We recently visited Cape Town, South Africa. The trip as a whole was phenomenal, but per usual, my focus tends to be on the food. We had quite a few really wonderful meals, but the standout was hands down Janse & Co. It’s a casual fine dining restaurant that offers a coursed dinner starting at 3 courses, with up to a 7 course option. The aesthetic of the restaurant was simple, clean, and dark, with contrasts of natural wood elements against black. If you plan to be in Cape Town in the foreseeable future don’t hesitate to make a reservation here.
My first course was roasted eggplant and shishito peppers with a shiitake mushroom mouse and bread crumble. The dish was luscious and earthy. The presentation perfectly mimicked the flavor. I enjoyed every bite.
My second course was grilled octopus with a citrus crema and pepper chutney, topped with chicharrones. The octopus was perfectly cooked and the citrus crema paired with the pepper chutney offered the ideal balance to the butteriness of the octopus. I’m a sucker for octopus. Prepare it to the correct temperature and I’m a happy girl!
My third and final course was a thin slice of lamb au jus, topped with a smoky red pepper paprika sauce and roasted pearl onion petals. This last course was easily the star of the meal. My eyes literally teared up when I took my first bite. No knife was needed because the lamb was so tender. This dish was decadent and tasted as beautiful as it looked. I want to eat this again and again.