Perched above the water in Glencairn, The Summer House Eatery feels like stepping into a sun-soaked Mediterranean fantasy – the kind of place you arrive at for lunch and never want to leave.
From the moment you walked in, the ocean stretches out in front of you, light spills across the tables, and the interiors are wrapped in what can only be described as peak “girl world”: soft curves, antique plates lining the walls, and a timeless, effortlessly chic French-bistro energy. It’s beautiful, relaxed and utterly photogenic.
In anticipation of the opening of Tintswalo Summer House in April 2026, its restaurant – The Summer House Eatery – has already opened its doors for lunch and dinner, giving Capetonians a taste of what’s to come. The menu is built around sharing, which makes your visit feel warm, social and celebratory.
We grazed our way through a generous spread: the fire-cooked garlic and rosemary lamb shoulder arrived sizzling on cast iron, tender and full of flavour; the Cape Malay-style half chicken, served with curried yoghurt and charred tender-stem broccoli, struck the perfect balance between comfort and spice; and a whole fire-cooked fish of the day came dressed simply with lemon, caper and dill butter. Standout sides included the slow-roasted aubergine layered with ricotta, rocket and pomodoro, and the sesame-crusted halloumi drizzled with hot honey. A bright radicchio salad with citrus, pear, walnuts and gorgonzola cut through the richness, while burrata with pesto and macerated San Marzano tomatoes felt fresh and indulgent all at once. We mopped up every last drop with warm sourdough flatbread and garlic-herb olive oil.
Set within the latest addition to the Tintswalo Collection, the Eatery reflects the brand’s signature blend of character, heritage and contemporary flair. The space looks out over False Bay on one side, while the opposite wall is adorned with a curated display of antique dinner plates – each one a quiet nod to generations of dining. The design draws on classic European bistro charm but feels distinctly rooted in South Africa, blending elegance with warmth.
At the heart of the experience is an open-fire kitchen where Head Chef Thando Jaxa and his team bring a Mediterranean sensibility to local ingredients. The cuisine celebrates Western Cape farmers, artisans and the sea, with dishes designed to be passed around the table. From hearty steaks and prawns to vibrant vegetable plates and fresh salads, everything feels honest, seasonal and thoughtfully prepared. Chef Thando’s own favourites – moules-frites, a hefty 1.2kg dry-aged T-bone alla Fiorentina, and the Cape Malay chicken – speak to his love of bold, elemental cooking.
Sommelier and Joint General Manager Jabu Ngwenya has crafted a considered wine and cocktail offering that highlights both established and emerging South African producers, including a range from Lomond Wine Estate in the cool-climate Cape Agulhas region.
Next door, the beloved Sports Bar retains its nostalgic charm with black-and-white checkered floors, a vintage fireplace and a beautifully worn wooden bar. Opening onto a sea-facing terrace, it’s the kind of spot where locals gather for sundowners, casual bites like fish and chips, a pressed beef burger, or the cult-favourite prawn roll.
Looking ahead, Tintswalo Summer House will officially open as a boutique hotel in April 2026, marking the rebirth of the historic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, originally built in 1904. Once a grand coastal landmark, the property fell into neglect before Tintswalo acquired it in 2014. Now, after years of careful restoration, it has been transformed into a vibrant, luxurious retreat overlooking False Bay.
Painted in signature Tintswalo pink, the hotel will offer 12 individually styled suites within a meticulously restored heritage villa. The interiors, led by designer Camlyn Johnson alongside her mother Lisa Goosen and grandmother Gaye Corbett, balance playful colour with refined detail – a true reflection of the family’s design legacy.
For now, The Summer House Eatery stands beautifully on its own: a seaside escape, a destination for slow lunches, and a place that feels as special as it looks. Bookings are available via Dineplan.
ALSO SEE: A SUMMER OF QUIET LUXURY AT LABOTESSA’S CAFE AND TERRACE
