Fire Monkey is Cheyne Morrisby’s new venture into Cape Town’s southern suburbs, in the upmarket Cavendish shopping district. As with chef Cheyne’s other restaurants, you can expect the best in contemporary Asian fusion dining. Across the menu, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Indonesian flavour profiles all make an appearance. 

Fire oysters, crispy garlic and shallots. Photo by Katy Rose.

Fast facts 

Cost: R135 average à la carte main meal; R300 for four dishes
Parking: Street parking on Protea Road
Food type: Asian fusion small plates
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 5; Service: 5; Ambience: 5

Food

With over 20 dishes on offer across vegetarian, seafood and meat-based produce, the menu lends itself to adapting to most diner’s preferences. Tuna tacos are a firm favourite – crisp wafers with fresh tuna tartare, créme fraîche, avo and a touch of kewpie mayo offer textures that come together in a playful way and flavours reminiscent of the best California roll you’ve ever had. 

The yellowtail sashimi is served on a beautiful raised dish, almost like a stage. Sitting in just enough lime and ginger dressing are slivers of fresh yellowtail, topped with pickled daikon and red onion for some crunch. 

Yellowtail sashimi, lime, sesame, ginger and chilli. Photo by Katy Rose.

The Wagyu short rib gyoza is a set of four crispy parcels that burst with a rich beefy filling. Be sure to grab some of the pickled cucumber and black vinegar dressing to appreciate the full flavour burst. 

Wagyu short rib gyoza, pickled cucumber and teriyaki jus. Photo by Katy Rose.

The Japanese fried chicken wings are a must-order – the salty, spicy, sweet and sticky coating hits all the right spots. Get stuck in with your fingers; a finger bowl is graciously offered to clean up afterwards. Don’t miss the grilled edamame beans, either, which are toasted in kimchi butter. 

Chicken satay with grilled corn and tuna tacos. Photo by Katy Rose.

Eight dishes between two adults makes for an abundant amount of food. Dessert offers options of coconut cream sago, an ice cream sundae, sesame cheesecake and a Kyoto coffee with Nikka whiskey.  

Drinks

Cocktails, beers, sake and wine are on offer. The wine list is compact and strikes a great balance between old favourites and some smaller labels. There are also some exceptional Japanese whiskies on offer.

Service

Proactive, coordinated and attentive. Small-plate dining could lead to a cluttered table, but the staff whips away each empty dish immediately to make room for the next one. 

Ambience

The dining room is open, with sleek wooden tables and benches. Tables are communal, so expect to be seated adjacent to other diners. The room has a soft hum, with the open kitchen adding some energy but without the noise and clamour that sometimes afflict open-plan restaurants. The gritty wall art, food plating and light fittings make Fire Monkey an Instagram goldmine. 

The Fire Monkey interior. Photo by Katy Rose.

Best for…

Well-travelled foodies looking for a fun evening. 

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

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