The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort: Elegant Garden Dining

The magnificent gardens and surrounding woodlands at The Cellars-Hohenort hotel are very much part of the appeal of this Constantia grande dame. It’s always been a special place to take time out from city life, unwind and share memorable meals with family and friends. The Conservatory Restaurant and Terrace, with decor inspired by the nature-infused setting, immerses diners in a woodland ambience of serene dappled light and leafy freshness at lunchtime, and golden shafts of sunset and silvery moonlight filtering through the camphor trees at dinner.

Bringing the outdoors in

The magnificent camphor trees and gardens are reflected in beautifully whimsical decor created by HotCocoa Interiors & Design. It’s richly layered, from delicately leafy branches and skies painted across the ceilings to deep greens and botanical prints in the upholstery, and a riot of indoor plants. With floor-to-ceiling views of the trees outside, you feel airily suspended in the caress of the forest, a natural oasis of calm.

Seasonal flavours

Both lunch and dinner menus continue The Conservatory’s commitment to seasonal local produce, simple but elevated cuisine, and beautiful presentation. Some classic dishes appear on both menus – such as the twice-baked cheese souffle with juniper-infused cheese sauce; crispy calamari with spiced tajin and black bean corn salsa; roast pork belly with hasselback potatoes and caramelised apple; Chalmar beef fillet; and a fragrant seafood curry – but after that each menu has its own stars.

Leisurely lunches

At lunch you might be in the mood for a classic Caesar salad or a poke bowl, a straightforward burger (free-range beef and exotic mushrooms) or a braised beef pot pie. The menu is designed to be flexible, so you can relax over three indulgent courses, or pop in for just one memorable dish, such as the traditional Cape Malay bobotie with steamed white rice, curried potato samosa, cumin roti and sambals. Finish with a citrus brûlée, a hazelnut tiramisu or the decadence of the Liz McGrath chocolate plate.
View the lunch menu

Elegant dinners

The dinner menu brings on the sophistication of a tuna ceviche; grilled prawns with ricotta gnocchi; or the decadent warmth of slow-braised-beef tortellini with winter truffle for starters. And if you don’t fall for the tempting Chalmar beef fillet or the Karoo rack of lamb, there’s a sesame-crusted tuna with orange teriyaki dressing or a seared springbok loin with sweet potato dauphine. And for a sweet finale, the yuzu and granadilla bavarois, the white chocolate choux or the honey and rosemary baked pear complete the sense of occasion.
View the dinner menu

Terrace treats

Another lovely way to treat yourself in these beautiful garden surroundings is with an impromptu cocktail and a bite from the light lunch menu (available 11am – 5pm). Take a seat on the verdant terrace or in the comfortable bar with a perfectly crafted cocktail alongside dishes such as crispy calamari, Caesar salad, the famous cheese souffle, a toasted sandwich, and a selection of sweets and treats.
View the menu

Take time out and treat yourself to a spell of forest calm in this idyllic Constantia beauty.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10pm
Lounge Menu: 10.30am – 12pm; 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Contact 021 794 2137
Where to find it The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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