Mink & Trout, situated in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling foodie street, Bree, puts the truth in the saying that dynamite comes in small packages. The menu is small with only a few choices, but that’s part of the allure, says Eat Out critic Zola Nene.

The eggs Benedict at Mink and Trout. Photo supplied.

Fast facts

Best for: Decadent comfort food in the city
Cost: Average price main course is R130
Corkage R60 per 750ml bottle
Serves: Bistro fare
Star rating: Food and drinks 4, service 5, ambience 4

Huevos rancheros at Mink & Trout. Photo supplied.

Food

The dishes are presented in the most sophisticated and interesting way. If you’re here for brunch, you might opt for prawn toast, eggs Benedict or huevos rancheros – all great with bubbly. In the evening, the mushroom risotto is the perfect starter, providing taste and texture in abandon. Another recommended option is the silky smooth duck parfait, served with wafers and spicy relish. Each dish is beautifully crafted and presented on the most exquisite crockery; every plate is unique and interesting, framing the food as if it were a painted masterpiece.

The chicken pie main course is the signature dish, the recipe hailing from the previous owners and purchased along with the restaurant. The flaky, buttery pastry encases a chunky chicken centre which rests on top of a creamy truffle sauce; it delivers everything you want in a chicken pie and more. Accompanying side dishes such as triple-cooked chips and duck-fat roasted potatoes are a perfect addition to any of the meaty dishes on offer, which might include the likes of confit pork belly or bone-marrow-crusted fillet.

A post shared by Mink & Trout (@minkandtrout) on Jun 26, 2017 at 12:30am PDT

The dessert menu tempts with offerings such as chocolate torte and a light-as-air panna cotta served with seasonal berries.

Steenberg bubbly at Mink & Trout. Photo supplied.

Drinks

The Mink & Trout wine list is carefully selected to match the seasonal menu offering for that day. A few local sparkling, white and red wines are available, all offered by the bottle or as a carafe for those who wish to pair each course with a different wine.

Service

As soon as you walk in the door, you’re greeted by the smiling face of the hostess and bar man, making you feel like you’ve just arrived at a family’s home. Service staff are well versed on the menu items, offering detailed explanations of what each dish entails.

Ambience

Small restaurants can often feel cramped and full, but Mink & Trout has found a way to make the space feel open and welcoming. The sleek tables and chairs line up on either side of the room with the open-plan kitchen in view of diners. The interesting light fixtures dotted around the restaurant give the place a romantic ambience.

A post shared by Mink & Trout (@minkandtrout) on Apr 25, 2017 at 1:53am PDT

And…

Enquire about the themed curry nights and the bottomless bubbly brunches, which are ideal for a meal out with friends.

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Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

The Peking duck pancakes with pickled garlic and a star anise and carrot dressing. Photo supplied.