In the Overberg area of Elgin, set amidst rolling hills and cool climate vineyards, The Melting Pot has risen to become a beacon of culinary excellence, having won an Eat Out star in both 2022 and 2023. With its warm, homey atmosphere and globally influenced food, it has captured the tastebuds of both locals and visitors, with its homage to the very best local produce in the region. However, a bittersweet announcement has left diners and the local restaurant community with heavy hearts: The Melting Pot will be closing its doors for the final time on 28 April 2024.

 

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Chef John van Zyl shared this news, expressing gratitude for the support throughout the years. “While we are saddened to say goodbye to this chapter, we want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have dined with us, celebrated special occasions, and made The Melting Pot a part of your lives. Your loyalty and enthusiasm for our cuisine have been the driving force behind our success.”

Since its inception, in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling CBD, The Melting Pot has been synonymous with its “one of everything” –  the small-plates menu, which can be ordered in its entirety to be split between two people. Those who frequented The Melting Pot when it was situated on Wale Street will fondly recall the casual yet warm and personal service delivered by John’s partner, Sage. This inviting atmosphere seamlessly transitioned to the restaurant’s final location at Oak Valley Wine Estate.

 

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Standouts on the menu have included West Coast mussels with fresh fennel side salad on chunky sourdough toast, seared tuna in a dukkha crust with cashew tahini dressing, belly-filling lamb-rib roti, and of course the Vietnamese-inspired bun thit nuong. John’s vision at The Melting Pot was drawn from his travel experiences around the world, blending classic techniques with contemporary flair, resulting in dishes that delighted the senses and just had you craving more. The term ‘packed with flavour’ seems so trite but that’s what they were.

Beyond the food, The Melting Pot fostered a sense of community, serving as a gathering place for friends, families, and food lovers to come together in one of the Cape’s most beautiful settings.

 

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As the restaurant prepares to bid farewell, guests are invited to savour their final dining experiences, cherishing each bite and raising a glass to the end of an era.

We look forward to seeing what John and Sage get up to next!

Feature image: Megan Kate Swan