Fast facts

Restaurant name: Skyfall Restaurant

Address: N3 Exit, 132, Upper Notties, Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal

Contact Number: 033 266 6965

Average price of a main course: R260

Opening times: Thursdays 6pm to 8pm; Friday to Sunday 12noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm

Parking: Free parking in front of reception.

Food type: Fine dining

Best for… Special occasions and romantic dates.

Food

Unlike most fine dining establishments, Skyfall doesn’t offer a set menu with an additional wine pairing (although now and then this does make an appearance, but it isn’t set). Rather the short à la carte menu features a handful of interesting dishes for each course.

There’s a focus on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce and meat from the area. The menu includes the name of the farms the meat is from. The in-house oak-smoked duck breast starter, for example, is from Blue Orange Farm in the Midlands. It’s served with grapefruit preserve, pickles and citrus sauce. These sweet, tart accompaniments perfectly complement the smoky duck.

For mains, the venison loin is served with the most outstanding beetroot-infused goat cheese that elevates the whole dish, its deep pink colour striking. The Karoo lamb neck fillet is served with minted peas, mint chutney and confit potatoes. This familar combination of flavours is presented in an interesting way that makes the dish feel new and exciting.

There’s also a selection of sides that you can add to your meal to make it more substantial (especially if fine dining portions aren’t enough for you), and the waiters are happy to suggest which sides will work best with your chosen dish.

Dessert offerings include familiar treats presented in exceptional ways. The cinnamon churro is served with the most delicious candied citrus and chocolate, while the beurre noisette toffee comes with coffee caviar and a poached pear. The flavour combination is out of this world. All dishes are beautifully presented.

 

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Drinks

Walking towards the seating area, you’ll pass an impressive underground wine cellar on display behind a glass window. This is the first taste you get of Skyfall’s extensive wine list. The waiters are ready to talk you through them all and the wine is opened so it can breathe before serving. This little touch makes a nice difference. There’s also a cocktail menu if you’d rather indulge in something sweeter.

 

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Service

Walking into the underground entrance can be a little daunting, as you are met with dim lights and are unsure where to go, but the friendly staff arrive quickly to show you the way. Everyone is very attentive and has good knowledge about the food and wine on offer.

Ambience

Skyfall presents an interesting contrast. The entrance is dark and dimly lit, whereas the eatery is light, bright and airy. But thanks to consistent décor, the two spaces don’t feel disconnected. A classic modern look and feel do a good job of making the space feel high-end without distracting from the beautiful views of the gardens and hills of Brahman Hills.

 

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