Adjacent to the prestigious Cape Royale Hotel on Green Point’s busy main road is the plush new Café Royale.
Having recently been launched to the Cape Town public, this new kid on the block delivers a royal dining experience but without the excessive costs involved.
My partner and I tried out the eatery for lunch. We opted for two of the chef’s specials; the braised oxtail with seasoned mash and a menage of vegetables for me, while my partner chose a lighter meal – a grilled chicken caesar salad.
While waiting for our food, we decided go on an exploration of the place. The overall size of the cafe is small which gives the place an intimate, cozy feel. But while cozy, Café Royale is a diminutive replica of the hotel; there is something quite grand about it. On a summery day, the outside terrace is the ideal spot to bask in the sun while sipping on a cappuccino. While located on a busy road, the surrounding greenery of hedges and plant hangings makes it feel like you’re in the back of a garden. The interior is rather ornate with white marble tables, matching chairs and a plated overhanging with an emboldened Café Royale imprinted on it.
Our food arrives and what struck me first was the generous portions. As someone who’s only tried oxtail infrequently, I really didn’t know what to expect. However, the oxtail was succulent, hearty and the rich sauce slathered over the meat and mash ensured that the meal was not dry nor lacking in flavour. Salads can be quite bland and unimaginative, with far too much leafy greens and lacking in everything else. However, my partner’s chicken caesar was light on the stomach, well-seasoned and didn’t skimp out on the ingredients.
Having looked at the dessert menu and feasted our eyes on the cake display, dessert was not to be missed. Wanting to expose myself to French culture, I went for the crepes with fresh raspberries and a raspberry jus. The jus was sharp but not overpowering and the crepes were warm and soft. Certainly a winner if you’re not wanting a sweet dessert. My partner went the opposite route to me with her sugar-coated caramel cheese cake – the ultimate sweet lover’s delight. The caramel topping is akin to a piece of fudge – without being overly rich or sweet, and the cheesecake was light, moist and fluffy. This was a delightful surprise as often cheesecake runs the risk of being dense and heavy on the stomach.
If you’re looking for gourmet breakfasts, hearty lunches or something to nibble on in between, then Café Royale ticks all the boxes with its understated elegance and wholesome cuisine.
OF NOTE
Where Café Royale, 47 Main Road, Green Point
When Daily 6 am – 6 pm
Cost Menu
Contact +27 21 430 0500
Your raspberry crepe seems to have come with tinned cherries and not fresh raspberries?