Riebeek Kasteel has long been one of the Western Cape’s favourite weekend escapes, celebrated for wine, olive estates, art galleries and a flourishing food culture. This season, acclaimed chef and restaurateur Cheyne Morrisby brings his most ambitious concept yet to the hood with SAISEI, giving locals and visitors another delicious reason to love the town.
SAISEI Brings a Unique Japanese Dining Experience to the Swartland
SAISEI, meaning ‘rebirth’, is Cheyne’s first Swartland restaurant, and introduces a layered Japanese dining experience with everything from great coffee and casual street food to sophisticated tasting menus, all under one roof.
Rather than simply opening another eatery, Cheyne and his team have created a space designed to be enjoyed throughout the day. Guests can stop at the street-side coffee station to kick-start the day with Japanese-inspired muffins, settle into the lounge bar for evening cocktails, experience a refined multi-course menu in the main restaurant, or enjoy relaxed outdoor dining at Ding Dong (opening officially on 24 July) that will serve bao, ramen and Japanese fried chicken.
Why Riebeek Kasteel?
For Cheyne, whose career spans more than three decades, the move to Riebeek Kasteel feels like a natural next chapter.
“Riebeek has an incredible sense of community and already offers visitors a variety of restaurants,” he says. “We’re here to add to that and our hope is that people will spend time in town feasting, exploring, supporting multiple businesses and leave feeling they’ve experienced something truly special.”
Chef Cheyne Morrisby’s Award-Winning Restaurant Journey
Cheyne has spent his career helping shape Cape Town’s contemporary Asian dining scene. Since opening the original 20-seater Cheyne’s on Bree Street in 2009, he has gone on to establish 13 restaurant concepts, many of which have become legendary in their own right. His portfolio includes Cheyne’s in Hout Bay, Lucky Bao, the award-winning Shio at The Grey Hotel, Fire Monkey, Mexicola Locale, Himitsu, Bang K and most recently, Hiro at Constantia Uitsig.
International Culinary Experience Inspires SAISEI’s Japanese Menu
Cheyne’s influence also reaches well beyond South Africa. After beginning his culinary career in Cape Town, he moved to London where he worked under celebrated French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli before joining the Terence Conran Group. Years spent travelling extensively through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia immersed him in the flavours, techniques and traditions that continue to define his distinctive Pacific Rim cooking.
From Celebrity Private Chef to Japanese Fine Dining Pioneer
As a private chef, he has cooked internationally for stars and celebrities including actor Jude Law, supermodel Kate Moss and members of the British band Blur, all experiences that demanded precision, discretion and consistency at the highest level.
Throughout his career, Cheyne has remained deeply rooted in authentic culinary traditions rather than following fluctuating trends, and accolades include Best Asian Restaurant for two consecutive years at South Africa’s Eat Out Awards, while Hiro was recognised as being among Africa’s leading Japanese dining destinations.
SAISEI Showcases Japanese Fine Dining and Street Food
The new Riebeek Kasteel venture draws together everything Cheyne has learned over more than 30 years in kitchens here and around the world.
“SAISEI reflects where I am as a chef today,” he says.
“I love refined dining, but I also love the energy of sloppy street food. I want people to be able to enjoy a great coffee, come back for bao at lunch, enjoy pre-dinner cocktails or settle in for an unforgettable tasting menu. Japanese food is incredibly diverse and SAISEI gives us the opportunity to explore and showcase that.”
A New Reason to Visit Riebeek Kasteel for a Food and Wine Getaway
Already a favourite among wine lovers and weekend visitors, Riebeek Kasteel is a compelling destination, and this latest venture marks another milestone in its evolution, giving foodies yet another reason to head out from the Mother City to a charming escape just over an hour away.
SAISEI Winter Launch Special and Booking Information
SAISEI is offering a winter launch special where patrons can experience the 4-dish journey for R300 per person, available Tuesday to Sunday until 31 August 2026.
SAISEI trades Tuesday to Sunday, serving breakfast from 08h00 to 11h00, lunch from 12h00 to 15h00 and dinner (except Sundays) from 17h00 to 22h00. Book through Dineplan and WhatsApp on 079 067 4919.
