The smaller sister restaurant to the original Skinny Legs Café on Loop Street opened in late February and is situated on the quaint cobbled Jarvis Street behind the Cape Quarter. The tiny daytime eatery is located on the first level of the three-story boutique shop, Maison Mara, where locals can now grab some coffee and a healthy bite away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Eat Out’s Cape Town restaurant editor Zola Nene went to have a taste.

A post shared by Skinny Legs Luxury Cafe (@skinnylegscafe) on Feb 28, 2018 at 6:50am PST

Cost: R120 average main meal
Parking: Street parking is limited, it’s best to park in Cape Quarter
Best for: Breakfast and lunch
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Ambience: 3; Service: 4

Food

The menu at Skinny Legs is very condensed due to the small size of the open-plan restaurant and kitchen, but expect to still find some of your old favourites from the original café. The spiced porridge served with seasonal fruit makes for a very filling yet healthy breakfast option. The selection of toasts on the menu are offered with a choice of simple yet delicious toppings. My top choice is the green toast made with sautéed seasonal greens, a poached egg and finished off with a herby drizzle. Or, order your eggs how you like them and add on delicious extras such as sautéed wild mushrooms or roasted tomatoes.

A post shared by Skinny Legs Luxury Cafe (@skinnylegscafe) on Mar 11, 2018 at 11:28pm PDT

The lunch offering is a selection of vibrant salads, like the popular Lumberjack chicken salad which can also be ordered as an open sandwich. Other lunch options include healthy bowls and a few other light meals.

To satisfy that sweet tooth, the signature chocolate cookie is a must. Packed full of nuts and chocolate chips, it’s the perfect sweet ending to the meal, or serves as an accompaniment to your coffee.

A post shared by Skinny Legs Luxury Cafe (@skinnylegscafe) on Mar 16, 2018 at 3:35am PDT

Drinks

A selection of freshly made juice combinations is available, as well as a selection of smoothies. The seasonal mango smoothie is deliciously fruity and not too sweet, and is served scattered with chia seeds for added crunch.

A post shared by Skinny Legs Luxury Cafe (@skinnylegscafe) on Mar 27, 2018 at 3:37am PDT

Ambience

The restaurant is small, with seating limited and a little tight. Expect to hear what those at the table next to you are talking about (and don’t plan any discreet business meetings for this spot). If you’re prepared to be looked at by passer-by shoppers, there’s an option to sit outside on the cobbled street. Or venture upstairs into the boutique shop and ask to sit in the bright airy courtyard.

A post shared by Skinny Legs Luxury Cafe (@skinnylegscafe) on May 5, 2018 at 1:20am PDT

Service

Service is fast and attentive. The small kitchen handles the orders well, but expect a bit of a wait if it is very busy.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

Have you eaten at Skinny Legs at Maison Mara? Write a review and tell us what you thought.