Everyone knows when the glorious summer season arrives in the Mother City. Schools are out for the holidays and local and international visitors fill our many beaches, restaurants, bars and local attractions. Lazy summer days call for languid alfresco lunches in and around the city. This season also brings with it the relentless Cape Doctor which blows an almost constant gale. So where can you escape the howling South Easter and beat the heat while enjoying incredible ocean side dining? Come and discover a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of cosmopolitan Camps Bay.
The Kove Collection is no stranger to the hospitality scene in Cape Town. With a plethora of vibrant and sophisticated restaurants, hotels and bars dotted around the city, they are constantly evolving to create special experiences for their guests. They recently added another stellar venue to their impressive list by the name of Bilboa Restaurant.
Located in the heart of the glittering Camps Bay strip, this contemporary and chic restaurant will dazzle you with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean-inspired menu that offers a wide range of delectable seafood and meat dishes.
It was a typical idyllic summer’s day when my Mom and I arrived for lunch at Bilboa. Keen beach-goers had already claimed their sandy spot near the water’s edge, palm trees were swaying gently in the light breeze and the hot African sun was beating down. For a moment, I was magically transported back to South Beach in Miami which always reminds me of Camps Bay.
We were the first diners to arrive so I took my time to admire the contemporary space and stylish decor that is luxurious yet relaxed at the same time. Bilboa opened their doors for business four days prior to our visit, but one would never suspect this as the service we received from Brian was friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
The extensive menu is a delightful mix of Mediterranean-inspired seafood and meat dishes, along with a healthy dollop of vegetarian options. They include some unique ingredients in their dishes that aren’t found on many menus such as Zataar (a traditional Eastern Mediterranean spice blend), Tarator (a soup, appetizer or sauce found in Eastern European cuisines) Lebanese Pickled Cucumber, Sumac (a versatile spice with a tangy lemony flavour) and Savoury Granola.
Now what would a lavish lunch be without some wine? The lovely summery day definitely called for something luscious, light and easy-drinking. Warwick’s The First Lady 2017 was the perfect choice and is a firm favourite amongst South African rosé wines.
After spending some time looking through the mouthwatering Appetizers, I opted for the Pomegranate & Lemon Oysters as well as Au Natural Oysters. People either love or hate oysters. I, for one, have a serious love affair with these delectable sea creatures!
My Mom has a somewhat simpler palate and chose the Mackerel with Warm Potato Salad, Garlic & Spring Onions. I particularly enjoyed the flavoured oysters – the drizzled Pomegranate & Lemon Oysters popped with flavour and the Mackerel was a winner for my Mom.
By now, the restaurant had filled up considerably and there was a happy buzz among the diners, very much in holiday mode whilst enjoying the amazing views and divine dishes.
You can select your own fish such as Norwegian Salmon, Seabass and Sole from the Ice Bar. I usually choose Norwegian Salmon or Salmon Trout, so I thought I’d try Kingklip for a change. Paired with Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Parsley & Spinach Puree, this proved to be an excellent choice and tasted absolutely heavenly! The flavours worked together beautifully and the Kingklip simply melted in my mouth.
Mom chose the Crumbed Chicken with Dukkah, Sweet Potato Crisps & Lemon along with the tastiest and sweetest Thyme, Coriander & Garlic Roasted Carrots I have ever had. As her portion was very generous, she shared a piece of the Crumbed Chicken and I was impressed by how succulent and juicy it was.
By now, we were both feeling rather full, so we took a break to relax and enjoy our sumptuous surroundings. A short while later, Brian stopped by with the menus to ask what we would like for dessert. As some of you may know, I don’t have a sweet tooth so Mom took one for the team and chose the light Lemon Tart with Roasted Meringue, Lemon Curd & Yoghurt Ice Cream.
It looked as pretty as a picture so naturally I had to have a taste too. The Yoghurt Ice Cream was a total surprise and deliciously creamy. There are plenty of other sweet treats to choose from such as Baked Chocolate and White Chocolate Mousse.
Now that I’ve given you a glimpse of this gorgeous new addition to Camps Bay’s culinary scene, you simply must try it. Whether you wish to enjoy a languid meal with family or friends, a romantic rendevous for two or cool cocktails at sunset, this hot spot is the perfect place to relax, chat, laugh, eat, drink and be dazzled by both the views and deliciously creative cuisine. The Kove Collection has the midas touch and I’ve no doubt that Bilboa Restaurant will be around for a long time to come.
Please note: Living It Up CT enjoyed the meal at no cost for review purposes. All views and images are my own.
