Looking for a unique and unforgettable dining experience in Cape Town? Look no further than Belly of the Beast. This small, online-bookings-only fine-dining restaurant offers seating for only 25 guests per night and has been a wildly popular haunt since its opening in August 2018.
The industrial-modern space is a blank canvas for food. The entirely exposed kitchen lines one side of the restaurant, and a street-facing window lines the other, with everything on display for diners to see. The cinder-block walls, decorated with botanical art and delicate light fixtures, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s centerpiece is the Belly of the Beast, which explains the inspiration for its name.
The set-menu dinners will be discovered once you arrive, where the evening’s culinary journey is mapped out on a blackboard. Each course is admiringly presented on beautiful dinnerware alongside dainty black and copper cutlery – and passionately explained by the knowledgeable staff. In conjunction with the commonality of the open kitchen and the fanfare with which the dishes are presented and served, dining at Belly of the Beast is more than a meal; it’s a gastronomic experience.
For R650 per person for dinner, guests are treated to several excellent courses, a bread service, a celestial palette cleanser à la Anouchka, and an after-dessert delight – “the last hoorah.” The menu is a tasting menu, and the chefs decide what to make that day, so keep an open mind. The food is superb, with many delicious dishes and an impressive variety of flavors, styles, and platings. The wine pairing is also excellent.
The owners, Neil and Anouchka, chose to pursue their culinary dreams by removing what they didn’t like about the process of running an average-sized restaurant for six years and using what was left to create their concept. The result is a unique and intimate dining experience that harnesses differences and emphasizes the depth of flavor.
Operating hours are from Monday to Sunday, with lunchtime seatings from 12:30 pm to 2 pm and dinner seatings from 6:30 pm to 11 pm. Lunch costs R450 per person, while dinner costs R650 per person. Reservations are required and can be made through DinePlan.
Overall, Belly of the Beast is a fantastic restaurant with exceptional dining experience. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a gastronomic journey and celebrate the art of cooking. Take advantage of this hidden gem in the heart of Cape Town!
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