Cape Town’s northern suburbs’ foodies don’t need to travel far these days to find a great meal.

The Barnyard Brasserie and Tapas Bar is the new contemporary eatery from former Terroir (current Eat Out Restaurant of the Year) co-founder and chef patron, Nic van Wyk.

The sleek 120-seater recently opened at the chic Willowbridge centre, as a modern update on the European brasserie or French pub.

The menu features wholesome gems such as Lambs leg with rosemary and garlic, Stuffed pigeons, Wood-fired fish parcels with the flavours of Provence and Bouillabaisse.

Nic calls the style, “classic French peasant food with a modern sensibility”.

Joining forces with Sybel Coetzee Möller, founder of the Barnyard Theatre brand along with husband Louis in 1996, was “a dream opportunity that I simply could not resist”, says Nic.

“We want to get people excited about good, honest food – no fancy frills, and packed with flavour.”

“This is food we all want to eat again and again,” adds Sybel. “Food that makes you feel good. It’s communal food that you want to share and enjoy with people you care about.”

The mood
The ambiance is warm, the décor urban chic, with quirky damask wallpaper, sassy red accent colours, opulent mirrors, dark wood and the most talked-about lampshades in town. A roaring fire place adds to the mood in winter. Sunny days and balmy evenings can be spent street café style, watching people going by.

The food
The food ranges from French peasant style food to delicious small plate tapas: double baked haddock soufflé with black pepper parmesan cream; baby cherry tomato soup with a dollop of labneh and sour dough bread; comforting mushroom on toast with an inventive fontina and truffle sauce. The rib eye steak comes with a classic sauce; the roast chicken with aioli; while desserts may include sweet scented lemon tart, oven-roasted quince or churros served with chocolate.

The small wine selection reflects top-drawer to easy drinking wines from the Cape.

CHOOSE YOUR MEAL-STYLE

Tapas
Get seated on a quirky bright red chair around the dark wood counter of the tapas bar and choose a small dish – from salt cod fritters to crispy paprika squid.

The Harvest table sees the revival of the Sunday lunch. An array of starters is laid out to enjoy with just-baked bread. Then on to a select choice of mains and desserts served at the table.

The Chef’s Table offers an exclusive private space with the best view in the eatery – the bustling kitchen with Chef Nic van Wyk in attendance. Maximum 10 diners.

That special event: An airy area overlooking the green hills is the ideal setting for a private function for up to 32 guests. Screened off with glass sliding doors, the area is secluded enough, without being isolated from the bustle of the restaurant.

Open daily from 11.30am for lunch and dinner from 6pm (closed Sunday evenings). Tapas served throughout till late. Sunday lunch: Harvest table.

The Barnyard Brasserie and Tapas Bar
Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, Carl Cronje Drive, TygerValley
Call 021 914 5046 / 021 914 7242
Booking Essential for exclusive group events and chef’s table
Corkage R30
Ample secure parking
info@barnyardbrasserie.com
www.barnyardbrasserie.com