Savour Restaurant at African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection

Discover the unexpected in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre 

At first glance, African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection in Gardens seems like just another sleek addition to the city skyline, but through the glass revolving doors and down the sparkling stone “red carpet” lies something quite spectacular: an expansive world of white Volakas marble and glistening mirrors, vibrant Versace-inspired runners, chic designer furniture and fashion-forward finishes projects cool style and contemporary sophistication.

And resting right in the heart of this modern-day Versailles is the luxury hotel’s prized unsung secret, the elegant Savour Restaurant, an open-plan space that quite successfully manages to unravel the stereotype associated with hotel eateries.

“We want people to have a completely different dining experience in a property that’s all about discovering the unexpected,” explains General Manager Douglas Allen, a passionate foodie who’s very invested in the daily goings-on of the on-site kitchen. “The aim is to redefine what patrons normally anticipate from a hotel.”

For starters, with plush red and black carpets, comfy leather seating, cosmopolitan flair and white fringe curtains that dangle down from the ceiling and separate the space into more intimate pods, the restaurant boasts a setting that even the high-minded Louis XIV would have found suitable for scrumptious buffet breakfasts, long lavish lunches or indulgent upmarket evening feasts.

Though, aside from the design detail, what really sets Savour Restaurant apart is its ability to craft authentic international fare that not only explodes with taste and texture, but that’s made from scratch just the way it would be in the country it was first conceived in.

Menu's are changed seasonally in order to accomodate produce availability, as well as what people's palates prefer. From Winter through to Summer customers will be happy to know that their needs are being met with an innovative, creative menu. 

So, the succulent Veal Osso Bucco is served with parsley gremolata just like it is in the culinary corners of Milan, the spicy Tom Yum Goong soup simmers in lemongrass and lime leaves as it does in eateries across Thailand, the creamy Penne Carbonara – a signature dish that’s tossed with pancetta and Parmesan – takes its cue from the kitchens of Italian mamas, and the tender Roast Beef Tournedos are dished up classically with layered potato gratin and rich mushroom sauce.

Needless to say, the stylish restaurant is a sterling choice for those looking to sample the many distinct flavours of the world. And because the menu is so diverse and extensive, there are options to suit every preference, from fresh seafood (the Salmon and Avocado Tartare and the Honey Chilli Prawns are exceptional), juicy meat dishes and risotto to a wide selection of soups and salads.

For the warmer spring and summer months, Savour offers two- and three-course meal specials, priced R245 and R295, respectively*.

Featured on the spring menu are starter dishes, such as the taco bowl salad, which includes quinoa, fried halloumi, grilled corn, guacamole and tortilla chips. Miso cured beef carpaccio with Sichuan pepper is available too, as well as a Creme celeriac soup. The mains are roast chicken ballotine, served with butternut purée, lemon butter and pine nut dust; Char Sui pork belly with coconut rice, Pak Choi and pickled carrots; stir-fried Asian greens with cashew nuts, coconut rice and sweet chilli tofu; grilled chicken burgers, served on a Brioche roll with Danish feta, peppadews, pesto and blooming baby onions is on offer, as well as Thai basil pesto and prawn linguine. Desserts include Dark Chocolate Souffle, made with roasted banana ice cream; peanut butter baked Alaska, served with peanut butter ice cream and raspberry compote, as well as lemongrass panna cotta served with blueberry salsa and pistachio brittle.

*Bookings for the spring and summer menu specials are essential and meal options are subject to availability.

And the eatery doesn’t drop the ball when it comes to desserts either. There are enough sweet treats on offer to fulfil the wildest fantasies of any sugar fan – options include a heavenly Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Chai-spiced Ice Cream, a decadent Molten Chocolate Fondant, a velvety Baked Vanilla Cheesecake (“it’s the best in Cape Town,” says Sanel) and more – and each is shaped with the same passion and commitment to divine combinations that go into every other meal.

What’s more, though this hidden dining gem is an exclusive, luxury establishment, it also adopts a rather relaxed approach, giving guests the option to enjoy Savour Restaurant items in other spaces beyond the boundaries of the actual restaurant. So, diners could opt to sip on cocktails and Champagne (there’s a tip-top drinks selection) in the adjacent lounge, tuck into a light Strip Steak Cobb Salad amidst the golden chairs of the Cinnamon Coffee Shop just next door or even pick at a cheese platter under the summer sun on the alfresco Murano Bar balcony.

The options abound at African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection’s signature spot, but one thing remains quite consistent: this perfectly positioned city centre eatery does not cease to surprise in its ability to, as its name suggests, offer an experience worth savouring. It’s confidently different luxury at its best.

Tip: African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection is an ideal spot to host a function, and Savour Restaurant will do the catering for anything from a small birthday bash to a large conference. There are a number of spaces to choose from for personal parties, including two private dining rooms, one of which can be booked at no extra cost. Not to mention, the eatery runs its own spectacular monthly events: there’s the Artist in Residence series that treats guests to intimate food and concert experiences with some Mzansi’s top talents.

The Bill: Prices reflect the sophisticated setting and cuisine quality but are not extravagant. Starters run from R75 to R150 (for West Coast oysters); salads, soups and pastas are priced between R65 and R140; mains cost from R125 to R280 and desserts range from R70 to R110. The two-course winter menu special costs R235 per person and the three-course costs R295 per person.

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Keen to learn about another trendy eatery revolutionising the concept of hotel dining in Cape Town? Read about the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa’s Restaurant in Century City.

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