• With elegant interiors, opulent aromas and decadent dishes, restaurants are undoubtedly one of the best options for any kind of outing, whether it’s a catch-up session with friends, a romantic date with a loved one or a solo outing. 

    The experience of enjoying a multi-course meal is worlds apart from the fast food runs we’ve become accustomed to given the busyness of our day-to-day lives. 

    The only dilemma is that, for most, this kind of dining experience often costs a pretty penny or two – but it doesn’t always have to.

    Here are two restaurants serving multi-course meals for under R500 in Cape Town:

    1. The Quarter Kitchen

    Indulge in a fine dining experience with a Cape Malay twist at The Quarter Kitchen, situated in the Portswood Hotel, where tradition, creativity and a hint of passion meet.

    Steeped in history, The Quarter Kitchen is tucked into a refurbished section of the original Breakwater Prison, built in 1860 and known as the ‘Good Conduct Ward’. While some of the prison’s original features can be seen in sections of the restaurant walls, built with local bluestone, the space carries a classic and openhearted feel.

    No matter the occasion, you can spend the afternoon or evening sinking into the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere while you and a loved one dig into gourmet meals in which every flavour has its own unique story to tell.

    Picture: @quarterkitchenrestaurant / Instagram

    What’s on the menu? 

    • Starter:
      • Grilled calamari served with chimichurri, garlic aioli, baby leaves, coriander and yoghurt dressing.
      • Crumbed mushroom served with brie cheese salad, figs and a honey thyme dressing.
      • Malay platter including chicken samoosas, jalapeno half moons, beef meatballs, chilli daltjies and sambals.
    • Mains:
      • Prego chicken burger with cheese, served with onion rings and french fries.
      • Tempura fried hake served with french fries and tartar sauce.
      • 220g grilled beef sirloin steak served with seasonal roasted vegetables and red wine jus.
      • Basil pesto wrap with herb-roasted vegetables, hummus pepper-dew, rocket, tofu and french fries.
    • Desserts:
      • Baked blueberry cheesecake served with blueberry coulis.
      • Baked apple crumble served with vanilla ice cream.
      • Chocolate, vanilla or salted caramel ice cream.

    A two-course meal for two: 

    A 2-Course Meal for 2 People at The Quarter Kitchen

    A three-course meal for two: 

    A 3-Course Meal for 2 People at The Quarter Kitchen

    If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg, be sure to check out The 20 Best Restaurants in Midrand.

    2. The Clipper Restaurant

    Situated on the Marine of the V&A Waterfront, The Clipper Restaurant offers all-day dining, serving distinctive dishes with a worldwide impact, courtesy of the head chef, who draws inspiration from across the globe to curate unique explosions of flavours for your taste buds to enjoy.

    Feel at ease amid the elegant wooden furnishings dotted with scale models of ships and nautical-themed artworks as you cosy up in front of the fireplace before embarking on a culinary journey.

    Picture: screenshot / TripAdvisor

    What’s on the menu? 

    • Starter:
      • Creamy mussels.
      • Spicy vegetable Tom yum soup served with baked bread.
      • Malay platter including chicken samoosas, jalapeno half moons, beef meatballs, chilli daltjies and sambals.
      • Roasted butternut and feta salad with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, rosa tomatoes and honey & mustard dressing.
      • Crispy popcorn chicken with sesame seeds and spring onion served with sweet & sour sauce.
      • Cajun fried calamari served with baby leaf salad, wasabi mayo and lemon
    • Mains:
      • nacho chicken or beef burger served with french fries and a choice of pepper, mushroom or cheese sauce.
      • Tempura fried hake served with tartar sauce, french fries and lemon.
      • 220g grilled sirloin steak served with seasonal vegetables, onion rings and a choice of mushroom, prego, pepper or cheese sauce.
      • Grilled basil pesto chicken served with seasonal vegetables, parmesan mashed potato and mushroom sauce.
      • Arborio Risotto rice, portobello grilled mushroom served with baby leaves, parmesan cheese and truffle oil.
      • Wok fried egg noodles with broccoli, cabbage, mixed peppers, red onion, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet chilli sauce, oyster sauce and herbs & spices.
    • Desserts:
      • Seasonal fruit salad served with strawberry sorbet.
      • Crunchy Oreo chocolate mousse served with chantilly cream and almond flakes.
      • Vanilla crème brulee served with salted caramel ice cream.

    A two-course meal for two: 

    A 2-Course Dining Experience for 2 People at The Clipper Restaurant

    A three-course meal for two: 

    A 3-Course Meal for 2 People at The Clipper Restaurant

    If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg, be sure to check out The 13 Best Maboneng Restaurants.

    Looking for more deals in your area? Take a look at what else is on offer here.

    ALSO SEE: 5 Scrumptious breakfast deals for under R200

    5 Scrumptious breakfast deals for under R200

    Written by Tauhira Ajam for Cape {town} Etc.

    Feature image: Daddy’s Deals website