Mexican cuisine has become so commercialised that many wholeheartedly believe that mince and mozzarella are what it’s all about. Changing the name of the game, with its take on authentic coastal Mexican, is Hacienda on Bree Street.
From Bree to Mexico in a step:
The gorgeous interior is an apt indication of the dining experience that awaits: real Mexican with a modern twist. This is Cape Town’s take on Baja California, which is situated on the northwest coastline of Mexico and is the origin of the iconic Baja fish taco. You’ve got to try Hacienda’s tempura lobster version; it’s sublime (and the tortillas are made fresh daily).
As fresh as a sea breeze:
Flavours of Baja are centred around fresh seafood and spice – bright and full of flavour. Hacienda is the first place in the Mother City to bring this concept home, with Executive Chef Justin Barker and Sous Chef Michael Badenhorst at the helm. And it’s being done deliciously with a tapas-style menu. No, there’s no mince or mozzarella in sight, challenging everything you think you know about Mexican flavours (in the most delicious way possible). There are fabulous meat and vegetarian dishes, too.
So much more than a meal:
In line with the spirit of Mexico, Hacienda is all about passion and people. The experience is immersive and has a bunch of unique offerings, including: guacamole prepared tableside; complimentary totopos and dips on arrival; a sharing-style menu; a big whirl of candyfloss served with the bill; live mole, tequila tastings and pairings, and more.
Tucking into tapas:
Working your way around the menu is an adventure in itself. Ordering five or six plates between two people is a good place to start. This style of eating allows you to get a true taste of all that authentic Mexican cuisine has to offer, including the colourful methods used to prepare each dish. You’ll get the chance to dance between freshly cured fish to coal-roasted calamari. End the journey with something sweet – the churros should be mandatory.
Let’s talk tequila:
The drinks are equally as impressive as the food. Mexico and tequila are synonymous, and boy, is tequila the hero at Hacienda. There’s a bespoke collection of tequilas and mezcals to try, sourced exclusively for the restaurant. Enjoy it in a world-class cocktail or neat with a tequila tasting. Mezcal? Simply put, it’s “oven-cooked agave”, or a divine smokey spirit best sipped on after your meal.
The vibe:
The playfulness of the whole experience is matched with a seriously sexy atmosphere. The music is incredible and everything about this gem encourages connection and sharing. The service is sterling, too; another ode to the attention to detail that makes dining at Hacienda an out-of-this-world experience.
The delicious details:
- Location: 92 Bree Street, Cape Town
- Website: hacienda.co.za
- Bookings: dineplan.com
- Contact: [email protected] | 021 422 0128
- Happy Hour: half-price margaritas and selected beers and wine | Everyday 4pm to 6pm (not on First Thursdays)
- Tequila tastings: three bespoke tequilas for R150 or five for R499
Also read:
Bo-Kaap gets ready to dazzle with an open-air dining experience
Picture: Hacienda
