Chef Ryan Cole Opens Coy at the V&A Waterfront

A relaxed fine-dining exploration of seafood, hidden in plain sight.

Award-winning chef Ryan Cole of Salsify has opened his second restaurant – it’s at the V&A Waterfront with sparkling views over the harbour and yacht basin. Just as Salsify celebrates the flavours of the mountain slopes it’s perched on, Coy looks to the ocean for inspiration, “At Coy we present an ocean-inspired exploration of African produce, age-old preparation techniques, forgotten ingredients and ways of cooking,” says Ryan. “The ocean is on our doorstep and the mountain provides an exceptional backdrop, so it’s only natural that we draw inspiration from them both.”

Hidden in plain sight refers to its tucked-away location, away from the main bustle of the Waterfront. They’ve taken over a standalone building strategically positioned beside the Bascule Bridge, where you can watch ocean-going yachts slide by under the raised bridge, against a backdrop of Table Mountain. The beautifully designed new space has moody and sophisticated interiors, a central fireplace (and an art collection curated by Everard Read) and is designed by Cape Town-based KT Interiors.

Relaxed fine dining

Head chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender focus on sustainable, ethical and locally sourced ingredients that tell a story beautifully on the plate. While seafood dominates, there’s also a fair share of ethically sourced meat on the menu too.

We loved the moody chiaroscuro feel of the interiors, and the relaxed take on fine dining when we visited. And were wowed by a tuna tartare, sugar cane and caramelised coconut combo served in a ceramic shell; and a melt-in-mouth ox tongue with earthy ras el hanout spices and black rice, that converted even the most hesitant offal eaters.

The seven-course Coy experience menu changes with the seasons, and offers a choice of three dishes at each of the principal courses. We recommend going back often to taste everything!

We can’t wait to taste the sparkling new menu as Ryan embarks on this new adventure.

Good to know For a quick lunch you can order a duo of dishes chosen from the menu.
Park at the V&A’s Portswood parking garage and walk towards the Bascule bridge from the Time Out Market. If you’re arriving by Uber you can be dropped at the Cape Grace Hotel and walk across the Bascule Bridge.
Opened 9 August 2024
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 021 010 6444, reservations@coyrestaurant.com
Where to find it Scheryn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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