Cozy restaurant, Little Saint is home to pure food made with love in the bustling strip on Upper Bree Street.
Husband and wife team, Santi and Dominique are the talented creatives behind Little Saint restaurant. After falling in love with Cape Town, they moved here, got married, and opened a restaurant – all in the space of three months. Little Saint only opened in December 2015, but they are already well versed in handling crowds as they have successfully taken part in Tuning the Vine, First Thursdays, and Open Streets Bree where they served up delicious on-the-go options.
Little Saint chef, Santi (short for Santiago) lends his name to the restaurant. His Spanish heritage, as well as 18 years experience working as a chef in Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, influence the menu. Dominique’s interest in wellness complements the menu with some healthy twists.
The entire space has a European feel, from the cobblestone-esque paving to the terrace and the warm ambience. Although the restaurant is small, it’s open, bright, and doesn’t feel cramped. Once a solicitor’s office, the property at 223 Bree Street is proving to be quite versatile for Little Saint.
Apart from the restaurant, the space offers room for growth for both Santi’s design work and Dominique’s pilates training. Wander downstairs into a small gallery space that features work by local artists. The Winston Churchhill room is a great space to read a book, sip on red wine, or smoke a cigar. The outdoor courtyard is still under construction but promises to become an equally charming spot. Be sure to check out the super cool floor décor in both the gallery and the restroom. It’s clear that the couple has put a lot of effort into making the spot homely, comfortable, unique and fresh.
The menu is simple and seasonal. Little Saint’s motto is ‘Food for Living’ and they firmly believe in using sustainable and locally-sourced produce, such as organic veggies from Harvest of Hope, which is an initiative that supports micro-farmer development in the townships. The restaurant grows herbs in an intricate herb planter that also serves as a fresh décor feature for an entire wall in the restaurant.
The drinks menu features kombucha, coconut water, smoothies, a variety of coffees from a Spanish cortado (espresso cut with a little milk) to a Little Bullet (double shot of espresso blended with coconut oil, butter and cinnamon). Kamili Coffee creates the unique Little Saint blend, which is strong yet not overpowering. For tea lovers, they serve a range of delightful Lady Bonin teas. They feature a Wine of the Month and they also serve a small range of craft beers.
From the all day breakfast menu, for a welcome change from bacon and eggs, my dining partner and I sampled the moreish ‘sweet potato tortilla,’ which is actually a type of Spanish omelette with a healthy edge.
The triple cooked pork is rendered in its own fat, roasted, and then pan fried in butter to result in a succulently tender cut of meat with ultra crispy crackling; delicious and filling without all the carbs. Meanwhile, the minted lamb is lean, tender and loaded with flavour. We confirmed that Santi had indeed perfected the poached pear pudding with cream and jalapeño reduction, which was beautifully presented and utterly delectable.
While finding their feet, the restaurant was only open for breakfast and lunch, but for the past three weeks, they have started serving dinner as well. The dinner offering is a special occasion that only takes place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – for now. The intimate atmosphere makes it the ideal destination for a romantic date night.
Pop in at Little Saint on Upper Bree Street to enjoy a five-star food experience in a relaxed environment
OF NOTE
Where 223 Bree Street, CBD
When Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4 pm. Dinner: Thursday – Saturday 6:30 pm – late
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 79 243 9179, [email protected]
Photography courtesy
