When Cape Town’s winter weather has you dreaming of distant shores and dreading the thought of venturing out, SALON’s Prix Fixe menu offers the perfect passport-free escape. This seasonal ‘Explorer’ menu delivers Luke Dale-Roberts‘ globe-trotting culinary vision, expertly executed by Executive Chef Carla Schulze and the team. Enjoy six courses that span continents – from Thai-inspired flavours to British comfort classics. It’s a journey through international cuisine that requires no luggage, just an appetite for adventure.
SALON’s Prix Fixe menu offers the perfect
passport-free escape…
Small Bites, Big Flavours
We recently visited SALON for the ‘Explorer’ experience. The evening began with a crisp white envelope sealed with stamped wax, revealing the evening’s menu, and accompanying that was a map, charting our culinary journey ahead.
The meal started with a snacks course of two selections from the full menu, with the option to add more if you’re feeling indulgent. My advice? Do it – they’re absolutely lovely.
Right from the first bite, the snacks showcase exactly why SALON has earned its reputation. These aren’t just appetisers – they’re flavour-packed morsels that demonstrate the kitchen’s precision.
One of the standouts for us was the beautifully imprinted taco shell, perfectly crisp and packed with vibrant prawn and citrus with Thai-inspired flavours. A single bite that felt expertly balanced and presented within a bed of bright citrus – a preview of what was to come.
Theatre That Actually Enhances the Food
What I loved about SALON’s approach is that the theatrical elements genuinely improve the dining experience. Watching our server pour umami-rich broth over chicken mousse-filled morels wasn’t just showmanship – the Japanese-style cast iron teapot kept the broth at the perfect temperature and created an aromatic moment that enhanced the dish.
The duck suzette course was pure magic. Our server created a show of tableside theatre, complete with an expertly executed flambé of crêpes infused with Grand Marnier, then laid them over what might be the crispiest, most perfectly rendered duck skin I’ve ever experienced. The contrast of textures was incredible.
What I love about SALON’s approach is that the theatrical elements genuinely improve the dining experience.
The bread course, served earlier in the evening, brought out a traditional trolley with a wheel of artisanal cheese and a specialised girolle cutter. Again, this isn’t just for show – the unique slicing technique allows more oxygen to reach the cheese’s surface, intensifying its flavours, while presenting it delicately and beautifully. Paired with their interpretation of Branston pickle, it perfectly captured British comfort food elevated to fine dining standards.
Exceptional Drinks
SALON’s mixologists deserve special mention. Their cocktails are some of the finest we’ve tasted; the smoky Salon Old Fashioned featuring lapsang souchong tea was genuinely one of the best we’ve had in the city. Make sure you also try something from their Seasonal Aperitifs menu; we loved the Kumquat Marmalade Sour.
There are also two wine pairings offered as optional additions to the menu and each selection is expertly curated, genuinely enhancing each course rather than just accompanying them. We particularly loved the Almenkerk Chardonnay 2014 with the Italian-inspired Caponata course of octopus and linefish.
A Perfect Ending
Just when you think the evening is winding down, a gentle bell tinkles, signalling the arrival of the vintage nightcap trolley, a charming touch. Stocked with a carefully curated selection of local spirits and liqueurs, from aged brandies to fiery mampoer, it’s the perfect way to ease into the evening’s end. The trolley service feels wonderfully old-school, a nod to classic hospitality that fits perfectly with SALON’s theatrical approach.
The trolley service feels wonderfully old-school, a nod to classic hospitality that fits perfectly with SALON’s theatrical approach.
Worth Braving the Weather For
The Prix Fixe menu at R875 is remarkable value for this level of creativity and execution. When winter weather makes staying home tempting, SALON offers compelling reasons to venture out – warmth, innovation, and the kind of memorable evening that makes Cape Town’s dining scene so special.
SALON’s Prix Fixe Menu is available for the winter season from Tuesday-Saturday for dinner until the end of September 2025.
SALON Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock
salonct.co.za | Instagram | Tel: 087 093 5890
