Hidden behind the 99 Loop Gallery in Cape Town is this no-frills, all flavour gem.
Cape Town is a haven of cuisine. Behind every corner is a buffet of eateries, each bursting with an offering of aromas and flavours that would make any foodie (amateur or otherwise) extremely excited. Not only is the coastal city influenced by the Cape Malay culture that many of the locals hail from, it is a culinary combination of diverse tastes from across the world - not just the country.
Fantastic food is often found in the most unassuming places in the Mother City. The best burrito I've ever eaten was in a sushi bar and my favourite pizza in the world is found in a hole-in-the-wall pizzeria along Kloof Street.
I suppose I'm saying, don't judge a food joint by its cover.
A statement has never rung more true than when regarding Solo Restaurant. This cosy café is tucked behind 99 Loop Gallery. You would think that because of the hoity-toity lobby-like entrance, the menu is just as pretentious, but nothing could be further from the truth.
I am treated to a beautifully plated chickpea curry that comes with coriander and mint chutney, poppadoms and traditional roti. Though I was hoping for more of a kick, the chili is safe enough for most diners to enjoy. The spice-focused dish is loaded with turmeric - a staple in any Cape Malay curry. The accompanying greens are perfectly al dente and the meal stays warm long enough for me to wolf it down.
My curry tastes like home. It tastes like proper comfort food; a meal my mum, gramma or my favourite aunt would prepare for me the day I get home from boarding school for holidays.
My dining partner enjoys a seafood linguine served with the freshest seasonal vegetables. It's very easy to over season seafood but the kitchen manages to finesse the spices effortlessly. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet acidity to the richness of the perfectly cooked prawns.
Both plates have been generously portioned and extremely reasonably priced, considering the quality and location of the restaurant.
The wait staff at Solo Restaurant are friendly and attentive, but let us enjoy our dining experience. When I return to Cape Town I will be sure to make a turn at this cute eatery.
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Cape town if full of wonderful eateries to treat even the pickiest of patrons. I recently dined with a gluttonous crowd at Strolla Restaurant and Bar, read my review here.
My recent trip to Cape Town also inspired a listicle of The Coolest Coffices in Cape Town.
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