Looking out at over the rolling Constantiaberg mountain range and winelands, Constantia Nek surely is one of the best locations in the Cape. Now, one of Cape Town’s oldest restaurants has become a destination once more, thanks to extensive renovations and the opening of two new restaurants: La Parada and Harbour House Constantia Nek.

Harbour House and La Parada at the Constantia Nek location. Photo by Micky Hoyle supplied by Harbour House Group.

Sharing a spacious front courtyard and exceptional views, the two restaurants offer something slightly different: La Parada serves up tapas in a relaxed environment, while the more sophisticated Harbour House space offers fresh seafood with a gourmet spin.

Chef Martin Senekal, who cut his teeth under Bruce Robertson at The Showroom Restaurant, and gained experience at the Cape Grace, will head up the kitchen of both of La Parada Constantia as well as the La Parada restaurant on Bree Street.

Harbour House at Constantia Nek

On the menu at this stylish restaurant, guests can expect fresh seafood, delicately grilled or steamed with potato fondant, zesty lemon and aromatic herbal infusions, sauces and foams. For starters, tuck into oysters, ceviche and plump West Coast mussels in wine, garlic and thyme. Also on offer are sushi, seafood platters and the ever-popular Mozambican-style peri-peri tiger prawns. For the more carnivorous palate, there’s beef with chilli and sesame, and a tender rack of Karoo lamb in a thyme-and-rosemary jus.

Steak tartare at Harbour House. Photo by Micky Hoyle supplied by Harbour House Group.

Décor is simple and understated, keeping the original form and structure of the heritage building. Rustic stone walls and herringbone brickwork capture the history of the space, while floor-to-ceiling windows open to display those spectacular views.

Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in Africa and houses numerous award-winning wine farms, many of which feature on the curated Harbour House wine list. Plans for wine tastings and relaxed weekend bubbly brunches are also underway.

The fresh interiors at Harbour House at Constantia Nek. Photo by Micky Hoyle supplied by Harbour House Group.

The Harbour House site is also available for small weddings, corporate functions and international tour groups looking for casual fine dining with a view.

To make a booking at Harbour House, call 021 795 0688, email constantianek@harbourhouse.co.za or book online here.

La Parada at Constantia Nek

Founded on Bree Street, the La Parada name pays tribute to the Spanish bars that bewitched Hemmingway. Specialising in authentic tapas, the restaurant boasts ornate pressed ceilings, an eclectic mix of chairs and lampshades, and a golden bull’s head, all creating a kind of gypsy-chic atmosphere perfect for a casual get together with friends, after-work drinks, or late-night carousing.

The slick new bar at La Parada Constantia Nek. Photo by Micky Hoyle supplied by Harbour House Group.

The Constantia Nek venue will also be open for breakfasts and long lazy lunches looking out over the winelands.

To make a booking at La Parada at Constantia Nek, call 021 795 0620 or email constantianek@laparada.co.za.