Grub & Vine: A Hotspot Bistro with Exceptional Wine on Bree Street

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 extended his offerings to occupy the entire eye-catching colour-blocked heritage building, with 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. Its warm, elegant dining room looking out over Bree Street to Signal Hill (with the bustling kitchen in view) is the place for leisurely lunches and atmospheric dinners. And the intimate Green Room at the back has garden-inspired decor (rattan chairs, avian prints, hanging lights and pot plants everywhere) and a tiny enclosed courtyard with two alfresco tables.

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 create an upscale dining experience – without the associated pomp and ponceyness. Choose between the all-out seasonal tasting menu, or the laidback bistro menu: two or three courses with three of four options each. The new spring menu tantalises with tastes of terroir and fresh vibrant produce in sparkling dishes, such as pea soup with lamb shoulder; confit pork belly with leek fondants; pan-fried hake with mussel and fish pie; and cashew and herb-stuffed lamb breast.

Wine is central to Matt’s vision… “Food and wine are one of the best marriages out there; the two should never be parted,” he says. Award-winning winelists at both Grub & Vine and Culture champion fascinating local winemakers and iconic producers such as Sadie Family Wines, Mullineux, David and Nadia, Luddite and more, with a section featuring the finest labels from France, Italy, USA and Australia. Matt and his four-strong team of sommeliers devise three wine-pairing options for each season’s tasting menu – well worth exploring!

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 local artists.

Photo: Mimik

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 – Friday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Saturday, 11am – 2pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact 021 216 0035, [email protected]
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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