When I think of a rooftop bar, I always imagine a scene with colourful cocktails, dazzling ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Had we visited Chinchilla, Cape Town’s hottest new rooftop café and bar, during the late afternoon, we would have experienced all this and more.
As it turned out, hubby and I made our way to Camps Bay’s glitzy and glam strip on a rather dreary-looking Thursday for lunch. I was dressed as if I was expecting an Arctic blast to happen at any moment! By the time we arrived at Chinchilla, in true Cape Town style, the sun began to peek out from behind the grey clouds and very soon, we were taking layers off as quickly as possible.
We were warmly welcomed by Prince, the manager, and seated at a table of our choice by Tanya. As it had just gone midday, there were plenty of comfy couches and tables to choose from. I headed straight for an inviting couch where we could see the beautiful beach and ocean, as well as a glimpse of Lion’s Head.
The interior design ticks all the right boxes (with the exception of fake greenery), with a contemporary and chic look throughout. Brightly coloured cushions on the couches beckon you to relax and chill with a cocktail while enjoying the stunning ocean view. The beautifully designed wooden-top bar has a myriad of colourful bottles on the shelves just waiting to be turned into world-class cocktails by Chinchilla’s own mixologists. If you fancy sitting at a table whilst dining, the casual yet classy café-style wooden tables with wire and wicker chairs are waiting for you. Chinchilla reminds me of a laid-back yet elegant beach bar I’d find in the Caribbean.
I’m told that their cocktails have become the stuff of legends since they opened in late November 2017, so of course we had to try one or two. They offer a number of Signature Cocktails with names like Purple Haze and Lollies That Make Me Jolly, but I simply cannot resist a classic Mojito (R75). It’s been a fave of mine since I had my fair share of them in Havana, Cuba. I have to say that I was impressed with my Mojito as not everyone gets it just right. Chinchilla certainly does.
Hubby opted for the Virgin Mango Daiquiri (R65) which came in a huge vase-like glass. We both enjoyed our cocktails, keeping us nice and cool as the African sun was beating down and the temperature was rising. The cocktails range in price from about R65 through to R150, which is pretty pricey for many locals.
Chinchilla is literally located above Bilboa Restaurant, which also belongs to The Kove Collection’s stellar restaurant lineup. I was interested to learn that the Executive Chef at Bilboa also prepares the meals for Chinchilla. As I had dined at Bilboa a few months back, I was excited to see and taste what the bistro-style menu had to offer. The concise one page menu features Light Bites, Sandwiches, Sides, Mains and Desserts.
The first item to appear on the Light Bites menu are oysters. I’m a real sucker for these luscious sea creatures, but thought I’d try something a bit different for a change. Hello Prawn Cocktail! Served in a martini glass with pink sauce, avocado, lemon, sea salt and black pepper, it certainly delivered on flavour and nostalgia. At R130, there was perhaps too much lettuce and not enough prawns to justify the price. Being the meat man that he is, hubby chose the Beef Carpaccio with lemon, parsley and an olive oil and mustard dressing that was so delicious (R105). He couldn’t stop raving about it. Definitely add avocado to this dish (extra cost) as it becomes even tastier and more substantial.
Tanya was the perfect server, attentive and friendly, yet allowing us enough time between our starters and mains to chat and relax. It isn’t often that hubby and I get a chance to enjoy a fabulous lunch date during the week. With eleven options to choose from for your main course, it didn’t take us too long to choose. Hubby went for the Grilled Tuna Niḉoise accompanied by new potatoes, tomato, green beans, olives and radish (R200).
Whilst I was tempted by the Black Mussels (R120) and the Salmon En Papillote (SQ), my eyes were drawn to the Linguine with shallots, garlic, thyme, tomato, mussels, clams and white fish (R140). This dish proved to be a seafood pasta lover’s dream! Beautifully presented in a black cast-iron pan, the heavenly aromas soon had me tucking in to the super tasty and generous portion.
I decided to pair it with the Delaire Graff Rosé Cabernet Franc 2017 (R250 per bottle) and it was a match made in heaven. Perfectly crisp and not too dry, just the way I like my rosé. As for hubby’s Grilled Tuna, the tuna itself was tasty and well prepared, but lacked imagination with regards to plating.
Dessert was up next, but I honestly couldn’t fit in another bite. Hubby, on the other hand, had no problem enjoying his Vanilla Crème Brûlée with shortbread (R65). Ok, so I did take a small bite or two, just to taste. And it was rather delish.
I was curious to know how differently-abled people get to Chinchilla as there are only stairs leading up from the main entrance. Fortunately, they can make use of the elevator at The Marly which is situated just behind the rooftop café and bar.
Would I go back to Chinchilla? Absolutely YES! The unique location is more suited to sizzling summer days and nights, but is by no means off limits during the cooler months. Next time, I’ll go to soak up the vibrant happy hour with a cool cocktail or two, be mesmerized by an exquisite sunset and enjoy live DJ sets played by international resident DJ Tess Prins (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays). It’s the perfect spot to enjoy all this and more.
When are you going to experience your #ChinchillaMoment?
Please note ~ I was invited to review Chinchilla by Spill Brand Communications. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
