On a cold and rainy Friday evening, stepping into Harbour House Restaurant in Camps Bay was like entering a warm embrace. The immediate sense of welcome came not only from the stunningly designed interior but from genuinely hospitable staff who understand that exceptional dining begins the moment you walk through the door.
This latest addition to Cape Town’s culinary landscape spares no expense in creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends sleek sophistication with cosy intimacy. The restaurant’s giant floor-to-ceiling screen, wrapping around one side of the dining area, creates an immersive experience unlike anything else in the city – dynamic, captivating, and utterly mesmerising.
Meeting the master
Our culinary journey was guided by Chef Maruwaan, whose impressive background includes cooking for Hollywood royalty such as Forest Whitaker. His passion and expertise were evident from the first introduction, setting the tone for what would prove to be an extraordinary evening.
The meal began with oysters prepared three ways: balsamic pearl with bacon, capers, and mignonette. Each variation delivered a burst of freshness and creativity that served as an excellent opener to the evening’s festivities.
The fire sushi – a Cape Town exclusive – followed with dramatic presentation that was only outshone by its incredible taste. This theatrical dish is an absolute must-try for any sushi enthusiast visiting the restaurant.
The Mushroom & Artichoke Gnocchi redefined comfort food expectations. Handmade gnocchi, pillowy-soft and enveloped in a decadent truffle Parmesan sauce, paired beautifully with grilled artichokes and wild mushrooms that added earthy depth. The textural elements—toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and butternut crisps – delivered satisfying crunch with every bite.
The unexpected star
The surprise highlight proved to be the Beetroot Carpaccio, a vibrant, artistic plate that we enhanced with goat’s cheese—an upgrade that transforms the dish into something truly special. The roasted beet slices, shaved almost translucent and draped like jewels across the plate, created a harmony of flavours: sweet orange segments, tangy balsamic pearls, and creamy, slightly sharp goat’s cheese that perfectly cut through the earthiness.
Arriving with a craving for steak, Chef Maruwaan’s quiet confidence and simple response of “Say less” led to a revelation. The pan-roasted beef fillet was so tender it melted under the fork, perched atop a fondant potato so buttery it could have been mistaken for luxury confectionery. Crisp-tender stem broccoli added freshness, while the silky green peppercorn sauce – rich, velvety, with just enough bite – made every mouthful unforgettable.
The chef’s knockout addition of Mozambican prawns, plump and swimming in garlic butter spiked with chili, served alongside chargrilled ciabatta for soaking up every precious drop, elevated the dish beyond typical surf and turf into something transcendent – a combination that prompted involuntary groans of delight.
Dessert brought the molten chocolate volcano, a celebration contained in a ramekin. Cracking the shell released dark chocolate lava that pooled around hazelnut praline ice cream in a hot-cold, crunchy-creamy symphony that provided the perfect ending to a flawless evening.
Dining with purpose
Harbour House isn’t merely about indulgence – it’s about purpose. Their sustainable fish program supports local communities, allowing guests to feast with a clear conscience. The winter menu offers attractive 2- and 3-course deals, making exceptional dining accessible to more food lovers.
The extensive wine list deserves special mention, incorporating local flavours while housing international superstars, ensuring perfect pairings for any palate.
Harbour House Restaurant has established itself as a culinary destination that combines theatrical presentation with exceptional flavours, sustainable practices with indulgent experiences. In a city known for its dining scene, this Camps Bay gem stands out as a must-visit establishment that delivers on every promise, from the moment you enter until the last spoonful of chocolate volcano disappears.
For reservations and current menu offerings, visit Harbour House Restaurant in Camps Bay. Winter menu specials are available for a limited time.
ALSO SEE: Harbour House Camps Bay has officially opened its doors
Images: Supplied
