A while ago I attended the launch of Bistro Sixteen82 and was very impressed, you can read my thoughts here. There were some complaints in their first few weeks, but they seem to have their ducks in a row now as the feedback I hear now is mostly positive. I was quite pleased to be invited to try the breakfasts at the Bistro as they sounded spectacular, so I joined several other media people there for breakfast last week.
I’m not going to write too much about what an awesome venue it is. You can read my comments on that, as well as view pictures in my original post. Just to reiterate though, it is a thoroughly beautiful, peaceful setting. For me, this is half the value. The breakfasts are priced about the same as Miss K in Greenpoint, but there you just see the road and the traffic. You get car noise, car fumes and every second person that walks past asks you for money. If I’m going to spend that much on breakfast, I might as well make it a special occasion and drive to Steenberg. Otherwise, I can get an awesome breakfast, and some peace and quiet, for half the price at Cafe Max.
The breakfast menu consists of seven options. One is the healthy option of berries, almonds and yoghurt (R49), another is the only cooked option without egg and that is the selection of mushrooms with buttered spinach and salmariglio sauce (I also didn’t know what that was, Google tells me it’s olive oil, garlic, lemon and oregano – R50). I ordered the bacon and eggs with roasted vine tomatoes (R52) and because I love mushrooms (and because I had special media powers) I ordered a little side sample of the mushroom selection and they were awesome.
Most of the dishes come with scrambled eggs because that is their speciality (the chef was at Olympia Cafe so if you’ve had their scrambled eggs you’ll understand), but I opted for poached which were also good. Another unique feature of the breakfasts is the bacon which they make themselves. It’s not bacon as you know it (which is very unhealthy in case you didn’t know), it is actually a piece of pork belly which has spent some time in duck fat before being fried for your taste pleasure. It’s very rich, but so good! (You’ll see the bacon in the picture, don’t drool on your keyboard.)
Between us we tried all the dishes, Eggs Benedict (R55), Eggs Royale (with smoked salmon instead of bacon – R58), Scrambled Eggs & Salmon (R58) and the Chef’s Omlette with asparagus, basil and cherry tomatoes (R55). Everyone loved their food. Most of the breakfasts come with potato bread which is unusual but the bread tastes quite normal. What did cause greate excitement though, was the complementary honey brioche they brought us on arrival. It was delicious and went down a treat with the coffee (good coffee, by the way).
It was really a fabulous breakfast at a fabulous venue at a reasonable price. I recommend it wholeheartedly, but definitely book if you plan to go on a weekend.
Bistro Sixteen82
Steenberg Estate, Tokai
Tel: 021 713 2211
www.steenberg-vineyards.co.za
Comments
10 responses to “Breakfast at Bistro Sixteen82 review”
those photos look good enough for an advert! looks very inviting indeed
Dax, we had Easter brunch there, and it was sooooo good that Marathon Man had both the Eggs Benedict AND then the Eggs Royale! I had the mushrooms…sublime! Brioche and coffee fantastic. Agree, very good value for money in a beautiful setting. We had the works (incl a very generous glass of bubbles each) and the bill came to a very reasonable R140 / head incl tip. Definately will be back, thanks for suggesting that we try it again. It waaaay surpassed my lunch experience there 6 weeks ago.
Dax….another freebie objective review…well done 🙂
Had 2nd visit today for lunch. On the first visit I had the scallops for starters – delicious. Second visit – gravalax – very average. First visit mains – club sandwich. We really wanted gnocchi but it wasn’t available – all three thought c sandwich was ok but not memorable. Today was leak and mushroom tart – bland and therefore left most of it but waitress did not question and after such a unremarakable meal I could not be bothered. All 4 diners did not feel inspired to order dessert. Live in Constantia and had hoped for local inspiring restaurant. Must satisfy myself with Overture where we have a regular table. However, will try breakfast and tapas given the positive reviews
Did You have tap water or were the drinks for free?
If I remember correctly, I had 2 coffees and a glass of tap water.
Having read your review, We tried to make a booking for a birthday lunch for 18 people – Chantal the reservation lady, could only say no no no to every request or question we were asking – this to me was extremely irritating and unprofessional. Apparently they do not cater for tables of more than 10 – that was decided when the restaurant opened? Very short sighted in my mind.
Hey Anna
I remember you were excited to try the Bistro, sorry to hear you had a bad experience without even getting there.
I know what you mean about unhelpful people, they should not be on the phones or front of house. This is the service industry after all.
Not sure why they don’t take tables over 10, maybe they have a good idea of their limitations and are just sparing you a bad experience. You obviously have too many friends 😉
If I lived in Cape Town this would be the kinda place I could eat at regularly. Being a chef myself (in Nappa,Ca)I am very critical when I eat out. I couldn’t fault this lovely little spot, it’s great for all three services. I have been lucky enough to eat breakfast (best Eggs Benedict), lunch and tapas at the Bistro 1682.
I must just say that even as a tourist with $ I still found this place to offer incredible value for money compared with other Cape Town Restaurants, the food here is of a very high standard, world class in fact.
I will be back when I return from Johannesburg.
Had an awesome lunch there, ordered their trademark sirloin slow cooked! I am a fan of good meat… and this was sensational. Service was attentive but not obtrusive, setting picture-post card perfect. All in all a great dining experience