There are many little hidden gems in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town. For instance, there is a quiet little eatery located at the Welgemoed forum called Cafรฉ Delicieux. This is a trendy cafรฉ where those in the know gather for delicious brunches or a tasty light lunch. However, once a week on a Friday evening they are open for dinner, offering a different menu every week where you can have two courses for R125, or three courses for R150 …
Cafรฉ Delicieux is decorated to create a quirky elegance, with a chic black ceiling from which glittering chandeliers are suspended, upon which are strung antique tea sets, a bit like Alice in Wonderland! The service is attentive, and the manageress most eager to assist making this a truly pleasurable dining experience. We have gone to a couple of these Friday dinners, a few months apart, and have enjoyed ourselves. Each time we have gone, we have decided to forgo starters and focus on the main meal, and the all important dessert.
On the menu in April there was a delicious sounding coriander crusted, slow roasted lamb, served on a risotto with green fig and shaved pecorino. Sadly we were informed that there was only one left, so only one of us could have it. There was also fillet of beef with a chocolate chili sauce, vegetables and fried new potatoes.
While you are waiting for your meal you are usually served an amuse bouche, such as a round of puff pastry topped with beet and camembert, or a delicious crab spring-roll to get your appetite going.
Sadly when the lamb came, it did not appear to be slow cooked, and was a tad bland, set on top of a rather stodgy risotto. The best part was the preserved fig. Noting our dissatisfaction, the manageress took our comments into account and said that they would change the dish, before insisting on deducting it from the bill, despite our not lodging an official complaint. It was edible, just not what we were expecting.
The fillet however was one of the best dishes – perfectly rare and paired with a chilli chocolate sauce that was like melted Lindt chilli chocolate – a superb combination. The potatoes in their skin were crisp and tasty, possibly the best part of the meal.
The puddings were delectable. The cheesecake was light and had a beautiful creamy texture and no floury aftertaste. The berry compote was a little sweet for my liking. Others in the group had the bread and butter pudding, which was delightful comfort food – perfect on this evening.
The second time we tried Cafรฉ Delicieux, we arrived without a booking and had to be accommodated outside, as these Friday dinners have become extremely popular. It was just two of us this time, and I had a delicious chicken breast stuffed with ricotta and sundried tomatoes, served with delicious roast potatoes.
My friend had kingklip, served with a shitake butter and salmon mash that was lovely. Dessert is always a highlight for me, and I had a delicious rooibos infused crรจme brulee, and my friend had a delicious freshly baked chocolate pudding, which may have benefitted from having a runny chocolate centre, but was good nonetheless.
The service is always attentive and comments are appreciated and taken into account. These Friday dinners are becoming very popular and the cafรฉ has a fantastic ambiance, making for a great evening out. We have really enjoyed ourselves each time we have been.
Welgemoed Pages
- Welgemoed Attractions
- Welgemoed Accommodation
- Northern Suburbs Accommodation
- Cape Town Accommodation
Contact Details
Cafe Delicieux is situated on the corner of Jip de Jager and Kommissaris streets in Welgemoed, Northern Suburbs, Cape Town
Friday nights from 18.30 to 22.00 – last orders are taken at 9 pm.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 913-0153
