I’ve been trying to get a handle on the finer dining scene in the Cape. In tougher economic times, what entices people to eat out at the top end? Are they after dining exhilaration and thrill, or perhaps sophisticated meals that satisfy the senses? Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock winery outside Stellenbosch has intrigued me since a friend whose tastes I trust ate there on a December dinner date and loved it. Gåte — it is pronounced like latte and is the Norwegian word for riddle — opened in November and people on restaurant groups rave about it. On the Boring Cape Town Chick blog Gåte was declared "hands down the best fine dining experience". An eatout.co.za reviewer described one course as "unbelievable, like nothing I’ve ever experienced while dining before". I had to satisfy my professional curiosity. But a declaration: on my visit I was hosted as media, asking executive chef Rikku Ò’Donnchü to send only a few courses, instead opting to spend time in the kitchen observing him to un...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.