Brads Grill
Nestled in the quaint streets of Harfield Village, Kenilworth, you will find one of my absolute favorite spots, Brads Grill. This rather understated restaurant has a loyal local following and it’s easy to see why! Eating at Brads is a personal experience filled with warmth, many smiles, lots of good wine and food that is prepared with care. When I heard that it was the Crusaders favorite spot when in town for Super 15 action, I knew the steaks had to be good.
At Brads you can expect to get a top class chunk of beef every time. Brad takes pride in his produce and I have yet to have a steak as consistently tender as the one at Brads. Served with chips, creamed spinach and butternut, the steaks at Brads are more about quantity & quality than fine dining. Brad has a fine palate for wine so be sure to ask for his recommendation. And then there’s the special, lunchtime half price, that’s all I’m saying…
69 Second Ave, Claremont
021 6712527
HQ is, dare I say it, one of Cape Towns trendiest eateries. Based in the historic building Heritage Square, the chic yet unpretentious venue has only one thing on the menu; yes, that’s right, you have no choice. Well at least the only option is great, neigh, superb.
HQ has become famous locally for the simple Sirloin, Chips and Salad that they offer. Keeping it simple allows them to perfect what they do and they have done just that. Their free-range beef is sourced from Namibia, and this extra effort shows. They really are superb sirloins; they’ve got everything you could ask for in a sirloin, the flavor from being close to the bone and the tenderness only good aging can bring. The thin cut fries are the ideal compliment to a good piece of beef and then there’s the Béarnaise sauce; I’m drooling just thinking about it. A good tip; don’t eat to fast they come round with fresh fries and hot sauce so go hungry - the food keeps coming!
Short Market Street, Cape Town CBD
021 4246373
Carne
There is something about being presented a tray full of the day’s best cuts of beef that really entices a carnivore such as myself into a near frenzy. The sight of the T-Bone, which weighs over 1kg, truly reflects the name, Carne. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, if it's meat you are looking for, then this is the place to go to.
Although I have tried and tested all of their cuts, the rib eye on the bone is a personal favorite, but it just wouldn’t feel right to discuss anything other than their signature dish, the T Bone Fiorentina. This remarkable 1kg+ chunk of dry aged A-grade beef is any meat lover's dream. Cooked to your preference in a garlic butter sauce and thinly sliced off the bone, it’s difficult to fault this dish. You can easily share it between 2 but for the brave attempt it on your own and take what’s left home for the next day.
Raith
Raith Gourmet German Deli & Butcher has a proud tradition in Cape Town. Raith is family run and with the backing of a German Master Butcher you know you are in good hands. Raith has a fantastic range of cold meats, sausages, brockworst etc. as well as butchery.
Yes, I know this may stray away from the restaurant theme but if you are looking for the best steak in Cape Town and you are willing to cook it yourself then Raith is the place to go. They not only have a variety of different beef (from free range, pure, feedlot) but they can tell you were all of this beef comes from. For these guys it’s a passion, The men in the butchery, ‘Bernhard’ and ‘Packs’ are willing to prepare your cuts to you specification and are always willing to offer ‘tips’ on the weeks best cut.
Diaz Tavern
Diaz Tavern is a personal favorite of mine, not only is it the perfect spot to watch some sport but the relaxed, welcoming vibe makes this many Capetonians first choice venue for a nice ‘chilled’ dinner and a couple of beers.
My recommendation puts an interesting twist on the steak theme as when I discuss Diaz with you there is only one thing that comes to mind… The Espetada! This tower of joy is stacked with juicy, delicious rump cuts and is finished with a healthy portion of garlic butter placed on top causing it to melt and run down of the steak. If your mouth is not watering yet, they place your chips at the bottom of the tower of beef to collect some extra flavor as it drips of the meat! Amazing I tell you. If you’re on a date maybe steer clear, lets just put it this way, after attempting the Espetada at Diaz you wont be having any problems with vampires….
So that ladies and gents is my Top 5 Steaks in Cape Town. As you can imagine this was a rather daunting task and no doubt I have overlooked one or two gems. As I continue on my carnivorous escapade I will keep updating the article and adding some more of my favorites to the list…
Please add a comment below and share with us where you have your favorite Steak in Cape Town?
