Arriving in Camps Bay on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, we quickly spotted La Belle, conveniently positioned along Camps bay's strip. The location means you have an exceptional view of the beach, while comfortably seated above the walkway. Our reception was warm and friendly - something La Belle prides itself on - and we were quickly attended to by our waiter, Siphiso (who is an aspiring entrepreneur) - one of the absolute best waiters I've had the pleasure of meeting, and a genuinely nice guy.
Siphiso proceeded to tells us about the drinks menu and the fresh juices I had read so much about. The C Breeze (consisting of grapefruit, pineapple, kiwi and raspberry) and the virgin Pina-Colade (with pineapple, coconut milk and spinach) came highly recommended. Although we enjoyed both, the C Breeze was a tad bitter for my liking (owing to the grapefruit obviously), but the virgin Pina-Colade was so delicious - The spinach is undetectable and you are presented with a fresh island-style drink that'll have you feeling like you're sipping it from an exotic location - definitely a must-try (it isn't on the menu, so be sure to ask the waiter about it).
Our drinks arrived promptly and Siphiso then proceeded to guide us on our meal order based on our personal tastes. For me, he recommended the Crispy Norwegian Salmon (with New Potatoes, Cauliflower Puree, Spinach & Olive Tapenade), and for my guest the Sirloin Forrester (with Mash, Roast Tomatoes, Bacon & Mushroom Sauce). We enjoyed both meals, with my salmon perfectly cooked medium-rare and the steak tender and succulent - the way it is meant to be. I have to point out that my guest, who does NOT eat baby tomatoes, ate all the roasted baby tomatoes on his plate! That deserves a thumbs-up if you ask me.
We couldn't possibly just have lunch and leave - the ambience, scenery and service very evidently said "stay!", so after a short break we were ready for dessert...
Because you can only order dessert from the dinner menu (we were there for lunch), we opted for a slice of the New York cheesecake and the Chocolate tart (gluten free) from the scrumptious selection of baked goods on offer. Now I need to mention that these are baked fresh every day, so you can imagine how divine the place smells, let alone how amazing the treats taste!
I'd personally recommend both items as the vote was split - The cheesecake was rich and creamy, with a definite cream cheese flavour and a delicious homemade-tastes-like-more biscuit-crumble base, while the chocolate tart was decadently rich and chocolaty. Don't let the gluten free label fool you; it's like eating a slab of chocolate (minus the 'gluten guilt')!
After more than two years of great success at The Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia, it was time to share the concept of casual, affordable dining with the Camps Bay strip. This is the first of its kind bistro-bakery to open its doors in Camps Bay to bring beautiful salads, fresh quiches, warm-from-the-oven baked goods and freshly-pressed organic juices to the locals.
Simone Kovensky, wife of owner Paul Kovensky, researched the popularity of this type of establishment in Paris, London, Barcelona and New York, and brimming with inspiration she did the décor, food sourcing and menus. Drawing on their global experience on patisseries, bistros and casual dining, Paul and Simone created a spot where everyone feels welcome.
In winter, the restaurant opens at 8am and in summer at 7am. La Belle Camps Bay is situated at 201 the Promenade, Victoria road, Camps Bay, Cape Town.
For more information, visit www.labellecampsbay.co.za and contact 021-437 1278 or az.oc.bcellebal@ofni for bookings.
