Okay guys, so it’s no secret that Cape Town has some pretty AMAZING places to eat. It can actually make choosing your Friday night dinner plans kind of difficult. Too many fantastic choices! Luckily, I have a secret weapon. Yip, I’m talking about the Entertainer. It’s been like my little pocket map guiding me to all the BEST restaurants, beauty treatments and way more this year. So, I wanna share with you some of my five favorite foodie spots I’ve discovered this year!
What exactly is the Entertainer App?
Firstly, maybe I should give you a little background info into what exactly IS the Entertainer. The Entertainer is an app full of exciting Buy One Get One Free offers for restaurants, beauty salons, health & fitness, leisure activities and many more. To make it even better their offers are always Buy One Get One Free, valid 7 days a week (excluding public holidays) and all year long! That means it also caters for individuals with busy week day schedules as well who can only dine on yummy food and take trips to the spa on weekends. Cape Tonians, there are over 1,100 outlets across Cape Town so what more reason do you need?
The Entertainer is not just for us Western Cape people. You can also get one personalised for your city if you live in Johannesburg or Durban too!
Read more: How does the Entertainer App work?
1. Lazy summer afternoon or evening at Jonkershuis Constantia
Jonkershuis Constantia was one of the first places I visited using my Entertainer app, and it was a fantastic introduction to how the app works. I’d heard from some friends that Jonkerhuis is an AMAZING place to eat and perfect for a summer afternoon with a glass of wine, enjoying the sunshine. Well, when that summery day came around in January we wasted no time and headed to Jonkershuis.
Jonkershuis eatery really tries to reflect the rich Cape Malay heritage of their ‘home’ and this really comes through in the menu. Because of this, I decided to opt for the bobotie. I think my dish was the envy of the rest of the table. Not only was the portion size super generous, but it came with the most flavorsome sambals as well as spiced pumpkin and sultana and almond rice.
Jonkerhuis is nestled in the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate. As well as a museum which you can explore, you can also just relax and go for a stroll around the grounds which has the most majestic views of the valley. If you like wine, they have a huge selection and a fabulous wine tasting too.
Read more: You have to try Jonkershuis Constantia!
2. For the meat lover: Steaks at HQ
If there’s ever a restaurant that is synonymous for a specific dish – it’s HQ with their steaks. HQ is a Parisian-inspired steakhouse / bar set in the historic Heritage Square in Cape Town. Think dim lighting, subtle music and good food. The perfect date night setting!
Image Credit: HQ Restaurant
The menu is extremely straightforward. It includes a classic salad starter, to be followed by sirloin steak and thin-cut fries with HQ’s signature Cafe De Paris butter. Seriously, that butter is stuff dreams are made of. On the Entertainer it works out around R220 for both of you. Yip, you’re reading this correctly! And don’t underestimate the salad – it’s simple but surprising delicious and you’ll be really disappointed when it’s finished.
Read more: Date night at HQ
3. Escape the city to Rhebokskloof in Paarl
Not only does the city centre have a lot to offer, but there are some real GEMS located just outside the city. So, next time you’re feeling like a slow drive on a Saturday, take a trip out to Rhebokskloof in Paarl. Think wine tasting, hearty food and sunshine! It’s so serene on their plot, with a gorgeous dam and plenty of space for kids to play outside. If you’re a cyclist, they also have so many trails created just for you!
They have the most amazing selection of South African inspired dishes.
The Entertainer is accepted for both breakfast and lunch at Rhebokskloof, so if breakfast is more your thing then you’re in luck. I really love “farm style” food and they did not disappoint. Think items like pork belly, steaks, curries and juicy burgers. Everything is beautifully presented too!
Read more: Escape the city bustle to Rhebokskloof
4. Crispy thin based pizza at Basilico
Who doesn’t love a thin crispy based pizza? If you’re into an Italian dish, then Basilico needs to be on your list of places to visit before the end of the year. Situated in the leafy suburb of Newlands, Basilico is an Italian gem just waiting for you the next time your tummy is rumbling for a crispy thin based pizza or hearty pasta.
Very much Italian bistro!
Basilico’s menu oozes Italian flair. Think woodfired pastas, yummy pastas, risottos and salads laced with pecorino, basil and the like. My immediate impressions of the restaurant was its cleanliness, bright lighting and neat decor. We decided to sit upstairs which afforded us a stunning view of Table Mountain, as well as of the passerbys and quaint shops down below. I’ve returned many times since discovering this gem on the Entertainer.
Read more: Basilico in Newlands
5. Friday evening drinks and burgers at Hudsons
Ah, arguably one of the most popular Entertainer restaurants has to be Hudsons. Everyone I chat to recommends Hudsons, and mentions to me that it’s on the Entertainer (But sadly, we have redeemed all our Hudsons visits!). Actually, Hudsons was the FIRST restaurant we visited when we moved to Cape Town, and it was pretty much love at first bite.
Their selection of burgers is amazing, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of spicy peppers, or sweet chili.. they have something for you! Go here on a day you love the energy of a crowd- because Hudsons is always busy and has a great vibe!
You still have time left to visit these restaurants…
If you’re holding a 2018 Entertainer, HURRY! You still have about seven weeks left to use your app to visit these amazing places. And, if you know of any gems that I should try before the end of the year, you have to let me know ASAP!
And, if you’re holding out for the 2019 Entertainer, there’s even more good news. The 2019 Entertainer is here and can already be purchased on an earlybird special! It’s currently only R395. And if you’re wondering about the cost, did you know that the Entertainer members save 12x the ENTERTAINER cost on average? How crazy!
Read more: Purchasing the Entertainer
Bon Appétit!