A Colourful Mexican Feast at Chingadas in Gardens

Vibrant but chilled, Chingadas is a brand-new restaurant on Orange Street that’s taken over the heritage house that was once Societi Bistro, with interleading rooms, fireplaces, vintage furniture, colourful tiles, vintage wallpaper, neon signs and a homely Tex Mex vibe that lifts the spirits. The spacious front courtyard has views of Table Mountain and leads onto a long bar – whipping up a carnival of creative cocktails. Explore further and you’ll discover intriguing nooks, intimate rooms warmed by roaring fires, and endless colourful design details to feast your eyes on.

Family feasts

Chingadas is the sort of place to gather in relaxed ease around a table, eat with fingers and share a series of enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, tacos and taquitos (all deeply delicious and made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients). Or build your own fajitas and add some bowls of nachos to share.

The build-your-own margarita menu celebrates the fiery cocktail in all possible incarnations: frozen, shaken, on the rocks and with a choice of fiery agave spirits (the smoked pineapple and chilli is a storm in a glass). And don’t miss the key lime pie for dessert, or try their take on churros, more of a doughnut in style and perfect for dunking in thick chocolate sauce.

Unpretentious, generous, fresh and sparkling with energy, Chingadas looks set to become a neighborhood favourite. It’s family-friendly – and dog-friendly, too – and yet thoroughly grown-up! We visited on a chilly Tuesday evening and it was humming.
Opening times Tuesday – Thursday, 12pm – 11pm
Friday + Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
Contact 021 201 0325
Where to find it 50 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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