The Setting: A Perch Amidst the Heavens at The Nines
With a grandeur befitting its lofty location on the ninth floor of Sea Point’s Station House, The Nines has ascended to prominence, almost arrogantly aware of its irresistibility. From the moment you step out of the swift elevator, your gaze is immediately captured by the panoramic splendor of Sea Point and its Atlantic backdrop — a feast for the eyes, presented through the sophisticated medium of floor-to-ceiling windows. What the canvases in an art gallery do for a connoisseur, the sunsets here do for the worldly. You’re advised to have a glass of champagne at the ready, for this is a visual spectacle that demands a sparkling toast.
The mise-en-scène is composed of a palate evoking both luxury and tranquility. Shades of sand, tans, and greys in organic harmony set the tone. Textures of raw wood, stone, and copper create a sensory juxtaposition, mimicking the harmonious discord one experiences when looking at a perfectly composed photograph. Plush couches and furnishings offer an unspoken invitation—sit, relax, indulge.
As if anticipating the penchant of its clientele for variety and discretion, The Nines serves its auditory course through a trinity of spaces: a 200m^2 deck for an alfresco experience, a cocktail lounge pulsing with restrained éclat, and the main restaurant where culinary magic happens.
The Culinary Repertoire: Classics Elevated
The menu at The Nines is no mere list of dishes; it’s a narrative that merges classical culinary traditions with a modern sense of aesthetic and taste. Starting with the bread course—a sourdough warm enough to melt your concerns as it does the French butter on its crust—you get an inkling that the kitchen is run by virtuosos. For connoisseurs of seafood, the oysters dressed in verjus mignonette are more than a mere appetizer; they are an experience that readies your palate for what’s to come.
You’d do well to explore the aged beef carpaccio, a fine prelude to the bread course that creates an operatic ensemble when combined. As for vegetables, the blistered asparagus demonstrates a playful yet masterful approach to retro chic, pairing a panko-crusted boiled egg and prosciutto shards with a zesty lemon squeeze.
Moving onto mains, choices are laid out like a gallery of modernist paintings, each more compelling than the last. The white tiger prawn linguine, for example, is not just a dish but a textured tapestry of flavors. Yet, it’s the “From The Land” section that stands out. Imagine a 35-day aged steak, its cellular structure almost vibrating with the flavors it has absorbed over time, or a lamb loin cutlet that seems to redefine the very notion of ‘succulent.’
You can download The Nines menu here.
The Finale: A Toast to Sweet Conclusions at the Nines
When it comes to dessert, the first rule of The Nines is that there are no rules. Whether your sensibilities are tickled by the tartness of a lemon and blood orange pie or you lean towards the velvety allure of raw honey panna cotta, the finale here is designed to create not just a taste but a memory. A notable mention is The Nines Chocolate Sundae, a gastronomic time-machine reverting you to the joys of childhood while maintaining an adult sense of finesse.
After your last spoonful, consider extending your evening in the cocktail lounge. With a cocktail list that runs the gamut from vintage classics to the mixologist’s avant-garde signatures, there’s something to suit even the most discriminating of palates. This is where the experience culminates, perhaps with a nightcap that mirrors the sunset you savored upon arrival—a full circle of indulgence.
Epilogue: A New Paradigm in Dining
If the purpose of a restaurant is merely to satisfy hunger, then The Nines would be a dramatic overachievement. But if you believe, as I do, that dining is an art form, then The Nines is nothing short of a masterpiece. It isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a curated experience that marries the artistic with the gastronomic. From its breathtaking views to its meticulous menu, every element has been crafted with a passion that matches its patron’s own pursuit for the extraordinary.
Contact Details for the Nines
- Phone: +27 21 745 6609
- Address: Station House, 19 Kloof Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
- Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 to 11 PM
- Book via Dine Plan
Overall, The Nines is a beautiful and memorable venue that visitors to Cape Town should experience. With its stunning views, delicious food, and exceptional service, The Nines is an excellent choice for a special occasion or romantic evening.
