Ellerman House has long stood as one of Cape Town’s most exclusive addresses – a refined retreat perched above Bantry Bay, known for its panoramic Atlantic views, legendary art collection, and that golden, slow-sinking sunset over the ocean. Now, the iconic property has added another jewel to its crown: Curate, an intimate restaurant housed within the property’s former wine cellar.
Curate: South African Flavours Reimagined
Located on the lower level of the Ellerman House property, Curate feels worlds away from the city’s crowds and tourist hot spots, and this peaceful setting is part of the experience.
The space is warm and softly lit, centered around an impressive purpose-made carbon fibre corkscrew sculpture that spirals dramatically and houses part of Ellerman House’s impressive wine collection. Features like a vine sculpture and terrroir walls are nods to the property’s connection to both wine and design.
The dining room is small and personal, the atmosphere hushed but inviting. It’s immediately clear this isn’t about pomp or performance – it’s about story. Specifically, the story of South Africa, told through flavour.
Executive Chef Kieran Whyte’s menu takes a contemporary approach to South African classics, transforming nostalgic dishes into refined, globally resonant plates. The snacks course is served before you are taken into the dining area. Here we enjoyed canapé-syle bites with a cassis aperitif, which set the tone beautifully.
Our favourite was a playful reimagining of bobotie – a delicate ‘Mrs Balls’ tuile, encasing a spiced lamb filling, raisin crumb, tiny dollops of turmeric cream and fried curry leaves. It was a perfect bite – familiar, comforting, yet entirely new.
Head Chef Kieran Whyte’s menu takes a contemporary approach to South African classics, transforming nostalgic dishes into refined, globally resonant plates.
Ocean to Karoo: Layers of the Land
Of the evening’s courses, the Atlantic Game Fish stood out as one of the stars – modelled after traditional Cape Malay Pickled Fish. Slices of fresh tuna paired with a Malay-spiced aioli, a crisp sev (chana/chickpea flour) tuile, and the fragrant pop of fried curry leaves. The turmeric pickled onions added a bright acidity that lifted everything into perfect harmony.
It was a dish that spoke of Cape Town itself – where ocean, spice, and culture intersect – and it encapsulated the restaurant’s philosophy of refinement without pretension.
The Saldanha Kingklip was another highlight: cured, poached, and rolled, nestled in a Chenin blanc sauce with mussels and a dusting of onion powder. It was delicate, oceanic, and satisfying.
The Queenstown Springbok and Kuruman Nguni Beef followed as a duo of mains – an inspired pairing that balanced the tender gaminess of the springbok and umngqusho (a traditional maize and bean dish) with the rich, marrowy indulgence of the beef, accented by Monkey Gland sauce and wild fynbos aromatics.
In between these courses, a palate cleanser of Pineapple Umqombothi was served, a clever, effervescent nod to local tradition. The earthy beer was lightened with fresh pineapple.
We overheard the waiter at a nearby table teaching visiting American guests how to pronounce umqombothi – complete with the click – not an easy thing to do if it’s the first time hearing it. After a few attempts, they accepted that it would take some practice to get right! It was the perfect reminder that this restaurant doesn’t just serve food; it shares culture.
… this restaurant doesn’t just serve food; it shares culture.
Curate’s Sweet Finale
As cheese lovers, we were both surprised and delighted by the Dalewood Camembert course, presented as a parfait-style ice cream topped with a grating of Hugenot cheese – unusual, yes, but wonderfully balanced with the sweetness of pineapple.
Dessert continued the sense of play with a white chocolate pap scattered with smoked macadamias. Pastry Chef Yonela personally presented the dish, topping it with frozen berries and a dusting of popping candy.
As the cold berries met the warm pap, delicate whisps of smoke curled upward, adding a touch of theatre to the moment. We loved how such a humble South African staple was finessed and reimagined into such a whimsical, refined finale – a fitting high note to end an exceptional meal.
Service throughout was intuitive and unhurried, and wine pairings from Ellerman’s extraordinary cellar elevated every plate. There’s a pause in between courses that explores this a little more, but we won’t give that away; you’ll have to experience it for yourself.
An Experience to Savour
In a city brimming with fine dining destinations, Curate feels refreshingly grounded – elegant but generous, contemporary but deeply rooted. It’s a place where travellers can discover the soul of South Africa, course by course, in the most beautiful of settings. For Ellerman House guests and locals alike, this is one experience not to miss.
Curate at Ellerman House 180 Kloof Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8005
Wednesday to Saturday 18h00 | 18h30 | 19h00
