous set menus have included dishes such as Game Fish Duo (Tataki and Ceviche) with Aromas of Papaya and Lime, Soba Noodles and Radish; Blue Wildebeest Loin with Juniper Berry Sauce, Savoy Cabbage and Glazed Fresh Dates; and Pan-fried Kingklip with Asparagus and Artichoke Fondue, among many others. There’s always a host of tempting desserts too, like the Terrine of Dark Chocolate Mousse. And as the courses and price are fixed, you always know what you’re in for.

Though to truly keep up to date, enquire about the lunchtime mailing list, and Harald will happily send you the new menu every week.

Tip: It’s difficult to find on-street parking near Aubergine during the day, so if you’re in a rush, rather park at the nearby Garden Centre and make the three-minute walk down to the restaurant or request an UBER.

Bill: The two-course menu goes for R290p/p, and the three-course offering rings in at R385p/p.

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Interested to know more about Harald Bresselschmidt and his amazing culinary flair? Read about our experience at Aubergine Restaurant in Gardens.

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