Fast facts

Restaurant name: The Happy Uncles

Address: The Spice Yard at 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River, Cape Town

Phone number: 079 929 5322

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm to 9pm

Average price: 4 Course – R720pp; 6 Course – R950pp; 8 Course – R1350pp

Parking situation: Parking outside the restaurant and underground at The Spice Yard

Food type: Fine dining

Best for: A fancy night out with friends at a trendy spot, a romantic date night

Food

Your dining experience at The Happy Uncles begins with a complimentary dish engulfed in liquid nitrogen mist, appropriately called ‘Sea Breeze’, which includes a smoked hake and prawn taco, and a bite-size tempura snack accompanied by an all-too-familiar sauce from chef Anwar Andullatief – but not before he comes over to your table. “As-Salaam-Alaikum” he greets you, which in Arabic means “Peace be unto you”, and you immediately feel welcome. “Shukran for coming”, he says.

 

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The sweet-and-sour sauce in the Sea Breeze, like the green mango atchar in the squid starter, elevates the food at The Happy Uncles. What sets this fine dining establishment apart is the fact that the courses are well seasoned and enhanced by flavours Capetonians have come to know and love. Each of the starters – and the piña colada-inspired sorbet palate cleanser, prepared right in front of you with liquid nitrogen – are delicious. But though the beef main is tender, the meat lacks a bit of flavour. The white chocolate marquise dessert is the perfect sweet finish, with just enough of that tart passion fruit to cut through it all.

 

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Drinks

Being a fully-halaal establishment, there’s no wine or alcoholic beverages on offer. Your dining experience begins with a complimentary glass of clear sparkling grape juice, and there are three mocktails, and soft drinks, to choose from. While the blueberry mojito is refreshing, the sunrise tasted more like a juice, so you aren’t really spoilt for choice when it comes to drinks.

 

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Service

Booking a table at The Happy Uncles is easy. There’s no calling involved. You simply click the link on your phone, fill in your details, and pay a deposit, subtracted from your bill at the end of the experience. The staff are welcoming, each meal is presented to you with your waiter explaining every element on the plate, and the wait between courses is not too long.

 

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Ambience

The Happy Uncles is located at The Spice Yard opposite a scrap yard in Salt River. You’d easily drive through the area and never expect to find this hidden gem, but when you do, it will pleasantly catch you off guard. When you step inside, the dimly lit, smaller establishment, with exposed brick, is much like a loft. It’s a modern, trendy and rustic fine dining spot. Much like the flavours running through the menu, The Happy Uncles is quiet and unsuspecting. And you’ll leave with a full tummy and happy heart.

 

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