While away chilly winter days with these comforting and timeless desserts. From sticky malva pudding to coffee-infused tiramisu, these retro treats will give you a good kick of nostalgia.

95 Keerom (City Bowl)

You’ll be spoilt for choice with comforting Italian classics here. The tiramisu is as traditional as can be and made with airy mascarpone cheese, layered Savoiardi biscuits and a coffee flavour. There’s also the oozing chocolate fondant, classic vanilla crème brûlée, and Italian rum baba with rum-soaked pastry with zabaione cream and berries.

Giorgio Nava’s tiramisu. Photo supplied.

Clarke’s (City Bowl)

This Bree Street eatery gives a nod to old diner classics with a range of indulgent and comforting treats. After devouring a burger or chowder, sink your spoon into a comforting hot fudge brownie sundae. This beauty is served in a tall sundae glass overflowing with homemade butterscotch sauce, a choice of one or two scoops of The Creamery ice cream, slices of homemade gluten-free chocolate brownie (made with 70% couverture Belgian chocolate), more butterscotch sauce, toasted almonds and finally the classic red maraschino cherry on top. If you want a hit of more chocolate, the diner’s take on the chocolate pie will hit the spot. This comes with an oat and white chocolate biscuit crust and a silky Belgian chocolate filling. The hefty slice is also topped off with a red maraschino cherry.

The sundae at Clarke’s. Photo supplied.

The Cousins (Zonnebloem)

After a pasta feast, order the classic tiramisu here. Savoiardi biscuits are swapped out for homemade ciambella (Italian bundt cake) and are layered with mascarpone cheese and a good kick of coffee. It’s finished off with shavings of chocolate for good measure.

The traditional tiramisu at The Cousins. Photo courtesy supplied.

Hussar Grill (Mouille Point)

Known for keeping things retro, the popular steakhouse – complete with its white tablecloths – does not stop at its béarnaise and crumbed mushrooms. End your meal on classics like baked cheesecake with a traditional buttery biscuit crust; crème brûlée; chocolate fondant; or malva pudding with a drizzle of custard. You can also go full retro by washing it down with a Dom Pedro.

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Jonkershuis (Constantia)

The seasonal menu here will always feature some all-time South African favourites. Currently you can order a rich and warming traditional malva pudding served with caramel sauce, vanilla pod ice cream and fudge bits; cinnamon milktart with a raw honey preserve, and a hot cross bun and butter pudding with raisins and caramel ice cream. All desserts are made in-house daily.

Kleinsky’s (Sea Point and City Bowl)

From NY cheesecake and blintzes to rugelach and hamantaschen, this New York style deli is packed with classic comforts. End brunch off with some blintzes (rolled pancakes filled with lemon cream cheese and fruit compote) or try the classic baked cheesecake that will transport you to the Big Apple. There’s also potato latkes with apple sauce; ruglelach biscuits with Nutella; and lemon and poppy seed hamantaschen shortbread.

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La Tête (City Bowl)

Expect nostalgic and beautifully executed desserts at Giles Edwards’ nose-to-tail eatery. The menu changes daily but could feature the likes of crêpes Suzette with creamy vanilla ice cream or fresh-out-the-oven madeleines. However, the real winner here is the floating island: The French dessert consists of a perfectly poached meringue that elegantly floats atop a silky crème anglaise finished off with a crunch of almond flakes.

La Tête’s floating Island dessert. Photo by Claire Gunn.

The Wild Fig (Mowbray)

Find a menu filled with classic comforts at this cosy spot. Think smooth vanilla-specked crème brûlée or rich and oozing chocolate fondant. There’s also a nod to peppermint crisp tart with the Peppermint Terrarium: Layers of creamy peppermint mousse, caramel, and crumbled coconut biscuits.

Have we missed your favourite spot for retro desserts in Cape Town? Let us know in the comments below or download our new app and write them a review. (Plus you could win R5000 cash just for downloading and registering in June 2018!)