Restaurant in Cape Town
Had a lovely experience here for dinner. The service was very good and efficient. The food itself was great, very flavourful and unique. We really liked the cards that were presented with each course which explained a bit more the flavours and “history” behind each course. At the end the chef brought out a final dish himself, thanking each table for coming which was a nice touch. Very lovely and would definitely recommend for a special meal in Cape Town.
Delicious and unique dining experience at Belly of the Beast. My partner and I joined for lunch. Everyone is served at the same time creating a beautiful flow of service - but also allows the chefs to give 100% of their focus to each dish. There is no menu, everything is seasonal so the dishes change frequently. Some of the dishes were adventurous (like the kudu tartare which we LOVED), but they’re prepared in a way that makes them delicious and approachable. They also offered note cards to explain some of the more unique ingredients, a lot of which is local to South Africa and its history. Not an extensive cocktail menu, but a beautiful wine selection. We enjoyed their winter lunch special at R650
This is a truly unique opportunity to try something outside of your normal menu. The prefix menu that changes with seasons is a great chance to experience South African cuisine and try several different foods and pairings that otherwise most people would never order. We enjoyed everything even when it push us a bit outside of our comfort zone. There were surprises to us that wouldn't have crossed our mind to try let alone order. We did choose the wine pairing and while it enhanced the experience, it would have been equally good without. The slower pace is refreshing and gives you a chance to savor the food and enjoy conversation between courses. Pace yourself, it's a food marathon.
My wife and I had a truly memorable dining experience this afternoon at Belly of the Beast. The creative chefs treated us to a 5-course tasting menu with no choices — just seasonal local produce and modern twists on classic South African recipes. One standout was the Ideal milk foam on a caramelised peach — it instantly transported me back 60 years to a dessert my mom used to make! We added the wine pairing, featuring excellent boutique local wines that perfectly complemented each dish. A lovely touch was the small folded note with every course, explaining exactly what was on the plate. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole meal even more enjoyable. This is such a delightful way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Cape Town. Can’t wait to return and try the other two restaurants in their stable!
Belly of the Beast delivered a fantastic experience from start to finish. The menu is inventive and interesting, with so many dishes presented that I genuinely lost count. Each plate was packed with flavour, and I won’t spoil the surprises here - it’s definitely worth discovering for yourself and absolutely worth the price. The service was good. Every staff member was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and gave 100%. There were a few items (perhaps 5% of what we tried) that wouldn’t normally be my personal choice, but I tasted and appreciated them, and my partner was happy to finish what I didn’t. I wouldn’t hesitate to return - the highlights far outnumber anything that might not suit individual preferences. One small piece of constructive feedback: I ordered wine by the glass and requested a small pour, but received 250ml of white wine in a red wine glass. It inevitably became warm and less enjoyable to drink. I noticed others on the tasting menu were served white wine in appropriate glasses with smaller portions. I’d be reluctant to order wine by the glass again unless they can accommodate a smaller serve in the proper glassware. I also want to mention my appreciation for the chef taking the time to present the final dish - a lovely touch, especially after hours in the kitchen. Everyone knows this place is amazing, and long may their success continue. An overall perfect evening.
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