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.
La Colombe
On the Silvermist estate above Constantia, La Colombe serves multi-course set menus that combine South African ingredients with French technique and theatrical presentation.
At a glance
- Type
- Contemporary fine dining
- Area
- Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- lacolombe.restaurant
Good to know
- Set multi-course menus
- Vegetarian menus
- Deposit on booking
- Mountain views
Why we recommend it
La Colombe sits high on the Silvermist estate at Constantia Nek, the saddle between the Constantia valley and Hout Bay, surrounded by forest, vineyards and mountain slopes. It has long been one of South Africa's most celebrated restaurants, and it remains a destination in its own right, worth planning an evening or a long lunch around.
Executive chef James Gaag leads the kitchen, and the restaurant describes its style as contemporary cuisine that fuses local ingredients with French flair. Food is served as multi-course set menus rather than à la carte, and presentation is part of the experience, with dishes often arriving with an element of surprise or theatre. Vegetarian versions of the menus are available, and a seasonal lunch menu is offered on weekdays alongside the longer chef's menu.
The dining room looks out over the trees and mountains, so a daytime visit lets you enjoy the setting at its best, while dinner has a more intimate feel. The surrounding Constantia valley is one of the Cape's oldest wine regions, and the team can advise on bottles to suit the menu.
Booking is essential and is done online. A deposit is required to secure the table, and the reservation may be cancelled automatically if it is not paid. The restaurant refunds the full amount if you cancel at least 48 hours beforehand. Children under eight are not admitted, and guests cannot bring their own wine. A discretionary service charge is added to the bill. Let the team know about allergies and dietary requirements when booking.
La Colombe suits couples, special occasions and serious food lovers. Allow around three hours for the full menu. The estate is roughly 25 minutes' drive from the city centre, along winding roads, so arrange a taxi, ride-hailing service or designated driver if you plan to enjoy the wine. It pairs well with a morning at Kirstenbosch or Groot Constantia, both a short drive away in the Constantia valley.
Because the setting is a large part of the appeal, try to arrive in daylight, which is easy for dinner in summer when the sun sets late. In winter the estate can be cool and misty and the drive up through the trees is dark at night, so allow a little extra time.
La Colombe FAQs
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Vegetarian versions of the set menus are available.
Can children dine at La Colombe?
Children under eight are not admitted.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. A deposit is required when booking and is refunded in full if you cancel at least 48 hours ahead.
Is there a lunch menu?
Yes. A seasonal lunch menu is offered on weekdays.
Can I bring my own wine?
No. Bring-your-own wine is not permitted.
Who is the chef?
Executive chef James Gaag leads the kitchen.
Is service included?
A discretionary service charge is added to the bill.
Where is La Colombe?
On the Silvermist estate at Constantia Nek, about 25 minutes' drive from the city centre.