Restaurant
FYN
Peter Tempelhoff's FYN serves seasonal modern African tasting menus shaped by Japanese culinary thinking, from a fifth-floor dining room on Parliament Street.
The Cape Town branch of Johannesburg's Marble cooks South African produce over a large wood-fired grill in the historic Union Castle Building at the V&A Waterfront.
Good to know
Marble began in Rosebank, Johannesburg, where it built a reputation for South African food cooked over fire, and its Cape Town outpost occupies the historic Union Castle Building on Dock Road at the V&A Waterfront. The building takes its name from the Union-Castle shipping line, whose mail ships once connected Cape Town with Britain, and it gives the restaurant a sense of the harbour's history.
The centrepiece of the kitchen is a large wood-fired grill imported from Grill Works in Michigan, and fire is the thread running through the menu. Expect South African beef and lamb, seafood and vegetables cooked over flames and embers, which add smoke and char, along with sides and starters designed for sharing. Ask the team about the cuts and specials available on the day.
The room suits a celebratory dinner or a long lunch, and it is one of the more polished dining options at the Waterfront. South African red wines are a natural match for food from the grill. The restaurant also hosts private functions, which can be arranged through a dedicated functions email on its website.
Book ahead for evenings, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays and during the summer holidays, by phone or email. Allow around two hours for a relaxed meal. Dress is smart casual, and most diners dress up a little for dinner.
The Union Castle Building is close to the Clock Tower end of the Waterfront, within easy walking distance of Zeitz MOCAA, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Robben Island ferry terminal. That makes Marble a convenient choice after a day of sightseeing at the harbour. Taxis and ride-hailing services pick up easily at the Waterfront, and there are paid parking garages nearby for anyone driving.
Cooking over wood takes time, so larger cuts can take a little longer to reach the table than in an ordinary steakhouse, and it is worth ordering a few starters to share while you wait. Tell your server how you like your meat cooked and ask for advice on portion sizes. Vegetarians will find choices, although the menu is clearly aimed at meat lovers.
South African produce cooked over a wood-fired grill, with meat, seafood and vegetables.
In the Union Castle Building, Shop 7, 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront.
In Rosebank, Johannesburg.
It is a large wood-fired grill imported from Grill Works in Michigan.
Yes, especially for evenings, weekends and the summer holidays.
Yes. Functions are arranged through the restaurant's functions email.
Zeitz MOCAA, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Robben Island ferries are all close by.
Smart casual.
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