Categories: Venues

ëlgr on Kloof Street – Urban Dining with a Minimalist Edge

If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines minimalist Scandinavian design with fresh flavors and artisanal pizza, look no further than ëlgr. Located in the heart of Kloof Street in Cape Town, this moody and ultra-social restaurant is the brainchild of 27-year-old chef Jesper Nilsson.

The Atmosphere at ëlgr

Step off the street and into the sun-filled spot with leather banquettes, easy-on-the-eye curated displays, and beautifully dressed tables with slate tableware. Then venture deeper into the moodier heart of the restaurant until you emerge into a light-and-plant-filled courtyard, complete with a bar, corner sofa, café chairs, tables, and a pizza oven.

The Menu at ëlgr

The menu at ëlgr is designed to make people feel at ease, with plenty of seasonal plant-based offerings, artisanal pizza, and expertly crafted wine lists and cocktails. If you’re looking for an authentic street-food experience, come along every second week on a Saturday when the ëlgr team showcases easy-eating food from the country of their choice. The courtyard is perfect for socially distanced dining, while the outdoor bar – with its custom-built menu of crafted cocktails and rosé on tap – is sure to be a popular haunt this summer.

Holistic Hospitality

Enjoy the diverse crew who are treated like family and are all salaried employees with the gratuities being shared among every team member. It’s of great importance to Jesper and his team, who insists on a family-style lunch for every team member daily and a consecutive two-days-off policy, that his staff reflects a holistic hospitality approach.

Drinks

The drinks at ëlgr are equally impressive. Experienced sommelier Mario Salvato has gone to great lengths to acquire the best and the most exciting choices available in South Africa. At the same time, the cocktail list features seven carefully crafted options designed with local bar pros SIP.

Reviews of ëlgr

Despite some mixed reviews about the food and service, many visitors have raved about the lamb ribs, beef tartare, savory cheesecake, and salads, which are all incredible. The seafood options and sea bass are perfect and tasty. The staff is friendly and super welcoming. The decor is modern and sexy, and the place itself is ultra-cool and a perfect spot for a night out.