When summer rolls into the Constantia Valley, it brings sun-dappled afternoons, fragrant gardens in full swing — and now, a new reason to indulge: The Conservatory’s summer à la carte menu at The Cellars-Hohenort.
Combining seasonal flair with culinary sophistication, this fresh offering is all about vibrant ingredients, global inspiration, and thoughtful detail — all served in one of Cape Town’s most charming garden settings.
Whether you’re there for a long lunch, a celebratory dinner, or just dessert and wine on the terrace, The Conservatory knows how to make every meal feel like an occasion.
🥂 Start Light, Start Right
The new starters read like a global journey with a local twist. Think Moroccan Spiced Lamb Dumplings with harissa purée and zhug, or Tempura Prawns with mirin-ginger glaze and blossom salsa. For something more classic, the Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé never goes out of style — especially when it’s infused with juniper and blanketed in melted cheddar and parmesan.
Seafood lovers, you’re covered too: the Trio of West Coast Oysters served with jalapeño lime remoulade might just be the most elegant way to kick off summer dining.
🍽️ Mains That Shine
The main courses are all about balance — think bold flavours without the heaviness. Highlights include the Grilled Catch of the Bay with garden pea risotto and lemon butter velouté, and the Seared Yellowfin Tuna paired with Spanish tortilla and olive crème fraîche.
For something hearty but refined, the Biltong-Spiced Seared Springbok hits the sweet spot with tahini parsnip purée and blueberry-beetroot jus. And if you’re in the mood for comfort with a twist, the Traditional Cape Malay Bobotie and Chalmar Beef Fillet deliver all the richness you’d expect, done the Conservatory way — perfectly plated and impossible to forget.
Plant-based? The Exotic Mushroom Linguini or Mushroom & Lentil dish offer texture, depth, and a beautiful finish, proving that summer doesn’t have to mean salad (though the salads here are excellent too).
🍋 Dessert: Yes, Always
Dessert is where this menu really leans into luxury. The Liz McGrath Chocolate Plate is a trio of rich, whimsical flavours — dark chocolate fondant, passion fruit gel, and white chocolate ice cream. Craving citrus? The Baked Lemon Curd with coconut ice cream and citrus crumble is sunshine on a plate.
Other standouts include the Summer Berry Pavlova with cheesecake ice cream, and the Lime Mousse paired with mint frangipane and melon sorbet — both light, refreshing, and pretty as a picture.
Dining at The Conservatory isn’t just about the food — it’s the full sensory experience.
You’re surrounded by the scent of roses, the clink of elegant glassware, and the kind of quiet luxury that makes you forget you’re only 15 minutes from the city.
This is slow food at its most stylish, made for long conversations and lazy laughter in the sun. And with a menu that celebrates everything bright and beautiful about summer, The Conservatory has once again proven why it’s one of Constantia’s most treasured culinary addresses.
Tip: Book a table on the terrace or under the trees if you can — it’s garden-to-plate dining in the most literal (and lovely) sense.
The Cellars-Hohenort — where summer tastes as good as it looks.
93 Brommersvlei Rd , Constantia
021 794 2137
reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
