A pilcrow (¶) is a symbol used to mark a new paragraph or section of text, and new chapter of flavour has begun in the heart of the Mother City. Pilcrow & Cleaver, located on Cape Town’s buzzing Parliament Street should be on everyone’s list of restaurants to visit.
View this post on Instagram
Pilcrow & Cleaver is an eatery that celebrates fine food without the heaviness of trying to impress. From the food to the kitchen, there’s nowhere to hide. Dishes are prepared in the nakedness of an open kitchen, and the flavours that result are unapologetically divine.
This restaurant is special. It’s managed to strike a balance between the deliverance of sophisticated food without the stiff atmosphere of traditional fine dining. A quality that has everything to do with the warmth of Chef Judi and her fabulous team.
The setting is stunning, with a full view of Church Square. When the sun sets, warm skies and thick summer air transport you to the streets of Italy — especially if you’re sitting outside, glass of Klipkers 2021 rosé in hand.
The odd kickflip and ollie from a skateboarder in the distance brings you right back home, and there’s no place like Cape Town. This dance between local and international reflects in the flavours of the food. An exciting tango which makes every course distinct.
The eatery makes use of a rotating menu, and we had the pleasure of tasting number 102. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, diners can take comfort in knowing that what’s on offer is always of impeccable quality.
Chef Judi curates her menus around time spent in her own garden, as well as what’s on offer from local suppliers. The eatery is intimate, so if a special ingredient is on offer, it can be placed on the menu for diners to enjoy. Pilcrow & Cleaver is a quality over quantity affair.
View this post on Instagram
From welcome cocktail to dessert, Chef Judi, Chef David, Chef Nomkhita, and Barman Howard work together like a well-oiled machine, guaranteeing excellence at every sip and mouthful.
Howard makes a mean Albatross Cranberry Cosmopolitan — not too sweet and served in a stunning, thin glass (it makes a world of difference). In the mood for something a little different? The Rhino in High Heels is a cocktail with a fitting title: elegant D’Aria Popsong golden bubbles rammed with a bit of bitter Renosterbos gin. Delicious.
To get the taste buds activated: a sensational canapé of savoury-spiced shortbread, sticky onion marmalade, smooth chicken liver pâté and a seeded crisp to round it all up. A flavour-bomb in a bite, and the best is yet to come…
Nothing beats fresh bread and butter — except Pilcrow & Cleaver’s steamed bao buns. Served delightfully dense and warm with a sweet, umami dream dipping sauce. A dollop of smooth butter avo and chunks of fresh ginger makes this a bread-course to remember.
Pilcrow & Cleaver offers a 2-course lunch (R250), or 4-course lunch/dinner (R500) menu. A steal for such a generous journey. Also on offer is a Doggie Menu for your furry family. Pets are welcome here!
Menu 102 boasts fabulous creations, celebrating flavours from around the globe. There’s something for everyone with options ranging from tofu to game meat. Consistent, though, is an ode to ethical, sustainable and downright delicious ingredients.
View this post on Instagram
“Food is an experiment-experience that evokes emotion. It is not perfection, it’s about expression. Cooking is an art, and the kitchen is my canvas and I want you to join me as a create dishes with a modern flair; highlighting the different unique flavours of each and every ingredient,” says Chef Judi.
Pilcrow & Cleaver’s Stracciatella Tortellini is a stand out plate. Simple and fresh, described by Chef Judi as a play on the traditional Caprese salad. The creamiest buffalo milk burrata is embraced by tortellini, crafted so beautifully that the delicacy of the cheese remains uncompromised. Micro basil, fresh lemon zest and a generous lashing of olive oil makes this meal a firm favourite.
Chef Judi’s signature Squid and Watermelon is also a dish to dive into: grilled baby squid in chaat masala, avocado mousse, pickled watermelon, fresh watermelon, and watermelon rind. The rind makes this creation interesting. Often the part of the fruit that’s discarded, Chef Judi brings it to life and makes it the star of the show. It adds a dimension of texture that’s equally unique and delicious.
The Malay Springbok Lion puts diners on a plane back to South Africa. Melt-in-the-mouth springbok rolled in comforting Malay spices is served on a bed of yellow dahl with wilted spinach, and a scrumptious, sweet-and-tart, apricot puree. Cape Town on a plate. A subtle pepperiness lurking in the dahl pairs perfectly with Howard’s vino recommendation; La Brune’s The Valley Pinot Noir.
It’s often the case that dessert is overlooked, even in fine dining establishments. The opposite is true at Pilcrow & Cleaver.
The Strawberry Shortcake Dome is officially the dessert to beat. White vanilla sponge cake is layered with a field of strawberries: macerated, dried, sorbet. The sorbet is a model creation. A cloud of white chocolate mousse provides the perfect punch of sweetness, while a vibrant chocolate shell holds space for a wonderfully unexpected tart finish.
Cape Town is a city characterised by great coffee. Along with its winning desserts, is this eatery’s coffee. Without a doubt one of the, if not the, best brews in town. Sourced from a small, South African supplier, Pilcrow & Cleaver is the only eatery in the Mother City that has permission to serve these beans.
The flat white is truly magical, and as the saying goes: a magician never reveals their secrets. So, you’ll just have to visit Pilcrow & Cleaver to find out for yourself…
- Location: 3.2 PIAZZA, Parliament St, Cape Town.
- Website: pilcrowandcleaver.co.za
- Reservations: 064 301 6328 / pilcrowandcleaver.co.za/reservations/
- Current menu and menu updates: pilcrowandcleaver.co.za/menu/
Also read:
Greens and grains: 5 places to grab a delicious salad in Cape Town
Pictures: Cape {town} Etc / Supplied