Nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, on the picturesque Steenberg Wine Farm, lies Bistro Sixteen82 – a culinary gem that seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with the charm of its surroundings. As we stepped onto the estate, the lush vineyards and the historic manor house set the stage for an indulgence and delight.
The journey to Bistro Sixteen82 is an experience in itself. The winding road through the vineyards builds anticipation, and as we approached the restaurant, the modern architecture contrasted beautifully with the natural landscape. The interior is equally inviting, with a blend of sleek design and warm, earthy tones that create a welcoming atmosphere.
Our culinary adventure began with a selection of starters that showcased the chef’s creativity and commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The tempura prawns were a standout, with their crispy exterior and succulent interior perfectly complemented by a kimchi noodle salad, shiitake mayo, and a zesty coriander lime vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavours was a symphony on the palate, setting the bar high for the rest of the meal.
The wasabi-dusted baby calamari was another highlight, featuring tender, delicately seasoned calamari with a kick of wasabi. Served with avocado pulp, basil, tamarind vinaigrette, and oi mouchin emulsion, this dish was a delightful balance of richness and freshness, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.
As a complementary dish, we were treated to seared beef tataki. The thinly sliced beef was perfectly seared and accompanied by truffled corn, wild rocket, shimeji mushrooms, soy, chilli, and mayo. The combination of flavours was both bold and harmonious, making it a standout dish.
For our main courses, we were spoiled for choice. The ricotta lamb neck was a carnivore’s dream. The meat was fall-apart tender, infused with the rich flavours of asparagus, gruberg salsa, and a white port jus. Accompanied by a sweet potato and aubergine parcel, this dish was comfort food elevated to new heights.
The beef fillet was equally impressive, with its tender, perfectly cooked meat complemented by creamy cauliflower, crumbed mushroom, spinach, green bean salsa, and a rich porcini jus. The combination of flavours and textures was a testament to the chef’s skill and the quality of the ingredients.
No visit to Bistro Sixteen82 would be complete without exploring the wine list, which features an impressive selection of Steenberg’s own wines. Some of the offerings include the Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique NV, a sparkling wine with vibrant citrus flavours and a creamy texture, ideal for celebrations. The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is crisp and refreshing, with notes of green apple and citrus, perfect for seafood or salads. The Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc adds effervescence to the classic Sauvignon Blanc, offering lively citrus flavours. For rosé lovers, the Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Rosé Cap Classique NV is a fresh, berry-forward sparkling wine. Steenberg’s wines highlight the unique terroir of Constantia, offering something for every wine lover.
To conclude our evening, we indulged in a pair of delightful desserts. The lemon posset was a refreshing treat, with its creamy texture and tangy flavour perfectly complemented by white chocolate shortbread, berry coulis, yogurt, and mango sorbet. The combination of sweet and tart flavours was a perfect end to our meal, leaving us feeling satisfied but not overly full. The warm crispy almond brioche was a decadent contrast, with its rich, nutty flavour and crispy texture. Served with maple, citrus compot, and caraway ice cream, this dessert was a delightful blend of flavours and textures that left us craving more.
Bistro Sixteen82’s dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients was evident in every dish we tasted. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the stunning vineyard location, made our evening an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Bistro Sixteen82 is a must-visit destination in Cape Town. We left with our senses indulged, our appetites satiated, and our memories filled with the magic of Bistro Sixteen82.