Lyve Café is Kimberley’s open and best kept secret. Launched just over a year ago, it has not only become a popular spot, but also a new discovery, even for some of the locals of Northern Cape’s capital city. The upmarket restaurant is located in Du Toitspan Road, known for its historical structures such as the African Library and the Kimberley Club. Part of its charm is how it takes on the vintage feel of 1940s old buildings with a rejuvenated air.

There is a small outdoor seating area. Walking in you are greeted by the sophistication of woody, golden and emerald green textures and tones, with the bar immediately catching your eye.

Lyve Café is run by a family behind a lot of the live music events held around Kimberley. The spot is therefore known to host occasional music shows, but this doesn’t take away from its refined food offering. The restaurant works with Mediterranean inspirations fused with its Karoo roots and because of this, a lot of the dishes on offer hero lamb. The menu is headed by the emerging Chef Kabelo Ratlhotshe who trained with Sun International and the HTA School of Culinary Art in Randburg, Johannesburg.

His experimentation of Mediterranean and African flavours can be experienced in his exciting mutton curry with okra (which is specifically West African) served with a samp and bean ragout or basmati rice. Other main highlights include the soft and juicy braised lamb shank, the lamb kleftiko and lamb riblets served with lemon herb couscous.

In trying to accommodate locals, menu prices have been adjusted to be reasonably affordable. There is also a visible attempt to be inclusive. The fresh seafood linguine for pasta lovers is a reminder that the Northern Cape is a coastal province. Those who love meat can relish in the Grill Master – among other meaty offerings – which boasts lamb chops, boerewors and chicken wings.

The compact kiddies menu includes mac and cheese, crumbed chicken strips and stir fry. For dessert you can choose from sweet treats such the Berry Triffle; the Peach Melba with pickled peach, vanilla parfait, expresso sauce and ice cream; and the Vanilla bomb boasting vanilla custard mousse and vanilla sponge, tuile, vanilla soil and vanilla parfait.

Lyve café is popular with local business people who utilize it for lunches and meetings. The space includes a private dining area for exclusivity. It’s a perfect spot for special occasions ranging from birthday parties, small family gatherings to date nights. It’s also one to check out when you’re passing through Kimberley for a wholesome and delicious meal.

Its presence is helping to entrench a thrilling culinary scene in Kimberley with Chef Kabelo Ratlhotshe being one to watch. The café is currently closed for maintenance until the 15th of January. Operating hours are Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am till 10pm.

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