Aubergine Restaurant is a top dining destination in the trendy suburb of Gardens, Cape Town.
Like many restaurants in Cape Town, Aubergine is situated in a character-filled old house in Gardens.
The restaurant is renowned for its world-class fine dining and seasonal menu that features an array of Eastern and Western flavor-inspired dishes made from fresh local ingredients.
Additionally, there are plenty of vegetarian options available for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant's wine list is highly acclaimed as well.
The house itself has quite a history, having once been the fashionable 19th century home of Sir John Wylde, first Chief Justice of the Cape, and having boasted an estate of several acres. Sir John was a colourful character, to say the least, but his elegant table and fine wines were renowned and it is this spirit which Aubergine seeks to perpetuate.
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The building has been extensively renovated and is decorated in warm natural materials, with an open plan bar leading to the dining area. There is also a mezzanine area which (I think) is more of a lounge bar than part of the dining area, and a beautiful outside courtyard dining area (sadly, it was too windy to sit outside the night we visited).
The courtyard at Aubergine Restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
The Chef and His Culinary Acumen
Owner and chef Harald Bresselschmidt (originally from Belgium) comes with an impeccable culinary pedigree, having studied in various European countries before moving to South Africa in the 1990s. He was responsible for getting Bosman’s Restaurant at Grand Roche in Paarl named the best restaurant in South Africa for two years running before opening Aubergine in 1996.
Gourmands form an orderly queue: This elegantly transformed 1830s house in one of the oldest parts of the city is amongst the finest of fine dining restaurants in Cape Town. It's a tremendous boast, and one which has everything to do with Harald Bresselschmidt's uncommon culinary acumen. He's a chef schooled in the classics (East and West), yet his love of innovation is compulsive; some call him avant-garde (how about springbok medallions with foie gras?), but he also takes great care with the most simple-sounding dishes, such as his signature aubergine soufflé or slow-roasted wild boar.
For those who abhor decision making, Bresselschmidt's degustation menus take all the hard work out of the equation, and astute wine recommendations trip off the tongues of the studied sommeliers.
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The blond-hued, straight-laced interior (for a straight-laced crowd) reflects some of the building's historic architectural heritage, mixed with classy modern designer furniture.
Achmat Hassiem at Aubergine - The Perdeberg Wines Inspiration Sessions
What People Are Saying
Aubergine Restaurant offers a mix of experiences, with guests praising the outstanding food and wine pairings, as well as the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
While some reviewers highlighted exceptional service from knowledgeable staff and sommeliers, others were disappointed by lapses in attention. The restaurant's intimate ambiance is noted to be perfect for special occasions or for wine-loving foodies.
Here's a summary of what guests have to say:
- Positive: Fantastic food, excellent wines, personalized service, warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Negative: Some experienced lapses in service and found the atmosphere cooled down by staff interactions.
One reviewer mentioned, "I visited this very pretty and cozy restaurant in September with my wife. It truly serves amazing food and wines. We opted for their degustation menu and loved every bit of it. That night, it featured salmon trout, quail, springbok, etc. A feast. The place was not very busy, which means the chef had a chance to come out and chat us up for a few minutes. The service was impeccable throughout the meal, and we let very happy."
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Another reviewer had a less positive experience, stating, "How the staff was talking about guests was an absolut low light and cooled down the atmosphere. I expected a fine dining experience, but this restaurant was far from it... For the price we paid… we were speechless. The only saving grace was the staff - they were friendly and welcoming. But that’s not enough to justify the "fine dining" label. Definitely off my list for good."
However, another guest exclaimed, "Excellent food!!! Many congratulations to the whole team! The table from Greece!!"
And another satisfied customer shared, "As always, what a beautiful experience, fresh wild oysters, sea bass, cold broccoli soup, and so it goes on, beautiful wines, those David & Nadia single site specific chenins, thank you Ralph!"
Planning Your Visit
Here are a few tips to enhance your experience at Aubergine Restaurant:
- For a more attentive experience, consider making reservations or requesting specific servers/sommeliers if possible.
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential service issues mentioned by some reviewers.
- Explore the diverse menu offerings that blend Eastern and Western flavors using fresh local ingredients.
Aubergine offers a contemporary East-meets-West menu in a sophisticated yet simple setting, with the option for courtyard dining.
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