I’ve found a spot that’s perfect for family gatherings, good for soul conversations, and, of course, has delicious food.
And not only that, it seems food goddess, award-winning restaurateur Siba Mtongana, spotted with her last-born daughters and her husband there on my visit, thinks so too.
While walking around, I noticed Mtongana, whose show on the Food Network, Siba’s Table, continues to break industry barriers through her passion for food and people, and she described the place as good.
“The food is good, the place is great for families, and we brought the squad for a debriefing.”
So, what is this place that I found equally delicious and enticing enough to write about? 1862 Bistro, in the scenic Steenberg Wine Estate in the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley.
The restaurant offers a blend of great food, my sister and I are still dreaming of some of the dishes, stunning surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations.
Before I get to the food – which I know is what this review is about – let me first begin with the journey to getting to the eating part.
The moment you step into 1862 Bistro, you’re greeted by views of lush gardens, a tranquil pool backdrop and the iconic mountains that frame the estate.
We visited for a bittersweet occasion: we were celebrating my sister’s new work appointment, but it was also a goodbye: the position is in another city.
On the day we visited, as if picking up on the devastation of my sister leaving, the mountain itself was sadly ablaze with helicopters flying overhead to gather water.
Even so, amid the fire tragedy and the sadness of saying goodbye to my sister, the beauty of the setting remained undeniable. And, of course, let’s not forget we were also celebrating her new position.
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The atmosphere of calm and elegance therefore made it a perfect spot to reflect and celebrate.
During our visit, we noted that the bistro is also a favourite among other families.
The menu at 1862 Bistro is described as a celebration of fresh, ethically sourced ingredients and creative flavours. Given the devastation to our planet, anything ethically sourced has my vote.
We decided to order family-style, allowing us to share and try a variety of dishes, a decision that made the experience even more enjoyable and which I suggest you do as well.
Well-known executive chef Kerry Kilpin infuses her love for seasonal, flavourful food with a touch of Asian inspiration, creating memorable dining experiences which will linger long after your visit.
Starters: The Turmeric and Coriander Velouté with tomato coconut salsa (R140) was the undisputed star of the day.
We ordered two portions for the table, and honestly, we could have easily gone for more. The velouté was creamy, flavourful and perfectly spiced, setting the tone for the rest of the meal.
Mains: For the main course, I went for the special of the day, an ethically and sustainably sourced fish – freshly caught – which came with crispy fish potstickers, an Asian salad and a hot-and-sour vinaigrette (R295).
The flavours were light yet satisfying, with the vinaigrette adding a delightful tang. My sister opted for the grilled ostrich served with celeriac purée, arancini, carrot green bean salsa, and a fig and port reduction (R385).
The ostrich was cooked to perfection – not too rare but not dry at all – and the combination of flavours was rich and indulgent.
Desserts: While the dessert menu leaned heavily on sorbets and ice creams (not my personal favourite), it was still a hit. I would have liked to have seen some of the classics and my favourites on it. However, I guess the light and refreshing options did provide a sweet conclusion to our meal.
The service at 1862 Bistro was top-notch, with the staff going above and beyond to make our experience memorable.
One thing to keep in mind is that their drinks menu feels more like a fancy experience, not a casual happy hour experience, and your pocket will feel it.
A special shoutout goes to our waiter, Talent, who truly lived up to his name. His attentiveness, warm demeanour and excellent recommendations made him the MVP of the day.
I believe that 1862 Bistro is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the thoughtfully curated menu to the stunning setting, it’s a place that offers something special for everyone.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a family outing, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this bistro delivers on all fronts.
Overall 4. ★★★★☆ (Very good)
DISCLOSURE: Vuyile Madwantsi and her sister were hosted by the restaurant.
Independent Newspapers Restaurant Star Ratings:
1. ★ (Poor)
Food: Bad quality, poorly cooked or inedible.
Service: Rude, extremely slow or absent.
Ambiance: Dirty, uncomfortable or unpleasant.
Value: Overpriced for what’s offered.
2. ★★(Below Average)
Food: Mediocre, some dishes acceptable but others flawed.
Service: Slow or inattentive, but not outright rude.
Ambiance: Basic, dated or lacking effort.
Value: Not worth the price.
3. ★★★ (Average / Decent)
Food: Good but nothing special; some hits, some misses.Service: Polite but may be inconsistent.
Ambiance: Clean and functional but not memorable.
Value: Fair for what you get.
4. ★★★★ (Very Good)
Food: Delicious, well-prepared with some standout dishes.
Service: Attentive, friendly and professional.
Ambiance: Pleasant, well-designed and comfortable.
Value: Worth the price; good quality for cost.
5. ★★★★★ (Excellent / Outstanding)
Food: Exceptional – flawless execution, memorable flavours.
Service: Impeccable, warm, and highly professional.
Ambiance: Stylish, inviting and enhances the dining experience.
Value: Justifies the price with top-tier quality.
