Guide to Simon’s Town

BERTHA'S
Ever reliable for its pleasing selection of seafood and perfect waters-edge views, Bertha's draws day-tripping urbanites and tourists alike to soak up some good old Simon's Town atmosphere. Boasting the biggest portion of hake and chips in the Cape, other fish dishes are prepared with more finesse. Also a good selection of burgers, pastas and salads with all portions generous, but not inelegantly so. Always affably crowded, whether sprawled on the broad, sunny patio on clear days or packed into the vast, clean-lined interior to escape the elements, somehow the service keeps up and meals reach your table still hot. The wine list is comprehensive, with a friendly selection; look out for specials marked up on the blackboard.

1 Wharf Road
Simon's Town

e-mail: berthas@iafrica.com
website: http://www.berthas.co.za
tel: (021) 786-2138

BON APPETIT
Twinkly fairy lights in the windows are a fitting lure for the warm, elevated ambience and fine but fun French cuisine within. A gracious, almost old-school charm to the reception, service and experience as a whole makes a perfect environment for intimate company or special friends, while the elegantly simple food holds up its end of the bargain too. From souffle and soups to meatier mains, each dish seems to have been made with love and care, while nice, quirky touches in presentation complete the picture. Its unassuming sophistication has regulars returning for more. A pleasing wine selection with some sophisticated choices.

90 St George's Street
Simon's Town

e-mail: bonappetit@telkomsa.net
tel: (021) 786-2412

CAPE TO CUBA
While this visually splendid spot oozes romance, whether fuelled by its addictive mojitos or the steamy gaze of Che Guevara from the walls, you're bound to return more for the ambience, shabby extravagance a la Havana and gorgeous sea views than the food. Wonderful for whiling away the afternoon or evening amid Cuban kitsch, indulging in cigars and resisting the urge to swing from the chandeliers (which you can buy on the spot). The food comes second, but dishes like the Hemingway Salad (seared tuna on a bed of greens) and calamari served with fruity mayo will certainly fill the gap. The wine list is extensive but fairly pricey.

Main Road
Kalk Bay

e-mail: bart@capetocuba.com
website: http://www.capetocuba.com
tel: (021) 788-1566

HABANERO'S
A comforting, homely spot where real, peasant-style Mexican food rather than tacky Tex-Mex is served with oodles of love. The focus is on freshness, flavour and simple goodness, and you won't find anything greasy and over spiced on the modest but still satisfying menu. Swig back traditional lime or strawberry margaritas with your quesadillas or burritos, and finish off with the spectacular hot chilli chocolate. Don't miss the Sunday night buffets, possibly the best value for money to be had in the Cape, and look out for live music on Saturday nights. Fabulous all-day breakfasts cater for the health-conscious. An absolute basic wine list of one white, one red.

138 Main Road
Kalk Bay
Cape Town

tel: (021) 788-6967

THE MEETING PLACE
Colour therapy accompanies feel-good cafe style cuisine at this light and airy eatery that triples up as a deli and decor store, specialising in all things pretty and must-have-now-ish. Uplifting interior matched by views from the packed balcony down on villagey Simon's Town street life and harbour. Good coffee, great breakfasts, divine lunches and light suppers featuring pastas, beautiful salads and comfort food like grilled tuna and mash. A wonderful spot to shoot the breeze on lazy Sunday mornings, if you can hold on to your seat long enough. The wine list is small but adequate.

98 St George's Street
Simon's Town

tel: (021) 786-1986