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Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
French, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
features
Details
About
La Colombe, one of Cape Town's most well-loved and awarded restaurants. Contemporary French-meets-Asian fine dining.
CUISINES
French, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
FEATURES
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
3,281 reviews
Excellent
2,737
Very good
330
Average
130
Poor
36
Terrible
48
RuMark
Canada954 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We ate here a few years ago and it was sensational. We were very glad to see that the restaurant has done so well and received much acclaim. We booked well ahead of time and paid the mandatory deposit.
The setting is simple yet very well decorated and comfortable. We had a friendly server but at times she seemed distracted and not very authentic. The dishes are incredibly detailed and intricate. There is a strong forest/garden theme that pervades the entire menu and at times I wasn't sure what was edible or not. I found the dishes a little over the top, though some people may enjoy a giant garden being delivered to your table with dry ice running in every direction. The main courses were positively sensational and utterly perfect. The server presented us with mini cheeses for dessert and told us we may only sample two of the four (or share), which is not really acceptable for that price. The restaurant is actually too expensive. We are fans of fine dining and will pay top dollar for the experience, but to ask another R1200 for pairing means that you are paying close to R3000 per person for dinner which is pushing it even by international standards.
Despite these quirks we actually had a good time. It's a unique experience. I don't think we'll return for a third visit but I do encourage anyone with a lot of extra cash to attend the place just for the experience.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mfranks911
Edgware1023 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We have been fortunate enough to visit La Colombe several times in the past but this showing was the best yet. We have also visited several three star Michelin establishments recently and there is no doubt that La Colombe is right up there.
It is, of course, by South African standards very expensive but for us around half the price of some of the three star Michelin places we have visited. There is no doubt the "Best in South Africa" accolade is highly deserved and about time too.
Our Chef's dinner menu of ten courses was a delight, quite superb, everything a work of art in its own right but more importantly it all tasted really nice. Everything had such a light touch and the presentation and the serving dishes used were amazing. Hard to put in to words really.
We wine list is extensive, a little more expensive than other South African restaurants but there are bargains to be found if you look carefully.
The place is bright and airy but quite minimalistic the emphasis being to showcase on the food rather than the furniture. There is a phalanx of staff all very attentive and they all understand what is being served and what the place is all about.
It was packed of course, nearly all tourists, and had a real buzz. Many of the places we visited in South Africa at that time were close to empty. You need to book as soon as the dates are released but if you like top class food and presentation this is for you.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian W
Brussels245 contributions
Feb 2021 • friends
I visited La Colombe with a group of friends and had incredible time. The setting is super picturesque and the restaurant blows you away as soon as you enter. We opted for the tasting menu with drinks pairings, every dish was a work of art. Our waiter Dale was great fun and kept is entertained.
The bill for 6 people came to around 18000 Rand and that was with a few glasses of champagne each and 4 additional bottles of wine. An absolute bargain for what you get.
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bizgarrick
Ko Samui65 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The meal was summed up in the note handed to us when we left which enclosed a peppermint, It read "food is our theatre we hope you enjoyed the show". Indeed we did from the moment we arrived to be met with a pallet cleanser, to the foot stools for the ladies handbags, to the amazing food presentations, to the delicious flavours, to the innovative blind wine tasting. What more can I say.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew
Buckinghamshire87 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This is dining theatre at its best, it’s a real experience to eat here. The table d’hote menu is fantastic but no choice. Every dish is delicious imaginatively served and fortunately small portions otherwise you would never get through all the courses. We opted for wine by the bottle rather than the tasting wines. You have to book and be prepared for a hefty bill but you won’t regret it.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Been a few places
Epsom1074 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
10 courses over 3 hours makes for a memorable meal at La Colombe. This was my second visit, having come with some friends a few years back, after which I had promised to come again with my husband. Things have changed in that time, perhaps driven by the desire to be (and recognised as such) the best restuarant in South Africa, and a visit to La Colombe is as much about the taste of the food but also the theatre. I'm still undecided as to whether things have changed for the better or not - I thoroughly enjoyed by previous visited which was understated in comparison to now, whereas today the restuarant feels like it is trying too hard. The food speaks for itself so doesn't really need to be so dressed up and you do wonder how much of it is for the ratings. That said, the tasting menu is sensational and it is beautifully presented, if a bit OTT (although the big plant on which food is served gets in the way a bit). I was so happy to see that the tuna remains on the menu, having evolved a little. Staff are superb, welcoming and very accomodating of dietary requirements. The restaurant itself is unassuming in its decor with lovely views if you are lucky enough to get a seat by the window.
A meal at La Colombe is an gastro experience and a must do if you can. Its not cheap but it is worth it. Tables must be booked in advance, but unlike other top restaurants in Cape Town bookings open a good few months ahead, so you have a good chance of getting a table if you are organised.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian E
Toronto207 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
You often read about how a restaurant is rated amongst the best in the City, or the Region or the Country but when it is compared to the World, you have to begin to wonder. Well wonder no more, La Colombe is all that and more!
I was a member of the Chaine de Rotisseurs and the feast served up by the Chefs outdoes that by quite some distance. And the fact that it consists of a series of small courses spread over 3 hours really makes for an enjoyable meal.
Each course is beautifully designed to be different, be it in presentation, colour, or even the mode of eating, and this heightens the expectations as the meal progresses. Each course is described in detail by a different waiter which also serves to differentiate each offering.
I will not describe each course, mostly because it is too complex, but also because it will take away from experience. You need to experience this gem for yourself
In a word, this place is divine. And at R1200 for the mini chef’s menu, is excellent value. Can’t wait to visit again on my next visit to Cape Town
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maricha v
Worcester192 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Last year was a big one; the 49’s turned 70. To celebrate we went off on a dining experience to La Colombe in Constantia. Voted one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the country we thought this would be the ultimate way to celebrate a very special friend’s birthday. It certainly was. In February, we set off on a dining adventure.
We popped edible eggs, masterfully fashioned and filled with a palate cleansing nectar, into our mouths in the foyer. A taste explosion followed. This was the first of many surprises. Dining here must be called Theatre. Each act a visual story on a plate. Every plate creatively prepared to satisfy all the senses. Our servers, the actors, added to the drama with passion. We, the audience, were encouraged to enjoy every morsel with gusto and we did. An experience hard to trump. A veritable Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. It is our hope, of course, that this will set the stage for the next decade of our Birthday Girl’s life.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadia
Cape Town11 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
As a local foodie by heart, I feel it is my duty to let everyone know about the overall customer experience received from La Colombe Restaurant.
We had a lovely food & wine experience at La Colombe on Constantia Nek on the 26th November 2021 but unfortunately this entire experience has been ruined / spoiled & I will never support this restaurant / brand again.
Our server put through R8 710 on my card which was a whole R7 839 MORE than my actual bill of R871.
When our server told me she had processed a refund of R7 839 & that this should clear in 2/3 days, I was not too bothered as this was not too long of a period to wait & it was still enough time until the debit orders start going through – so crisis diverted & all will be well. I am not an unreasonable person, it has been a challenging year for all of us, mistakes happen & it is the festive season after all.
I must also mention that I was told (after the refund processed) that this has happened a few times at La Colombe ‘’Once they had to drive to Franschhoek with over R40 000 cash in the car to deliver this to a tourist that they had accidently over charged during the payment process’’ – which then of course made me a bit nervous.
Anyway, fast forward a week later & I realized that refund was still not reflecting in my account & the debit orders were about to come off, so I quickly called La Colombe to follow up.
After numerous emails, phone calls, follow ups & lots of broken promises, this matter has still not been resolved. The refund is still not reflecting in my account & my debit order day has come & gone…as of right now, I am sitting on 11 days & counting!
#PayBackMyMoneyLaColombe
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TroyConstandakis
Dear Ms. Reichhart
We would like to apologise for this unfortunate incident. Refunds are generally processed within 2-3 business days. Unfortunately in this instance, the refund was processed late by Nedbank as per an extract from their letter of apology.
"Delay in Processing Card Refund
Card Number : 5222 xxxx 3732 Amount: R7839.00
Transaction date: 26 November 2021
This letter serves to advise that certain refunds were processed late by Nedbank. This includes the abovementioned transaction.
We have discovered that this transaction was held up in our large transaction monitoring process. It has been rectified manually on Tuesday 7 December 2021. This was, unfortunately, only after we were advised by you. We have attached confirmation of the Outgoing Bank Report that the funds have left Nedbank.
We apologise for the embarrassment that this may have caused La Colombe and the impact it had on your customer. We wish to assure you of our continued commitment to provide business support, and to grow our partnership with you."
Subsequently we have confirmed with you that you have since received the refund and we are very pleased to hear this.
On behalf of all at La Colombe, we do apologise for the delay and inconvenience experienced.
Written December 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan H
Cornwall50 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We had the ‘reduced’ tasting menu for lunch with the paired flight of wines.
The innovations in food prepared by this young chef are sensational and imaginative. The service is spot on and the tables well spaced. If this was a London restaurant it would have at least two Michelin stars.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Nel
Bellville436 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We were welcomed by very friendly staff. The setting is minimalistic with the emphasis on great food and service. Every meal was a masterpiece and tasted delightful. It was truly a full culinary experience that wakens all your senses. You need about 2.5 to 3 hours to indulge in this experience. Definitely worth a visit if you want to experience one of the best restaurants in South Africa.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth Hartman
Cape Town1 contribution
Sep 2020 • none
La Colombe has always been on our radar, and our visit has been long overdue, so it was a perfect opportunity to visit this special place to 1) celebrate my husband's birthday and 2) it being our very first outing since lockdown!
The service, food, and atmosphere was nothing short of amazing. We opted for the full chef's menu (11 courses) with wine pairings (because why not?) and we were absolutely blown away by both presentation and taste! The palette cleansers upon arrival was no exception (I won't spoil the surprise here).
Let's start with the service: Super attentive, knowledgeable staff - yet approachable, friendly, and make you feel extremely relaxed and well taken care of.
Then the amazing food: No words really, just simply SUPERB! Each mouthful is an explosion of flavours and the way it's presented is outstanding! Won't give too much away, you have to try it for yourself!
Thank you to the team at La Colombe for making the day super special! We will definitely be back for more!
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allan Frost
Port Elizabeth11 contributions
Sep 2020 • business
Dining with the most professional staff at hand is not easy to experience in most SA restaurants. The staff hear allow a dinning experience with of course word class gastronomical tastes. The experience starts from the time you drive into this property at the security chek point until the time you leave. Book well in advance you won't be disappointed.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peet
Pretoria264 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Shall we call it an unique experience, a theatre of amazing food presented in a way an art gallery present their artworks. Every course tantalize the tastebuds.From entering the restaurant until stepping out we were overwhelmed by the excellent personal but unobtrusive service. This will go down as the best restaurant experience we had so far!
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark prior
Rickmansworth85 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Firstly, the atmosphere in the restaurant was so positive, from your arrival to your departure there was a genuine positivity. All the staff laughing and smiling whilst maintaining an absolute focus on their jobs - impressive.
The food was stunning in it ingenuity and beautifully presented.. to be honest there was too many ingredients and flavours to describe but it all worked magnificently.
People talk about food porn. This was food art played out by the most infectious staff around.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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