Matt Manning takes good, honest grub to the next level.
Right at the bustling heart of Bree Street, Matt Manning’s three-storey enclave of food, wine and culture (overlooking Heritage Square) is a must-visit destination on Cape Town’s foodie map. Having opened Grub & Vine Bistro on the first floor back in 2018, Matt has gradually extended his offerings to occupy the entire eye-catching colour-blocked building, adding Culture Wine Bar across the stairs, The Chef’s Studio at the top, and The Blue Room at street level.
At the heart remains Grub & Vine, living up to his original vision of serving good, honest cooking alongside excellent wines. It’s the place for leisurely lunches and atmospheric dinners (and, for those in the know, Saturday brunches too).
Grub and beyond
Matt describes his menu as: “No-nonsense, good tasty food. Beautiful produce and honest cooking.” But this is somewhat an understatement and hardly conveys the nuance of his refined and downright delicious menu. Beautifully prepared and plated dishes, combined with friendly, knowledgeable service (and a fabulous winelist) create an upscale dining experience – without the associated pomp and ponceyness.
Grub & Vine has two distinct dining areas: the elegant, contemporary dining room (with the bustling kitchen in view) and the Green Room, with garden-inspired decor (rattan chairs, avian prints, hanging lights and pot plants everywhere) and a tiny courtyard with two alfresco tables.
Saturday Brunch Club
Grub & Vine’s Saturday Brunch Club is one of those Cape Town institutions you only hear about through the grapevine. Matt’s à la carte brunch menu segues easily from breakfast-inspired sharing plates to hearty lunch dishes: think bacon mac-and-cheese croquettes; pulled lamb, mushrooms, poached eggs; or red-velvet flapjacks with white-chocolate mousse. Plus, all the bottomless bubbly, mimosas and bloody Marys that make brunch so much more of an occasion than plain ol’ breakfast.
Time Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Stay all day (and play into the night)
103 Bree Street really is a destination at which to while away the day until late in the evening. Before or after your meal, grab a glass of vino in Culture, or hang out in the Blue Room cocktail lounge where you’ll find regular live music sessions from top jazz, soul and blues artists.
Whatever time of day you visit, expect grub (and wine) that ranks with the best.
Good to know At lunch you can bring your own bottle with no corkage charged as long as you buy a bottle, too.
Look out for the Meet the Makers dinner series featuring various winemakers through winter.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 216 0035, hello@grubandvine.co.za
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
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