Step up to the plate: La Colombe Cape Town

Constantia Nek is a low pass over South Africa’s Table Mountain range in Cape Town, linking Constantia to Hout Bay in the west. At the top of the pass, with its stunning views over the valley towards the sea, sits La Colombe.Chef James Gaag and his team are the reason behind La Colombe’s roaring success that’s built around its exquisite dishes grounded in French technique and accented with Asian flourishes. Along with top-notch food, Gaag’s gang also boasts an extensive and well-curated wine list that will impress the most discerning oenophiles among you.

But at the core lies the cuisine. The menu leans on local and seasonal produce, allowing the ingredients to shine in each dish. Try the foie gras with caramelised brioche for a sublimely smooth pleasure. Truffled cherry parfait with flecks of gold leaf, Malay-style snoek and beetroot tartare are superb choices.

Smoked tomato dish with aubergine and pine nuts, served in a pool of umami-laden consomme and perfectly paired with Craven Pinot Gris 2021 will take an army and more to resist. If you’re there in Cape Town, be there at La Colombe.