Judd’s Local: A Neighbourhood Food + Wine Hub on Kloof Street

Among a row of heritage cottages on upper Kloof Street, you’ll stumble upon Judd’s Local, a family-run bistro and wine bar owned and run by the Judd family. Original Victorian broekie-lace fretwork on the deep stoep, tall sash windows with wooden shutters, high ceilings and a working fireplace flanked by logs stacked underneath shelves of wine enhance the warm and welcoming atmosphere, where Erna’s South African comfort food and a treasure trove of wines from Bryan’s extensive collection take centre stage. Part bistro, part wine bar (and wine shop), it’s a place where locals pop in regularly, and where visitors feel like locals from the moment they arrive.

South African flavours

The kitchen celebrates the flavours, ingredients and seasons of South Africa, with a menu that evolves as produce changes and new ideas emerge. Erna (aka Mamma Judd) draws inspiration from family recipes and contemporary cooking to create generous and comforting dishes made for sharing. Think sriracha tjokka (squid) with toasted ciabatta to mop up the spicy sauce, or Saldanha mussels in a tomato-and-beer broth, bobotie samosas, lamb riblets, slow-braised beef short rib, or a chunky steak. Then there’s the signature burger made with beef from Frankie Fenner, and the simplicity of a cheese toastie done exactly right.

Morning mood

A mimosa to start your Saturday off with a glow over a lingering brunch on the stoep, decadent French toast with berries and cream, eggs bennie, polenta and boerie, sardines on toast or their infamous breakfast burger, breakfast is whatever you want to make of it here… and no-one’s judging if you order their fabulous Basque cheesecake to start your morning in style.
Good to know Saturdays see R35 mimosas from 8.30 – 12pm

Supper Club

A long communal table stretches across the restaurant for the monthly supper club, which is a home-style seasonal feast that feels more like dinner at a friend’s house. It might centre around a warming winter ossobuco with saffron risotto, a fall-apart-tender lamb shank, or another of the family’s favourite recipes, and wine bottles are passed along the table (more of a cellar raid than a formal pairing as Bryan brings out the bottles he loves).
When Wednesday, once a month
Time 6.30pm
Cost R550 (3 courses + wine, water and coffee)

Wine Tuesdays

Browsing the shelves in the wine bar is always fascinating. Bryan champions the diversity of South African wine, from iconic producers and mature vintages to exciting new discoveries from smaller wineries. And a selection of international wines too. On Tuesday evenings (6.30pm – 8.30pm) he brings out a selection of favourites for guests to gather around and explore in a complimentary tasting, which segues naturally into dinner.

Whether you gather on the front stoep for a summer brunch, a sunset glass of wine, an unhurried dinner with friends, or to share the gees of a Springbok match (when a screen is set up and burgers are the order of the day), Judd’s Local is a neighbourhood hub where you feel part of the family.

Opening times Monday –  Saturday, 8.30am – 11pm
Contact 064 527 1272, [email protected]
Where to find it 141 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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