I’m going to write this review backwards. Why? Firstly, because I can. And secondly, because the dessert I had was worth talking about first.
Let them eat cake.
Zabad, just behind the Cape Quarter, serves a Bar One Cheesecake that is so delish it’s worth the calories. Perfect to share, this fridge cake (it isn’t baked in the oven) is made using Philidelphia cream cheese, then smothered with bar-one chocolate sauce, with a buttery base that is packed with chocolate pieces and biscuit. We also tried the spicy Carrot Cake with decadent cream cheese icing that was really moist and full of delicious nutty, carrot and cinnamon flavour.
For our main we shared a huge portion of herby Chicken Schnitzel with a creamy cheese sauce, served with a side of salad and chips. It was really nice for a change not to have to choose a side, or awkwardly ask if I could have half and half. Although I understand that there is a price difference between serving chips ad salad, I find it great customer service when restaurants are happy to serve either or both.
The other main was Rosemary Lamb Chops with seasonal veg, mashed potato and gravy. The chops were tender and well-seasoned, the mash was light and fluffy and the veg was a great mix of peppers, broccoli, onion, butternut, carrot, and baby corn. A really homely, simple dish.
Finally, or firstly (depending on which way you look at it), we had a Thai Beef Salad topped with a minty dressing and succulent pieces of steak. And a bowl of the most heavenly Leek and Potato Soup which wasn’t pureed at all, but had delicious chunks of potato. It didn’t taste at all like stock powder, a problem I have experienced at restaurants in the past, and really left me with a smile on my face.
Zabad is a sweet little restaurant with comfy couches, expressive décor and good service. The food is simple and homely, not fine dining or pretentious – perfect for a quick lunch or relaxed, AFFORDABLE dinner.
PS: They also have free WIFI for customers.
PPS: They have a separate section that can be enclosed for a private meeting.
Directions to Zabad
Cnr Jarvis and Napier Street
De Waterkant, Cape Town
Western Cape