A well-known foodie destination, Taj is most famous for the Bombay Brasserie – frequently called the best Indian restaurant in Cape Town. Additionally, Mint offers relaxed all-day dining with a multi-cuisine menu, while the Twankey Bar exudes ‘speakeasy cool’ with some of the most creative cocktail concoctions in town.
Bombay Brasserie
Frequently called the best Indian fine dining experience in Cape Town, the secret to Bombay Brasserie’s contemporary cuisine is its integrity. With 20 years of experience in some of the world’s foremost restaurants, French executive chef David Tilly oversees five Indian chefs who sometimes use up to 20 spices in one dish. Prizing authenticity and flavour, guests are treated to an enticing gastronomic journey, with refined, sophisticated cuisine. Located in the Board of Executors building, the experience is enhanced by the setting, with silken, peacock-adorned chairs; decorative chandeliers and soft lighting all adding to the romantic ambiance.
Mint The Local Grill
Known as Taj’s laid-back, family-friendly hot spot, Mint is famed for its innovative international and local fare. Exuding hospitality, the restaurant opens up to the delightful bustle of St George’s Mall, with outdoor tables under shady trees. The open-plan show kitchen showcases the tandoor in full flame so guests can watch their selection of succulent meats sizzle. Warm and unpretentious, the food takes relaxed dining up a notch, with a contemporary twist on classics like prosciutto salad, grilled calamari, and the Chalmar fillet with Café de Paris butter and hand-cut chips. The floor-to-ceiling wine wall additionally tempts diners with an award-winning selection of vintages handpicked by Pearl the sommelier.
The Twankey Bar
Known as one of the inner city’s most iconic bars, The Twankey Bar has swanky red leather chairs, marble counter tops, a high decorative ceiling and gigantic chalkboard tempting visitors with all manner of exciting elixirs. Reminiscent of the secret speakeasies of the prohibition era with a distinctive nod to Cape Town’s culture and history, this is the perfect place to pull up a chair and be regaled with the fascinating tales behind the drinks. Award-winning mixologist AJ Snetler mans the marble bar. The bearded barman is known for using unusual mixology methods like wood-chip smoking and teapot brewing to enhance his tipples. His concoctions can be accompanied by a melange of Spice Route-inspired tapas and snacks.
The Lobby Lounge
Delicately restored marble columns supporting a barrel-vaulted skylight flank the magnificent Lobby Lounge at Taj Cape Town. It transforms from the perfect venue for afternoon tea to a glamorous cocktail venue by night, with a wide selection of cigars, cognacs, liqueurs and spirits. A concert-sized grand piano takes centre stage at live music events.