Known for its world-class food scene, just as much as it is for its glistening beaches and majestic mountains, the Mother City and its surrounding areas are home to some of the country’s top-rated restaurants and dining experiences.
But it’s not all fine dining all of the time. There are some low-key spots, packed with avid foodies, that give the fancy tasting menus a run for their money. Cue Melkbos Kitchen.
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If you’re taking a drive out of the city – and aren’t going quite as far as the Winelands just yet – just a little further up from Bloubergstrand on the West Coast, Melkbos Kitchen is undeniably one of the Western Cape’s most-loved neighbourhood gems.
Located in a quaint coastal community, you’ll find a taste sensation of deli-style cuisine, a view of white waves against the rocks outside, a cosy fireplace for cold winter days and a cosmo-decor atmosphere inside, perfect for long leisurely visits enjoying a laid-back dining experience that harmoniously matches the chilled ambiance of Melkbosstrand.
Choose your way to start the day
A charming, antiquated whitewashed house on the beachfront is an idyllic setting to start the day. And this one’s a definite crowd-puller – although it will be a late breakfast, but delectable nonetheless. Breakfast is served between 10am and 11:45am.
The morning menu features the Gourmet Buttie, which is a toasted sesame roll topped with bacon, cheddar, shakshuka, avo, egg and fresh rocket.
Or opt for toasted bagels or flaky croissants (that can be turned into French toast) topped with cream cheese and a choice of cold smoked salmon and avo or bacon and scrambled eggs. You can also choose bacon, feta, basil pesto and rocket if you’re not in the mood for cream cheese.
For a healthy start to the day, the menu offers bircher muesli served with fried banana and a nut brittle or home-made muesli with yoghurt, fresh fruit, turmeric nuts and fruit compote, as well as an avocado salsa, which you can add poached eggs to.
Rumour has it the selection of eggs Benedict is to die for.
There’s also an option to build your own breakfast, and if you need some help, the friendly waiters will be more than happy to help with some recommendations.
Ever heard of a Melkbos Poke?
Marinated tuna, Norwegian salmon, tempura prawns in a spicy ponzu sauce on a bed of sushi rice with avo, edamame beans, chilli, pickled ginger and cucumber noodles – yum! Apparently, it goes well with craft gin.
Alongside its selection of sushi options, Melkbos Kitchen also offers a variety of poke bowls, including a vegan option.
Often busy over the weekends – and for good reason – the family-run restaurant is known for making arguably the best burgers in town. Your taste buds will be in for a treat with their home-made beef patties made using carefully selected cuts of meat, including brisket.
Dig into the Mbk Classic Burger featuring garlic aioli and shakshuka, the Jumoin Jack Mature Cheddar Popcorn Chicken Waffle Burger starring a popcorn-coated chicken breast topped with avo, red cabbage and siracha mayo on a waffle, Beer-Battered Hake & Slaw on a toasted sesame roll or a plain or peri-peri plant-based vegan burger topped with shakshuka and greens.
Needless to say, booking is essential.
For a taste of the ocean, indulge in seafood dishes including hake, Norwegian salmon, Argentinian prawns, mussels or calamari rings. And if you’re unable to choose just one ‘pick of the ocean’, you can opt for a bit of everything with their seafood platters or seafood chowder.
Additionally, for those seeking something extra, there is an ‘off the record’ selection of delectable dishes. From slow-cooked Egyptian lamb nestled on top of a Turkish flatbread, chargrilled peri-peri chicken and prawn kebabs to lemon mustard chicken breasts topped with crispy julienne vegetable fries and herbed mash to sticky smoked BBQ pork belly ribs with rustic cut fries and beer-battered onion rings.
Ocean breezes and unspoiled sunsets
On their sheltered deck, decorated with fairy lights and antique furniture, Melkbos Kitchen not only serves delectable brekkies, hearty dishes and sweet-tooth tingling treats but also beautiful sea views and front-row seats to some of the best unspoiled sunset scenes the Cape has to offer.
It’s as close to the ocean as it gets. Close to the rocks with a beach view stretching out towards Koeberg nuclear station in the distance.
What’s a beachfront experience without a drink in hand?
Well, Melkboss Kitchen is pretty popular for its refreshing wines by the glass, selection of craft beers, G&Ts, coffee dates and signature sunset cocktails.
With its green and white striped cushions outside, you can cosy up and enjoy magnificent views of the sun setting over Cape Town while sipping on a warm cup of red cappuccino or a gin cocktail.
Not forgetting the water bowl for a furry friend to ensure the whole gang gets to join in on the splendour.
Details
- Location: Shop 5, Mira Mar Centre, 26 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand
- Operating Times: Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 5pm | Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
- Contact: 021 001 8210
Also read:
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Picture: The Melkbos Kitchen / Facebook
