Here we present two reviews of the Gold Restaurant – one from back in 2007 after the establishment just opened, and one from 2014. The verdict is that after seven years it’s just as fantastic, offering a vibrant authentic African night out while in Cape Town.
For more about our other recommended African restaurants to wine and dine at in the Mother City, read: Africa On One Plate – Cape Town’s Top African Restaurants.
Gold Restaurant
Take a look below, starting with Craig Harding’s thoughts, circa ’07:
“Last night I was invited to the Gold Restaurant at the Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town. I had absolutely no preconceived notions about the experience ,so was in a for a real treat and surprise
The restaurant only opened a few weeks ago, so the venue, the staff, the atmosphere, the table wear and the décor is shiny, new and enthusiastic !
Dinner is served outside under a huge awning structure, even though the south- easter was howling, the position of the buildings meant that we were well protected from the wind. The awning structure can be drawn on all sides should the weather become really inclement. I recommend that guests bring something warm to wear around their shoulders, although Gold Restaurant do provide brightly coloured Kikois to keep you warm lest you should forget a wrap.
There is a set menu which consists of 16 different dishes from throughout Africa. The staff bring the food to your table in African bowls and the dishes and their origins are explained. We tasted everything from Peri Peri Prawns from Mozambique to Pap and Spinach from the Xhosa people of South Africa.
During the meal you are entertained by beautifully attired singers and dancers. I learnt later that their costumes were painstakingly researched and designed to reflect the different cultures throughout Africa. The waiters and waitresses wear the most stunning costumes and you can see from their faces that they are proud to be wearing them.
All in all it was a vibrant evening of colour, music, food, song and dance. The perfect venue if you are wanting to experience something that is uniquely African. The meal costs ZAR 200.00 per person and booking is essential. Gold Restaurant | Tel : 021 421-GOLD”
And from 2014
by
Rudi Serrer
“To truly experience Africa is no easy task – this massive continent is overflowing with beauty, culture, cuisine and customs. With your first step into GOLD restaurant, you feel it. You feel welcome, you feel home. It is very rare for a place to capture the essence of Africa so elegantly and effortlessly, but GOLD managed to achieve that from the first second.
The culinary experience that one is treated to at GOLD is unforgettable. The evening begins with interactive Djembe drumming session, which proved to me that rhythm is just not in my bones. But even though I could not keep up, it was the most amusing time I’ve ever had. My inner manic Mozart marvelled at the excuse to bang on a drum and was left mesmerized by the talented instructors. The two gentlemen managed to leave me gobsmacked (and I think it is safe to say the audience too). They transported the entire room into a proverbial heart of Africa, the beats filling the massive space while he gave every ounce of himself to the drum. The air was electric with the collective participation was a powerful experience.
After a ceremonial hand washing, we were taken to our table to enjoy the rest of the evening. The atmosphere inside was abuzz with people from all over Cape Town and the world. After being served our drinks, the lovely host began to serve the food. Explaining each course in detail , where it was from, the foods’ significance and how best to enjoy the plethora of choices in front of us. Easily my favourite dish of the evening was the Namibian Venison Pot because I am biased. The taste took me back to my childhood, visiting my grandmother out on the farm in Namibia – the food tasted like home and was made with love. In fact, all the food was made with love, you can taste it, see it in the presentation.
Throughout the evening we were treated to dancing and singing, the festivities kept the patrons interested and engaged. It was truly a sight to behold. The passion that goes into the food and the experience is what makes GOLD so magnificent – so I thank them for taking me to every corner of Africa and allowing me to enjoy this great continent that we call home.”