The Miller’s Thumb has been one of my favourite restaurants for a long time. So long in fact that my initial review of it was written before even the old website was launched. This means you won’t find that review on here or on the old site, but rather in one of the early newsletters. So I have decided to do a fresh review.
It’s appropriate that I do a fresh review at this time because the restaurant has also just ‘freshened up’. Some new paint and, much to my disappointment, menus. The blackboards, usually spilling over with tasty sounding dishes, now just announce the specials and the wines. Fortunately Jane still comes around and tells you the specials in her unique, rapid fire style. My long term goal is to be able to repeat them back to her.
While the menu has moved from blackboards to pages, it hasn’t changed much. They offer a very wide range of dishes and all of them worth trying. If you like seafood, their calamari is one of the best I have had in Cape Town. I always start with a cajun style grilled calamari starter (R36). The fish is also always excellent. There is normally a choice between 4 different fish in 4 or 5 different styles. I normally have the Cajun style Dorado (R82). The steaks are great (R87), the curries (R65) are fantastic, and their Yaki Soba (R60) and Jambalaya (R80) are both extraordinary. There is something to suit every taste.
The main selling point is the casual and relaxed atmosphere. The decor is warm as is the hospitality. Owner run restaurants always have that something extra. The service can seldom be faulted. The place is quite small so it’s easy to get someone’s attention if necessary. The wine list is well priced, I normally have a Syrah at about R80 a bottle. The rest are not too much more than that.
Every person I take to Miller’s Thumb becomes a fan, and for good reason. If you haven’t been yet, I suggest you make a booking (yes, booking is required).
Miller’s Thumb restaurant
10b Kloofnek Road, Tamboerskloof
021 424 3838
Comments
2 responses to “Miller’s Thumb review”
WOW! Everything I have read and heard about this place was true. I was a fan the moment I walked in and the barman told me all their great wines are by the glass. The personalised service, the range of food and the amazing intense flavours. The prices have increased somewhat since this review, I had the Dorado and it is now R110. The fish soup was lovely but needed salt. I will be back!
Hey Dax, where have you been? I used to see you everywhere I went and you have disappeared! Anyway, I hope you’re well, you must be keeping very busy, which is good. Hope to see you soon. Alex (your now very pregnant waitress from Miller’s Thumb)