a chef's guide to valentine's dinner

Valentine’s Day in Cape Town means you’re always spoiled for choice. But when it comes to showing someone you care, we believe there’s nothing that does it quite like a shared experience over delicious food, great wine, and an easy-going atmosphere.

Our Valentine’s Day menu was designed for exactly that. A thoughtful balance of indulgence and fresh, seasonal ingredients. To give you a sense of how the menu comes together, we asked Chef Mish how he’d approach it if he had to choose between the options in each course. While narrowing it down wasn’t exactly simple, here’s how he’d make his way through the menu.

Starters

The carnivore menu opens with a strong selection, but two dishes stand out for Chef Mish. The oysters are always a classic way to begin. Alongside them, the calamari brings something lighter and more playful to the table.

If he had to choose, he’d go with the calamari. In his words, it strikes a perfect balance - flavourful, satisfying, and ideal for easing into the rest of the meal.

On the vegetarian side, the deep-fried avocado is a clear favourite. Crispy on the outside, soft within, and far from an afterthought, it’s a dish that sets the standard for what follows.

Mains

For mains, the carnivore menu offers depth and variety. Chef Mish highlights the premium A-grade fillet and the prawns as his top picks. Two very different experiences, both delivering on flavour and generosity.

The fillet ultimately takes his vote. Rich, buttery, and cooked with confidence, it’s a dish that feels celebratory without being over-engineered. That said, the prawns remain a standout option for those leaning towards seafood.

Vegetarian mains are equally well considered. The mushroom risotto and gnocchi form the core choices, each offering comfort and richness in their own way. Chef Mish’s pick is the risotto - deeply savoury, satisfying, and layered with flavour.

Dessert

Dessert is where nostalgia comes into play. While there are two options to choose from, the sticky toffee pudding is Chef Mish’s clear favourite. Warm, comforting, and unapologetically indulgent, it’s the kind of dessert that encourages you to slow down and order another coffee or glass of wine.

Chef Mish’s selections are just that - his way through the menu. Both the carnivore and vegetarian Valentine’s Day set menus offer multiple options per course, allowing guests to shape an experience that suits their own tastes and appetites.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or steak, plant-based comfort or classic indulgence, the menu is designed to feel generous, flexible, and considered - exactly as a Valentine’s dinner should.