Chalk and Cork is located on busy Kloof Street and occupies the space that used to be the Mozzarella Bar. It is deceptively small looking from the outside, but has a lovely tree-shaded outdoor area, as well as a dining area upstairs. The design is minimalist, clean and modern.

It is run by duo Marc and Amy Botes who met while working in the UK. Chef Mandie Kruger, who has worked extensively overseas, as well as in award-winning restaurants here in SA, heads up the kitchen. The match of the three seems like one that was just meant to be. Marc and Amy bring extensive restaurant and sommelier experience, with a flair for Spanish food. Mandi brings her experience of working with Ben Tish at The Salt Yard Group, where she won Spanish chef of the year.

The restaurant is open three nights a week for dinner and offers a menu of tapas style food with Spanish influence, as well as a changing wine list featuring local boutique wines. We tried the pan-seared angelfish with fennel and grapefruit salad, which was light, fresh and well seasoned. Rosemary salt chips are served with beetroot ketchup, the chips are golden and the beetroot ketchup makes a nice change from the regular bottled stuff and packs a good ginger punch. We also had the tortilla, which is a Spanish style omlette. It reminded us of a really creamy potato bake with a crispy outside all around, and what’s not to love about that?

Chalk and Cork also serve lunches and breakfasts. While a wine and tapas bar may not be the first choice for a breakfast venue, the open, shaded courtyard and Bootlegger coffee make it a great option. Try the smashed avo on rye with tapenade and rocket, or our favourite, portabello mushrooms on top of crispy bruchetta, topped with 2 perfectly poached eggs and shavings of Parmesan. The naturally shady outdoor area is a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast, where you can watch the traffic go by.

Chalk and Cork is in a great area and is a place where you can enjoy good wine, food you can share with friends, as well as a relaxed atmostphere.