The exterior of Bellevue Café. Photo supplied.

Chef-patron Chris Black cooks up comforting food with soul at Bellevue Cafe in Kloof, says Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton.

Fast facts

Best for: Laid-back weekend dining
Cost: Average main meal is R140
Serves: Bistro fare
Star ratings: Food 4, service 4, ambience 4

A beautiful salmon dish at Bellevue Café. Photo supplied.

Food

Breakfasts are popular at Bellevue, offering the likes of traditional eggs, toasted bagels, and a comforting and cheesy Welsh rarebit.

Lunches and dinners feature satisfying bistro food from light sandwiches and salads to classic fresh fish and chips and homemade pastas. Starters are light and tasty. The meaty duck spring rolls come with a pleasing plum dipping sauce; there’s a moreish coriander corncake with smoked salmon and lemon crème fraîche; and Falkland calamari deep-fried with a sprinkling of salt and pepper and an ingenious pink ginger mayonnaise.

Mains continue on the hearty theme, with beef burger creations and slow-cooked Karoo lamb shank with rosemary, mash and vegetables. The homemade pie of the day is a glorious bowl of food and could feature the likes of chicken and mushroom with a creamy gravy, pops of green peas and perfectly-made puff pastry lid. Served with a side salad and golden fries, it makes for a generous and fulfilling meal. If you’re a steak person, the fillet medallions here are a top choice. Cooked to pink perfection, the tender meat is served with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy chips.

If there’s room for afters, the dark and satisfying liquid-centre chocolate pudding is wonderfully rich. There’s also a very good vanilla-flecked crème brûlée, which should please the pudding purists. Alternatively, give way to temptation and pick your favourite treat from the pastry counter – the pasteis de nata and brownies are particularly good.

The pastry counter at Bellevue Café. Photo supplied.

Drinks

Sip on a range of local craft beers or gins, or choose from the interesting wines available. They also host wine evenings with popular estates from the Cape.

Service

Friendly and swift.

The interior of Bellevue Café. Photo supplied.

Ambience

Bellevue is light and breezy with face brick, luscious plants and a pastry table laden with treats. With its laid-back feel, the space is ideal for lazy weekend dining. On sunny days, opt for a table outside under the trees.

And…

The cosy upstairs section is available to hire for private events and celebrations.

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

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