Dear Me

Now Closed: But An Exciting New Place is Popping Up In The ...

(Breakfast) Mon - Fri | 7:00 - 11:00
(Lunch) Mon - Fri | 12:00 - 15:00
(Dinner) Thur | 19:00 - by reservation
 
+27(0)21 422 4920
165 Long Market Street |
www.dearme.co.za
info@dearme.co.za
dearmefoodworld
Dear Me

Now Closed: But An Exciting New Place is Popping Up In The Old Dear Me Space Soon

Note that, sadly, veggie eatery Dear Me has closed its doors. But we know of something new coming here soon 

Note: Dear Me has closed down, but we know of a something exciting and new coming in this space. For now, check out this choice-picked selection of vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town and the upstairs Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar. And for regular updates on new restaurants opening around the city, subscribe to our newsletter.

Chef Vanessa Marx was born to be in the kitchen. She whips up mouth-watering dishes from locally sourced ingredients; think organic veggies, free-range meat and Fairtrade chocolate as well as coffee—from the Magic Herb Man aka Steve Botha, a micro-greens fundi, to the Happy Hog Butchery, a free range pig farm near Ashton. Vanessa is clearly passionate about ingredients.

It’s no mistake that Dear Me’s logo resembles an award: “It’s about treating yourself, giving yourself a gift,” explains Ronel Smidt, general manger. The concept isn’t new – they source seasonal ingredients and create the day’s menu around what they have—however it’s the execution that sets them apart.

“People think we’re a health shop or some kind of seed bar but it’s more about living a happy life,” says Ronel.

This stylish brassiere doesn’t serve health food as one commonly thinks of it, instead, what is usually a chef’s worst nightmare—people with food intolerances and allergies—they cater to happily.

You won’t find limp salad leaves and shots of wheatgrass here: but you will be able to get utterly delicious meals that can be adapted for vegetarians, vegans or people with wheat, gluten or lactose intolerances. Vanessa is extremely accommodating and will be happy to adjust a dish to suit your particular needs. Vanessa and owner, Ilze Koekemoer have succeeded in creating a beautiful space with exceptional food.

An unforgettable lunch

We struggle to narrow down our lunch choices from the delectable menu, but eventually decide on the Buffalo Ridge mozzarella and nectarine– a beautifully fresh, colourful salad. Next up we share the seared pole-caught yellowfin tuna Niçoise(Dear Me is SASSI sussed so you can order fish guilt-free).

Then it’s on to the slow-roasted pork neck with sweet potato dumplings – an absolutely sublime combination of flavours. The unusually prepared pork is wonderfully smoky and soft, the dumplings, delicious and everything on the plate comes together brilliantly. I can’t quite manage dessert, but I will be going back to try the Valrhona Fairtrade chocolate fondant made with berry sorbet.

It’s the small details that make this a special space: like the planters hanging upside down from the ceiling as well as the water that’s brought to every table (they filter it themselves and you can choose between sparkling or still).

Cheeses and charcuterie

Dear Me also has an intriguing list of cheeses and charcuterie for you to take home—and treat yourself there. Plus, towards the back of the shop are bottles of preserves, dressings and sweet treats all lined up amongst cookbooks on dark wooden shelves. It’s like discovering the ultimate kitchen pantry. And, all the products sport the signature award: to remind you that you deserve the very best.

They’re open every day during the week for breakfast and lunch, but if you work on the other side of Cape Town and are dying to try their food, then book for one of their weekly Thursday or Friday dinners. Served upstairs in the elegant White Room the menu is different each week depending on what ingredients are available. Past favourites include the slow-roasted tomato and artichoke tagliatelle as well as the orange and almond torte.

By Lindsay Callaghan

...
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!

Cape Town Events Calendar
March 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31

Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko MuseumOnce-in-a-lifetime exhibition of Esther ...

On from February to August 2024; 100+ artworks

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Mischu eggs benedict Weekends are for mischu

Where else do you get breakfast under R100 in Sea Point?

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Escape rooms Cape TownPossibly the best escape room in the ...

HintHunt’s Marble is being called “the king of escape rooms”

Bamboo Plant Power plant based healthy takeaways Netflix and chill & office lunch are ...

From mushroom burgers and loaded fries to “sticky wings”

Mardouw Country HouseHow to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...

Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor

Amina Boutique Hotel You can now book out this entire hotel ...

Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms

Cederkloof Botanical outdoor jacuzziWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

GiveawaysTravel Tips