An extraordinary number of new restaurants have opened in Cape Town in the past couple of months but one stands out, in particular, Foxcroft. The sister restaurant of Cape Town’s well-loved and much-awarded La Colombe, Foxcroft has just walked away with the coveted title of “New Restaurant of the Year” at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards 2016.

Foxcroft is a collaboration between La Colombe executive chef Scot Kirton and highly talented pastry chef Glen Foxcroft Williams (hence the name ‘Foxcroft’). The restaurant is more casual than La Colombe, but still with those perfect plates: exquisitely presented with big flavours.

Bridget Gardiner visited Foxcroft shortly after it opened and shares her dining experience.

Foxcroft Restaurant Review

“The experience was superb from start to finish. The atmosphere is carefully considered, yet casual. Not a white overlay to be seen. Instead, the interior is an inviting mix of leather, wood, brass and an interesting central charcuterie room creating an earthy feel.

“The open-plan kitchen is a hive of activity, the chefs producing the most spectacular, fresh and delicious food. The culinary journey begins with tapas. We shared a handful of options, and the two real standouts for me were the champagne poached oysters and the squid served with ajo blanco and wild garlic. A brilliant beginning to a fabulous meal.

“For our main, I enjoyed the line fish of the day which was sea bass served with pearl cous cous, coriander and mussel chowder: light, fresh and melt-in-the-mouth delicious! My husband tried the beef rib eye with duck-fat potatoes, cep mushroom jus, baby carrots and grilled Brussel sprouts. This was a brave choice on his part as we lived in Texas for two years and it’s hard to beat a Texan Ribeye! Well, according to him, this was right up there with the best of the best cowboy’s selection.

“Dessert was pure joy on a plate with beautiful colours lifting our already satiated spirits. The rose and coconut pannacotta with cashew and lime was heavenly!

“Although the food was presented with brilliant attention to detail, it was not overly worked (something I loathe) but rather fresh and natural with flavours that were beyond my highest expectations. It’s clear that they’ve carefully selected their suppliers; only using what’s in season, and setting the bar high in terms of quality.

“Foxcroft also has its own bakery, which has become my local with great coffee and sensational pastries such as verrines, gateaux and macarons!”

Book Your Spot

A large portion of the seating at Foxcroft is outside under magnificent old oak trees. Because the weather is seldom predictable, the outside area is never a guarantee and can’t be booked. So on good weather days, you may get lucky and be seated at a table in the dappled sunshine.

For those coming to South Africa on holiday, ask your Giltedge consultant to include Foxcroft in your travel plans. It’s sure to be a culinary highlight of your stay.

Review by Bridget Gardiner