Take a wild, rugged coastline, add a flat-topped mountain, throw in a few rolling hills and a pretty harbour and you have an extraordinary setting for the many rooftop bars and restaurants scattered about the city. While everyones knows Cape Town is blessed in the looks department, it still takes your breath away to stand on top of a high building and see the city sweeping out before you. It’s bigger than it seems, and more beautiful than you remember. Here are three of the best.
Utopia
We’re talking views for days here. Even the most seasoned traveler and bored Capetonian gasps in disbelief as they step out of the lift on the fifteen floor of number 40 Chiappini Street, De Waterkant. What lies before you is a 360-degree wraparound view that takes your breath away. The only negative thing about this gorgeous new eatery is that you have to decide which direction you want to face while you wine and dine. The breezy, outside area with its plunge pool overlooking De Waterkant’s charming neighbourhood, the V&A Waterfront and the harbour’s giant container ships and yachts? The lounge with its floor-to-ceiling view of the city bathed in golden light? Or the bar area which looks out over the colourful houses of Bo Kaap, majestic Table Mountain and sloping Signal Hill? It’s not an easy choice. But wherever you seat yourself, you can’t go wrong. They currently have a fantastic special which everyone is going gaga about: a 5-course tasting menu for a mere R195. It includes ceviche, prawns, springbok, rib eye and creme brûlée and each plate is beautifully prepared and presented. Order wine and have time to linger. You won’t want to rush home.
The Willaston Bar
While the Silo Hotel at the V&A Waterfront is not easy on the pocket, the bar on the 6th floor is. And, you’ll still get to feel like you’re living the life of the rich and famous. The service is 5-star, and the decor and ambience, gorgeous. If you can drag your eyes away from the huge view of Table Mountain long enough to look at the wine list, you’ll find a delectable and extensive selection of champagne, cocktails and local, French and Italian wines. You can even buy Tatinger and Laurent Perrier by the glass, which is a nice touch (though a selection of lovely local bubblies is available, too). The chairs are comfortable and well-spaced, so even when the bar is busy the atmosphere is intimate, and feeling fancy is unavoidable. Considering the extremely exclusive nature of the hotel and bar, the menu is very reasonable. If you’re still hungry after sampling their snacks (the polenta fries and arancini with truffle oil is delicious), go for the burger with red slaw, the tempura line-fish or the crowd-pleasing steak frites with green peppercorn sauce. Finish it off with a warming whiskey or a cup of freshly ground coffee and watch the city light up.
Vib
Pronounced ‘vibe’ (obviously), this brand-new Best Western hotel in Green Point hotel has its own art gallery, the Jaffer Modern, which promotes established and aspiring Pan-African artists. The rooftop entertainment area is vibey indeed, sporting a cool glass-walled pool which overlooks the suburb of Green Point and beyond to the cool Atlantic with its busy shipping lines. This is an excellent spot for an after-work cocktail. Try the Greenpoint (Leonista Blanco, cucumber, lime, soda and sea salt) or the Amber Cup (Inveroche Amber, mint, green apple and ginger ale). It’s also perfect for a chilled Sunday afternoon. Kick off your shoes, have a dip in the pool and then relax on one of the comfy couches and choose something from the sushi menu. The Eight Assassins (tuna tartare, seared tuna, avocado and strawberry) is fresh and fabulous, and the Trust Me (marinated salmon, caramelized salmon, avocado and mango) is divine. They are currently running an awesome special: 12 grilled queen prawns with charred lime and chips and a bottle of Chenin Blanc for R195. Really. You might have to stay the night.
Lance Real Estate is based in Fresnaye, Cape Town and covers the Atlantic Seaboard from the Waterfront to Camps Bay. With over 23 years’ experience in the most sought-after residential areas in Africa, Lance Real Estate has sold over R 1 billion worth of properties in the last 3 years.
It is this hands-on knowledge that sets Lance Real Estate apart from our competition. We have built an extensive database of buyers and sellers over the last 2 decades who have grown to trust our market knowledge and depend on us to negotiate the best possible deal in any property negotiation.
We are now extending our reach and taking on houses and apartments for sale from the Waterfront through to Llandudno.
If you are looking for a remarkable agency to buy, rent or sell your property on the Atlantic Seaboard, our friendly customer care team is a phone call away.
For a list of properties we have for sale in Bantry Bay click here:
We also have a range of holiday rentals to offer. If you appreciate beautiful African sunsets over the sea and sublime mountain views, then visit our holiday rentals section on our website.
Contact
Email: info@lancerealestate.co
Tel: +27 82 416 6103
Credits:
Utopia Cape Town
The Silo Hotel
Vib Cape Town