Karibu means “Welcome” in the Swahili language spoken in the East African region. We received the warmest welcome upon arrival at multi-award winning Karibu Restaurant. Located at Cape Town’s popular V and A Waterfront, you’ll be treated to breathtaking waterfront views with Table Mountain as the perfect backdrop for those Instaworthy shots.
The contemporary interior of the restaurant is sleek and stylish. Sparkling chandeliers, a striking feature wall, calming water fountains as well as a modern wire tree all add a fabulous touch of glamour.
As it was a perfect summer’s day, we sat outside to take in the views and buzzing atmosphere. Make sure that you have a couple of hours to fully enjoy the dining experience at Karibu.
Gwan, the restaurant manager, aka their ‘feel good ambassador’, insisted that we sit back, relax and let the Karibu team take us on a sumptuous South African dining journey. Leisurely alfresco lunches get my vote every time!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
It’s more a case of what isn’t on the menu. Their extensive food menu offers a vast array of delectable dishes with a distinctly South African flavour, yet there is something for everyone if you prefer something other than meat.
Only the finest ingredients are used and the Karibu chefs combined years of expertise ensure that they prepare the best produce that South Africa has to offer. Top grade prime cuts of meat, fish and poultry are grilled to perfection and you’ll find everything from juicy steaks, local seafood to traditional local favourites such as bobotie, potjiekos, braaivleis (BBQ), snoek braai, putu, game meat, chakalaka and koeksisters. If this sounds like Greek to you, don’t worry; there is a handy list in the menu explaining each dish and of course, you can ask your server for more information.
With so many mouth-watering options to choose from, hubby and I had a tough time deciding what to order. Fortunately, Clever, our ever-attentive and friendly server, had a few suggestions for each course which made deciding that much easier. And he was spot on every time.
Their wine steward, Daniel, was not only knowledgeable about the exclusive wine list, but had us chuckling with his wicked sense of humour. I even had the pleasure of an unexpected Rosé wine tasting. You’ll find a large selection of award-winning South African wines with many served by the glass, providing the perfect opportunity to sample some of our country’s finest tipple. Choose from a range of white, red and rosé wines as well as champagne, MCC and dessert wines.
No stranger when it comes to winning awards, Karibu is the proud winner of the 2020 Best Steakhouse and Best Waterside Restaurant in South Africa as ranked by The Haute Grandeur Global Restaurant Awards. The Haute Grandeur Global Restaurant Awards is a prestigious, globally trusted Awards initiative.
I began with one of my favourite pairings, fresh West Coast Oysters and Pongràcz bubbly while hubby enjoyed the Rainbow Platter, a trio of Crocodile, Ostrich and Springbok carpaccio. Naturally, I had a nibble or two of the carpaccio and it was delicious. He washed it down with a chilled Devil’s Peak Golden Ale.
Being the seafood lover that I am, the Southern Cross House Platter caught my eye immediately, a delicious combination of three Queen prawns, Kingklip and Baby Calamari with a side salad. I really enjoyed this platter which is perfect for hot summer days. Side dishes include local favourites such as Putu and Chakalaka, Roosterkoek, Sliced Biltong and Marog (spinach and potato).
Hubby chose the Karibu Giant Skewer for his main course, an enormous 400g Prime Beef fillet skewer grilled on the braai and basted with a garlic and fresh coriander butter. Best to arrive hungry when dining at Karibu as their servings are very generous. Hubby was most impressed that he didn’t need a steak knife to slice through the beef fillet. A simple butter knife did the trick as it was prepared so well.
SWEET ENDING
Make sure that you save room for dessert because there are some lovely sweet treats to end your meal off with. My dessert came in liquid form and was utterly delicious. Called the Karibu Kiss, a delectable Dom Pedro with Frangelico, Kahlua and Amarula, complete with an elephant head made of chocolate!
The V & A Crème Brûlée, a Karibu speciality topped with caramelised berries and served with Amarula was a hit with hubby.
Dining at Karibu provides patrons with an authentic South African experience that takes one on a delicious gourmet adventure. Take your time and savour a variety of enticing dishes that will have you coming back for more, along with exceptional, friendly service. I know that we will return as soon as we can! All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols are in place.
They currently have two specials available – 6 King Prawns for R125 OR Rump Steak (220g) for R99 or 300g for R139 (T&Cs apply).
WHO WANTS TO WIN?
I’ve partnered with the lovely owners of Karibu Restaurant to #WIN a R500 voucher to dine at Karibu. Entering via Facebook is super easy!
1. LIKE and SHARE the post on Facebook.
2. LIKE Living It Up CT and Karibu Restaurant – South African Dining accounts on Facebook.
3. TAG the person that you want to spoil with a decadent dining experience at Karibu. (one tag = one entry). One entry per person. Please do not spam this post with multiple entries.
4. BONUS ENTRY if you subscribe to news updates and giveaway notifications on my blog.
T&Cs:
1. Competition closes on Wednesday, 23 December at midnight.
2. Winner will be announced by Thursday, 24 December.
4. The winner must be 18 years or older and provide their contact details to claim their voucher.
5. The winner will be chosen at random. Judges decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
6. The voucher is not exchangeable for cash and is valid until 31 July 2021. Valid for food and drink (will not be valid for drink only). Valid for sit down service only.
7. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook in any way.
Happy entering and good luck!
Disclaimer – I was hosted by Karibu Restaurant for review purposes. All views and images are my own.
