Mr & Mrs Smith

The week before our stay at Beaumont House in Cape Town we ate at Constantia Uitsig's restaurant La Colombe (+27 (0)21 7944 2390) where the food was superb, the service fantastic and the wine past hyperbole. The spa onsite, cricket ground and vineyard were equally spectacular with helpful staff too. Gill at Beaumont House recommended we ate at Buitenverwachting. It was set in its own vineyard with a view on the terrace (where we sat) of Table Mountain (imagine it at sunset) and had knowledgeable and friendly staff. We chose the five-course game tasting menu which was delicious, particularly the springbok. I think the speciality is desserts because they were beautifully crafted, including one in the shape of a grand piano! Interesting wine menu and the sommelier was very helpful but not overbearing. Definitely a restaurant to try although reservations are needed – it was completely full on a Monday night.

Beaumont House is the ultimate peaceful idyll out in the suburbs. However, when you can drag yourself away from all the unadulterated luxury, make sure you talk to your wonderful hosts, Gill and Peter. Their knowledge of the constantly evolving Cape Town restaurant scene is bang up to date and if you take their recommendations, you'll experience the whole gambit of culinary delights on offer. Gill got us a table at the über-cool Showroom where the flamboyant chef, Bruce Robertson, is Cape Town's version of Heston Blumenthal. 95 Keerom offers unpretentious, confident Italian food and Salt is an excellent lunch spot. Just make sure you get a table by the window, so you don't miss the wonderful views over Bantry Bay. If you're heading into the wine region make sure you talk to Peter about the best vineyards, he knows his wine. We also had a fantastic lunch at Terroir on the Kleine Zalze estate.

One thing's for sure, you'll return fatter.