If you are looking for a unique culinary experience in Cape Town, look no further than Emazulwini, the contemporary fine-dining restaurant with a twist on traditional South African dishes. The restaurant may be new in Maker’s Landing, but it has already made a name for itself as a hidden gem that deserves much wider recognition.
The chef and owner, Mmabatho Molefe, has been perfecting her Zulu-inspired cuisine-with-a-fine-dining-twist for the past two years. Her secret is simple: local ingredients, dollops of love, and beautiful presentation. With a more oversized kitchen, a bigger team, and a brand-new menu, Mmabatho is ready to take on the South African dining scene.
The seven-course tasting menu is a homage to home, and each dish is a creative showcase of nostalgic homely flavors. The menu starts with exquisite snacks, including a delicate chicken neck mousse tart, chicken liver paté on a chocolate crumb, and a tiny, polony-adorned vetkoek. Then, a subtle corn custard with parsley sauce followed by hearty beef liver, elegantly plated with mushroom, beetroot, and braised onions.
The mains are equally delightful. Crispy potato pie sparkles with lively coriander chutney and braised short ribs are served with lovely caramelized cabbage, fragrant leeks, and savory jus. To finish, a gorgeous dessert celebrating sorghum, with hints of orange, banana caramel, and Amarula, will surely leave you feeling satisfied.
The South African wine pairings accompanying each course are well chosen, with Sophie chardonnay paired with the canapés, a lightly-chilled Copper Pot pinot noir with the liver, and Ataraxia Serenity red blend with the short rib.
Emazulwini’s new six-month residency in a 40-seater space next to its original location offers a beautiful design, an open kitchen, and big glass doors that open onto a quayside terrace. This, combined with breathtaking views of the harbor and cruise ship docks, creates a unique dining experience.
The service is excellent, with friendly staff and an experienced sommelier to guide you through the wine pairing. In addition, the restaurant’s owners and chef are all women, adding to the pride of experiencing this unique dining experience.
Emazulwini offers lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday and a Sunday lunch seating. The restaurant accepts reservations and offers takeout services. The unique dining experience that Emazulwini offers is proudly South African, and you won’t find anything quite like it anywhere else in the world.
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