AMARE in Bantry Bay, which opened just more than a year ago. has been named Africa’s Best New Restaurant 2025 at the World Culinary Awards, and we had a wonderful dinner there last week. This had a lot to do with our wonderful waiter, André.
Noticing his accent when he first came to our table, I asked where he was from. Angola was the answer, where his language was Portuguese. In addition to that and English, he speaks four more languages, is busy learning German, and no doubt just as charming in all of them. André made menu and wine recommendations, and made sure we had everything we needed, with warmth and sincerity that showed how much he enjoys his job. Our happiness was his happiness.
From the menu comes this introduction: “Food is the language of love. All love stories are tales of beginnings. Ours is no exception. Inspired by the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean, Amare was born from a passion for the art of dining well. More than just sustenance, we believe that good food is a universal expression of creativity and love.
“From the tiled streets of Lisbon to the coastlines of Andalucia: from the hearty fare of Sicily to the Greek Islands and Côte d’Azur, Amare brings a blend of fresh flavours, tastes and traditions to the shores of Bantry Bay. Ensconced in one of Cape Town’s most idyllic coastal settings, we welcome you as our family to savour every sensation and celebrate life.”
Breakfast is served until 11.30am, lunch and then dinner from 12pm. Begin with a salad or a small plate—or order several to share—followed by mains, pasta and rice dishes, and of course, desserts. There’s a “Between Breads” section with tempting options for a light meal or sundowner.
Feeling a need for green stuff, I started with an Amare salad, a take on the classic Caesar: Cos lettuce (except it was iceberg), focaccia croutons, parmesan and medium poached egg, with anchovy or fynbos dressing. My friend chose artichokes grilled with brush of garlic, lemon and olive oil from the small plates section.
For main course I let André decide for me: baked linefish (kingklip) in golden, crunchy lemon garlic crust, confit fennel and parsley reduction. Not sure about that last but there was a parsley and radish salad on the plate. All mains come with a side accompaniment and André had briefly mentioned the pommes aligot (cheesy mash) earlier and it had wedged in my brain. Not sorry about that at all.
Lizanne ordered Karoo lamb chops, Mediterranean style grilled with rosemary, thyme, lemon and black pepper. It was her turn for greens as her side dish, broccoli and beans. The meat was beautifully blush pink, and there was still some fat left on, which I always appreciate.
When it came time for dessert, André picked out the lemon posset and the tiramisu. Amazing, I said, the exact two I had been thinking of, we should have one of each. Well, good readers, I don’t think I’ll be bothering to make tiramisu myself again. Amare’s is so exceptionally good, and wait, it comes with a boat of extra cream. It looks like a big portion but it didn’t feel like a big portion, if you get my meaning. The posset was at the other end of the rainbow, light and fresh and tart but not mouth-puckering, utterly delicious. We inhaled both.
Amare is not just a fabulous meal enjoyed in a softly lit creamy setting with a sliver of a view of the ocean, and impeccable service; there’s also music, in the soft jazzy vein. I can only speak for our experience on that night, which was a young man playing the grand piano, who said he wouldn’t mind at all should I wish to drape myself across it. I’m not Michelle Pfeiffer though, so I kept my seat. The jazz evenings include a three-course dinner offering to choose from across the award winning menu and a live jazz performance for R750 per person. A vegetarian menu is available at R700 per person.
For more information, click here, and book online here.
- Pics supplied, to see our meal follow me @biancaleecoleman on Instagram
