Carlton Café Delicious once again lives up to its reputation for innovation and flair, finds Diane de Beer.

The food

If exciting cuisine is something you cherish, allow chef Rachel Botes to tempt the senses. Not everything on the menu is exactly what it seems to be ­- you’re in for an adventure if you go along for the ride.

Her mind wanders deliciously between textures and tastes, bringing forth balanced but brilliant food that will keep you intrigued. From picnic baskets to cakes that dazzle, deli breakfasts and lunches, nougat in flavours that take you on a magic carpet ride to one of her creative specialised dinners, she keeps pushing boundaries and serving delights that linger.

The putu pap with fried biltong and mascarpone for breakfast and Southern fried chicken with a secret mix of spices for lunch are regulars that remain on the menu to prevent a riot.

Food at the Carlton Cafe Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The drinks

No wine is served, but they do have some sublime homemade drinks like rosemary lemonade, ginger beer and a wonderful berry cooler consisting of pulped frozen berries, honey, cranberry juice and sparkling water.

The service

The eatery can get very busy, but there’s always a watchful eye to see that things don’t go awry.

The interior of Carlton Cafe Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The ambience

Having moved into a larger venue (from a previous location at the other end of this row of shops), the restaurant seems to have slipped naturally into its new, natural state. Nice touches include sunlit garden boxes that hedge the outside tables, providing herbs and the odd eggplant or cabbage for the kitchen, and the eclectic mix of bookcases inside, which adds a quirky touch. It’s an easy place to access, with parking right in front of the store, if you’re lucky.

And… 

Locals make good use of the delicatessen for ordering take-home fair; there’s a huge range, but favourites include pies or, if you’re in a decadent mood, baked cheesecake and killer chocolate mousse cake.

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