The Ultimate Winter Special in Cape Town: Pot Luck Club’s Prix Fixe Loaded Lunch

R795 for 7 courses: wear something comfy.

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate winter special in Cape Town, look no further than the Prix Fixe Loaded Lunch Menu at The Pot Luck Club.

Designed for sharing and crafted with bold flavours, fine textures, and a sense of indulgent fun. This set menu at R795 per person (with additional wine pairing for R550), transforms cold days into something worth celebrating as each course feels like a warm invitation to slow down and savour.

Bread and Beginnings

Let’s start where all good stories should: with a Rye Sourdough Country Loaf. Two steaming buns, both soft and fragrant, paired with cultured butter, spiced dukkah, olive oil, and confit garlic. It’s the kind of bread that reminds you why bread became a global staple in the first place. Not too tangy like sourdough can be, not too dense, just right. The herby, sharp house-marinated olives offer contrast, while the garlic cloves beg to be spread on everything. This is the kind of starter that sets the tone for a meal that means business.

Taco 2.0

The only fault in this dish? I wanted ten more. These aren’t your average tacos. These are whisper-thin, crunchy shells filled with silverfish, a smoky black bean purée, sweet charred corn, creamy avo, and a hint of chipotle heat. It tastes like the ocean on fire, in the best possible way. It’s fresh, punchy, and gone far too soon.

Sashimi Citrus Salad

Shut. The. Front. Door. This dish redefined what sashimi can be. Slivers of fresh fish were layered with citrus segments, chilli, pickled kombu, mint, basil, and dashi pearls that quite literally burst with umami. The use of spekboom is clever, local touch that brings crunch and acidity. I typically don’t like fruit in savoury foods, but in this case, the acidic-sweetness of the citrus, perfectly balanced the oily fish and dressing absolutely perfectly. 110/10.

Fish Sliders on Steamed Bao

Steamed, fluffy bao buns cradle a zesty fish filling made with a coriander-forward mojo dressing and creamy miso mayo. Pickled red onions bring balance. It’s less surprising than some of the other dishes, but no less satisfying. It’s your favourite fish burger’s cooler older cousin who went to private school.

Penang Pork Belly (or Broccoli for the Pescatarian)

This dish is not afraid of flavour. A coconut and peanut curry laced with mint, lime-pickled onions, crispy shallots, and roasted peanuts creates a layered, warming bowl that packs a punch. I had the pescatarian-friendly version with charred broccoli, unexpected, but texturally rich and just as satisfying. Marvin, who had the pork belly said that while is was perfectly cooked and wasn’t overtly fatty, he would have been more than happy with the broccoli alternative!

Mains Part One: Smoked Beef Fillet

The fillet is delicate, tender, and so perfectly cooked that it barely needs chewing. But it’s the truffle café au lait sauce that steals the show. Airy, creamy, savoury – and gone in seconds. The portion is on the smaller side, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in elegance.

Mains Part Two: The Pescatarian Dish. Sort of.

The alternative to the fillet dish was generous in portion, but failed a tad in execution. Tuna with a paprika crust, harissa beans, red peppers, and octopus made for an intriguing plate, and I loved the surprising inclusion of celery leaves, which are hugely underrated. But alas, it was topped with chorizo (that was served on the side) and the broth that was meant to be poured over the dish had a pork base, so I couldn’t eat 2 main elements of the dish. A little disappointing.

Mains Part Three: Chickpea, Goat’s Cheese & Parmesan Fries

Simply said: Crisp, soft, cheesy bites of joy. This trinity of chickpea flour, goat’s cheese, and parmesan combine in a fry that’s richer than it has any right to be. The truffle aioli? Just go ahead and lick the spoon. As Marvin said, “who needs potatoes when you have these?!” Sacrilege? Perhaps. You’ll have to try them and decide.

Peanut Butter Bomb

While the name promises excess, the execution is refined. Creamy, nutty, and rich without being cloying, a sweet ending that doesn’t scream for attention, but earns it anyway. The chocolate-enrobed peanut butter parfait is rich, creamy, and unapologetically decadent, balanced by a silky Frangelico sabayon with a gentle, boozy warmth. A banana mousse floats alongside, offering fruity sweetness. The honeycomb crunch added a burst of sugary texture, while a delicate pistachio tuile finishes it off with crisp, earthy elegance. It’s one of those desserts you eat slowly, not because you’re full, but because you don’t want it to end.

If you’re looking to escape the Cape chill and warm up with something unforgettable, this winter special in Cape Town hits the spot. If R795pp is a little steep for you right now, there is a more budget-conscious, 5 course set menu for R550pp.

The Pot Luck Club’s loaded lunch is more than a midday indulgence, it’s an experience that leaves you talking about it long after the last bite. Available until 30 September 2025.