Fast facts

Restaurant Name: Belly of the Beast

Address: 110 Harrington Street, Cape Town

Contact Number: 076 220 5458

Opening times: Mondays and Saturdays 6.30pm to 11pm; Tuesday to Friday 12noon to 2pm and 6.30pm to 11pm

Average price of a main course: R500 for dinner, R690 for dinner

Parking: On the street.

Food type: Fine dining

Food

Belly of the Beast, situated in the heart of Cape Town, promises a unique dining experience. Inspired by South African cuisine, each course is more sensational and lavish than the last.

The tuna tataki is a standout dish, local flavour bursting forth from biltong spice-inspired cured onions and coriander seed oil. It pairs remarkably well with the Luddite Saboteur white blend wine, offering crisp mineral notes on the palate. The hake course pushes boundaries, offering seared hake with a spinach and parmesan puree – surprisingly paired with the Natte Valleij Cinsault, a red wine. Despite being out of the ordinary, it’s an outstanding pairing.

Their rendition of pap en vleis sees the creamiest pap topped with perfectly braaied blesbok and homemade chakalaka, which is paired with the Strandveld Syrah, a beautifully full-bodied wine offering notes of cherry and black pepper. The evening ends on a playful note with cookies and cream done elegantly – a twist on nostalgic Nesquik pink milk!

 

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Each course is an utter flavour immersion, with every little touch well thought out and exceptionally executed. Be advised that Belly of The Beast isn’t the place to go if you have very specific food preferences or are a particularly fussy eater. They can cater for certain allergies and in some cases specific diets, but you’ll have to make prior arrangements.

Drinks

The wine selection is exceptional, as is the pairing. A true display of what South African wineries have to offer.

 

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Service

The service is fantastic. Waiters are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both the food menu and the exceptional wines on offer. The open plan kitchen allows you to see all the talented chefs working in unison, which is a delight. Do make sure to book ahead, as they only offer 24 covers per service in order to ensure sustainability and reduce food waste.

 

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Ambience

The décor is rustic, with a warm homely feel that is refined and chic, yet welcoming. The bathroom has a beautiful bright mural as a feature wall, which is a nice contrast to all the leather, exposed concrete, wood and rustic finishes.

 

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