Himitsu at Camps Bay Retreat: Japanese-Fusion Cuisine overlooking the Ocean

It means “secret” in Japanese, but it’s too good not to share. Perched on the mountainside at Camps Bay Retreat, Himitsu is the latest addition to chef Cheyne Morrisby’s collection of eateries (joining Cheyne’s, Lucky Bao, Ding Dong and Mexicola Locale). And, for those who’ve experienced it, it seems set to join its forebears as a Cape Town hotspot.

East meets West

@anlouerasmus

In order to streamline the dining experience, the menu has been divided into four sections – Ichi, Ni, San, Shi – each one consisting of small plates that are ideal for sharing.

On the Ichi (Japanese for 1) section of the lunch and dinner menu, expect sharing plates such as Chilli Salt Squid, with cajun furikake (umami-packed Japanese seasoning), green chilli and Japanese mayo. The Ni (Japanese for 2) section entices with the Lucky Duck Caesar (Chinese cabbage, crispy duck, quails egg and anchovy toasted nori), while San (Japanese for 3) offers potato and coconut dumplings with roasted peanut panang sauce. The menu culminates with Shi (Japanese for 4), with dessert options such as dark chocolate fondant and miso ice cream.

@thecapetoniancollection

There’s also a wine and cocktail menu, with creative concoctions such as Fire Monkey (Monkey Shoulder whiskey, togarashi, pineapple, lime, fresh ginger, smashed lemongrass and pickled ginger); and the Saigon Smash (Roku Japanese Gin and lime leaf infusion with smashed raspberries, lemon juice and holy basil).

And while Japanese food may be the focus of the lunch and dinner menu, breakfast (open to hotel guests as well as members of the public) offers a selection of Western dishes, such as Eggs Benedict and an English-style fry up, as well as Eastern options such as Nasi Goreng and Buddha Bowls.

Ocean air

Any restaurant in Camps Bay is expected to deliver on views, but Himitsu stands out even for a Camps Bay setting. The exclusive hotel and private nature reserve is perfectly positioned against the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, with rolling lawns stretching out towards a lush canopy of trees. Beyond that, the Atlantic Ocean stretches out towards the horizon, an appropriate backdrop for a restaurant serving fresh ocean bounty.

Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am – 10pm
Contact 021 437 8300, himitsurestaurant@gmail.com
Where to find it 7 Chilworth Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town

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