If there’s one thing Capetonians do well, it’s discovering the latest culinary gems and the newest addition to the city’s restaurant landscape, Club Kloof, is already making serious waves.
Before we even dive into the food, let’s talk about the vibe. The restaurant is located in the heart of Cape Town on Kloof Street, and when you step inside, you immediately feel like you’ve walked into a chic European bistro.
The space is modern yet cosy, with an intimate feel that’s perfect for a date night. The lighting is dim, almost like something out of a romantic movie scene.
Picture a soft golden glow reflecting off polished tables, the hum of quiet conversation, and the clinking of wine glasses — it’s the kind of place that immediately makes you feel at ease.
@clubkloof Brunch cocktais at Club Kloof are always a good idea 🍸 #fyp #capetownresturants #drinks #datenight #capetowndrinks #capetownfood #italian #clubkloof #bottomlessbrunch #brunchclub ♬ Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter
That said, the one downside is that the tables are quite close together. It’s not cramped, per se, but you might find yourself overhearing your neighbour’s conversation.
Still, the atmosphere more than makes up for it and when the food arrives, you’ll forget about everything else.
But what I love even more is that the restaurant isn’t just for date nights. It’s versatile. There’s a cute outdoor seating area with its own bar, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back brunch with friends or some casual drinks in the afternoon, very cutesy!
Cape Town’s summer days call for exactly this kind of setting — sunshine, a cool breeze and a relaxed vibe where you can sip on a cocktail and feel like you’ve escaped the hustle of the city.
The food: small plates, big flavours
Now, let’s get to my favourite part: the food. While Club Kloof is Italian-inspired, don’t expect your typical pizza-and-pasta joint.
The menu offers a variety of small-plate dishes that pack big flavours.
When I say small plates, I mean they are on the smaller side, which initially had my sister worried about portion sizes.
But trust me, they are surprisingly filling — sometimes your eyes are bigger than your stomach and I’m definitely guilty of sizing up plates before actually digging in.
We started with a variety of dishes to get a feel for the menu. Club Kloof specialises in small plates, perfect for sharing or for those who love to sample a bit of everything, like me.
Here’s the rundown of what we ordered:
This was hands down our favourite dish of the night. The balance of flavours between the fresh red onion and creamy ricotta, all on a perfectly crisp pizzette base, was chef's kiss.
Light, flavourful, but I wouldn’t necessarily order it again though.
If there’s one thing I would order twice, it’s the cheesy meatballs topped with a generous helping of Parmesan. Even though the portion sizes lean towards the smaller side, these meatballs were surprisingly filling.
Price point
In this day and age, dining out can feel like a luxury, especially with the rising cost of living. But the restaurant manages to strike a good balance between affordability and quality.
Most dishes and drinks are priced between R80 and R200, which makes it a place you can visit without feeling like you’ve broken the bank.
Considering the quality of the food, the chic atmosphere and the central location, you’re definitely getting bang for your buck here.
In a recent conversation with Michael Carter, one of the owners, he shared the vision behind the restaurant. "We wanted to create a unique space that stands out locally, where colour and design matter," he explained.
The restaurant, which was rebuilt after a fire damaged the second floor, features a mix of burnt and unscathed walls, giving the upstairs dining area a distinct feel compared to the vibrant red of the downstairs.
Additionally, they are collaborating with local artists through a project called Club Art, allowing guests to buy artwork directly from them.
Club Kloof will also host a DJ Brunch once a month and offer an aperitivo hour with special drink deals from 3 to 6pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
With summer right around the corner, I can’t think of a better time to check it out. After all the rain we’ve endured in winter, it’s time to enjoy the sunshine and make the most of Cape Town’s ever-evolving food scene.