Maggie’s Café in Green Point

Enjoy scrumptious café-style food and good wine at this new laidback, dog-friendly Sea Point eatery

I am a dog person, through and through. From their constant happy wagging tails to their always ready-to-play attitude, I absolutely love the little (and big) four-legged creatures and have two of my own that I adore. So when I heard that there was a new dog-friendly café open in Green Point where I could have a delicious meal and take my pooches along, I knew I had to check it out.

The Sea Point eatery – which officially opened its doors in February 2016 – is the birth child of Chef Riaan Burger – you might recognise him as the former executive chef from Mondiall Kitchen and Bar located at the V&A Waterfront – and his partner Cailin Daniels. Owing to their frustrations of not being able to find a suitable dog-friendly restaurant that they could eat at and take their American Staffy Maggie along with, Riaan and Cailin decided that their new café would not only target Capetonians, but also their furry four-legged companions.

And so, Maggie’s Café – which was also named after the owner’s beloved canine – was born, sitting pretty on Green Point’s Main Road inviting locals as well as their pooches in for a laidback meal on its large outside porch area – perfect for pups – or inside at one of the restaurant’s tables or at the bar.

Focusing on offering fresh great-tasting dishes at affordable prices, Maggie’s Café, as general manager, Robert Fick explains is the perfect hangout for locals and their dogs to come and enjoy a scrumptious brunch, a gorgeous lunch or a delightful dinner with a delectable cuppa Joe or glass (or two) of wine.

“That’s our main focus,” says Robert. “We just want people to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Especially locals – we are very well-priced. If I can get a good meal for under R100 [like you can get at Maggie’s] you will see me twice a week. That’s the kind of people we are aiming for.”

Guests can find a wide range of reasonable café-style options all with a Chef Riaan-twist. Designed by Riaan himself, Robert explains that many of the items found on the menu are some of the renowned chef’s personal favourites and is truly just “easy and lekker food."

Patrons can expect to find an array of yummy foodie options such as eggs Benedict, spicy chicken wings and gourmet sandwiches served with home cut fries as well as various meaty options straight from the grill (the eatery plans to add more tasty items to their menu in the future.) What’s more, the Green Point eatery also boasts an extensive (and constantly developing) wine list – there are over 30 reds and whites on offer – designed by Robert himself. When asked if he has any vino favourites on the menu, Robert just laughs and simply says, “All of them.”

Upon Robert’s recommendation, I opt for the eatery's salt and pepper calamari starter served with wasabi lime aioli, chilli flakes, spring onion, mesclun leaves and lime and for mains the shredded vegetable bowl with Hoisin glazed pork belly. And what a recommendation it was. My opening seafood dish is right up my alley – fresh, succulent and flavoursome with a delicate chilli bite. And before I know it, I have devoured the entire starter portion of calamari and am glad Robert suggested I order a main meal as well.

Although very subtle, there is definitely an Eastern touch to the Green Point haunt. From the low hanging red lantern lights at the bar to the skilful use of Asian flavours like wasabi, Hoisin glaze and peanut as well as the chopsticks that arrive with my shredded vegetable bowl – another spectacular must-try dish, there is a distinct hint of Asia and so, I ask Robert:

“Riaan and Cailin have worked all over the world and worked together in Beijing,” he explains. In fact, it is their travelling that has inspired a lot of the eatery’s décor and food choices. “I think it is just bits and bobs from everywhere. There is a lot at Maggie’s that you will see at other places in Cape Town, but Riaan and Cailin have just mixed them up in their own way and with their personal twist.” 

What’s more, not only is the café dog-friendly but it too offers a few select menu items suitable for your four-legged furry friend. Options include dry sausage strips, doggy chips, beef biltong twists and peanut butter lollies. Dog-lovers have no need to feel guilty having a bite to eat in front of their pets, as their canine pals can now too share in the meal. And although during the day the guest of honour is at doggie crèche, Maggie can usually be seen from late afternoon enjoying one of the café’s dog-treats or mingling with other visiting pups and their owners. 

As I place my chopsticks down in my now very empty bowl in front of me, I lean back in my chair with a content foodie sigh. And although I am 100% satisfied and cannot fit another morsel into my stomach, I cannot help but eye out a few other menu items – the Cape crayfish mac and cheese balls and Maryann’s peanut chicken soba noodle salad (named after Cailin’s mother) to highlight a few – that I will have to come back and try! And next time I will most certainly bring along my doggies.

NOTE: Maggie’s Café has an on and off consumption liquor license and is happy to offer any alcoholic beverage found on their extensive drinks menu for take-away for those who cannot stay!

Tip: Maggie’s Café can be hired out for events and functions. It is best to contact the Sea Point eatery directly for prices and available menu options. For bookings or for more information, call +27 (0) 21 433 1442.

The Bill: Breakfast items cost between R38 and R75 per a meal. Lunch and dinner starter options range between R45 and R72 whereas main meals (salads, sandwiches and grills) range between R28 and R87. All kiddie and doggie items are R28 each.  

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 7am – 10pm | Sunday: 8am – 2pm | Monday: Closed

49 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 433 1442 | reservations@maggiescafe.co.za

by Krysia Gaweda

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