The Conservatory Restaurant at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa has unveiled a new seasonal dining experience, introducing dedicated lunch and dinner menus that showcase the best of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Situated in the heart of Constantia, The Conservatory has long been recognised as one of Cape Town’s premier dining destinations.
Inspired by the surrounding winelands landscape and the hotel’s rich culinary heritage, the restaurant continues to celebrate thoughtful, ingredient-led cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
- At the core of the new offering is a commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce and contemporary cooking techniques that highlight natural flavours. The menus embrace simplicity, balance and seasonality, with many herbs and vegetables harvested directly from the hotel’s gardens.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Daniel Blignaut, whose creativity is underpinned by strong technical expertise and a deep appreciation for South African ingredients. Guided by Tronette Dippenaar, Group Executive Chef of The Liz McGrath Collection, Blignaut has crafted menus that strike a balance between innovation and familiarity, delivering dishes that are both refined and approachable.
Dinner begins with a selection of elegant starters, with choices including South Atlantic Tuna Ceviche with avocado salsa, wasabi, pickled ginger, passionfruit and tiger’s milk; Slow-braised Beef Tortellini with black winter truffle, pearl onion, and corn velouté; or Smoked Snoek Croquette with apple ribbons, cranberry, herb salad and yoghurt dressing.
Among the standout mains are Miso-marinated Chicken Supreme served with potato fondant, mushroom textures and thyme jus; Klein Karoo Rack of Lamb accompanied by garlic pommes purée, carrot, garden pea and jus; and a flavourful vegetarian Mushroom Korma with yoghurt, cashews and chickpeas, served alongside jasmine rice and sambals.
Long-standing favourites remain firmly on the menu, including the iconic Twice-baked Cheese Soufflé, a signature dish introduced by the late Mrs Liz McGrath and still enjoyed by diners decades later.
Desserts continue the celebration of seasonal flavours, with highlights such as Honey & Rosemary Baked Pear with Cremonzola, phyllo pastry and candied walnuts; Hazelnut & Banana with vanilla bean mousse, chocolate ganache and banana frozen yoghurt; and Yuzu & Granadilla Bavarois paired with Baumkuchen, citrus, caramelised white chocolate and miso ice cream.
A dedicated lunch menu offers lighter fare and a more relaxed selection of favourites. Guests may choose the signature Free-range Beef Burger; or Traditional Cape Malay Bobotie served with steamed rice, curried potato samosa, roti and sambals, or its vegetarian mushroom and lentil alternative. Lighter options include Roasted Squash & Burrata with sage and seed crumble; Salmon Teriyaki with marinated cucumber, tomato, pickled onion, artichoke and micro-salad; and a Poke Bowl featuring a choice of chicken, beef or prawns, served with egg-fried rice, pickled vegetables, kimchi, sprout salad and sesame dressing.
The culinary experience is enhanced by The Conservatory’s distinctive setting. Designed to reflect the natural abundance that inspires the menu, the restaurant’s forest garden-inspired interiors create a serene backdrop, while the signature glass atrium fills the space with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding gardens, strengthening the connection between the food, the landscape and the seasons. Guests can dine indoors or on the terrace under the curved pergola, where sweeping garden views and a backdrop of Table Mountain provide a memorable setting for any occasion.
Today, The Conservatory stands as a confident expression of modern South African dining – seasonal, ingredient-driven and thoughtfully executed, complemented by the warm hospitality that has long defined The Cellars-Hohenort experience.
The Conservatory offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, as well as a dedicated Terrace Menu served between 15h00 and 17h00. The restaurant is open to both hotel guests and non-resident visitors by prior reservation. For reservations, contact 021 794 2137 or email coordinator@cellars-hohenort.co.za.
⇒ 93 Brommersvlei Rd , Constantia
