La Parada Constantia Nek: For Tasty Tapas + a Thumping Vibe
Finger-licking food, cool vibes and views for days in the Constantia Valley.
By Inside Guide • 18 January 2019
Southern suburb gourmands danced a jig of joy when the Harbour House Group (which owns Tiger’s Milk, Live Bait, Harbour House and Charango) took over the historic restaurant at Constantia Nek and opened La Parada in September 2016!
Something old, something new
Before it was transformed into La Parada, the building was home to the iconic Constantia Nek Restaurant, which was the oldest restaurant in Cape Town. During the renovations, the architects were very careful to ensure that the refurb did not detract from the beauty and timelessness of this grand old dame.
The century-old building’s exterior was retained, while the interior was lightened and modernised, and the gardens neatened, to provide even better views of the surrounding vineyards, sea and mountains.
Let’s eat!
La Parada’s menu is bursting with a delicious variety of tapas and sharing plates, which have been carefully conceived by chef Roche Rossouw. Do not – under any circumstances – leave without trying the Serrano Ham Croquetas, served with whole-grain mustard aioli. The famous Rib Eye Steak and Pork Belly are also crowd-pleasers!
Sunday funday at the nek
Want to end off the weekend dancing the evening away? Head to La Parada Constantia Nek on a Sunday. With DJ René on the decks and a percussion group on drums, it’s near-impossible to leave the dance floor, as René spins a variety of popular dance tracks. Every now and again, big-name local bands also hit the stage – subscribe to our weekly newsletter and we’ll keep you posted.
Please note After 4pm under-21s are not permitted.
Daphne Bradbury •
Lunched there today and loved it. Excellent service from a young very knowledgeable waiter, food arrived quickjy and efficiently. And boy was it delish. Vibey, lovely surroundings, great food great service whats not to love. This place is definitely going to become a favourite destination.
Nikki •
Amen to that! Long awaited overhaul and can’t wait to visit at Christmas. The previous place was a disaster in every respect.
Tarrian •
Just love everything about the new local! Have Been 3 times already.
I have to recommend the pork belly, prawn croquettes and grilled calamari tapas, absolutely divine.
Hennie •
was there for lunch yesterday with friends. We had a selection of tapas and it was very good, really amazing. The service was very good and friendly and will definitely be back .
Barbara Stephenson •
Went there last night. Loved the experience. Love the way the interior has not changed so drastically that you can’t recognize it. Great memories of parties there. The food was fabulous. It will be a huge success. Looking forward to more….
Linda •
We have waited with baited breath for Tigers Milk to open in Claremont (right opposite our gallery) and we are delighted by how awesome it looks. Hope you are hugely successful in our area. Looking forward to visiting your Constantia Nek location too. Congratulations!
Dee During •
Cannot wait to try when I get down to Cape Town. Have such fond memories of going every Sunday as a kid growing up in Constantia.
Robin Philip •
Congratulations to Michael and the Harbour House Team. I popped in with friends and family for a celebratory drink this evening on what would have been my late Dad Barry Philip’s birthday. We have very fond memories of the many years we owned, managed and enjoyed Constantia Nek up until 1985 . . Michael, the place looks awesome – your team have done an exceptional job of retaining the old character and bringing it to life. There was a great vibe and I bumped into many friends from way back! Thank you and wishing you the best of success.
Morgan Vesty •
Popped in too look at the revamped restuarant. Was blown away. It looks fabulous. Looking forward to trying out the new menus. Have fond memories of the “Nek” waitressing under the ownership / management of both Barry Philip and Hans Muller.
Congratulations on the new venture. I look forward to building new memories
Carla Fletcher •
Fabulous – what are Opening and Closing times for both Restaurants please – good luck and see you soon
Sue •
Would be fabulous to see some on-line photos
Wolfgang Huber •
I wish the “Old Lady” and it’s new team that the good old times come back. I was managing the lady from 1988 to 1996. Best wishes also to Alex and Ralph Müller. Keep up your vision. You will see me soon.
Annelies •
Tapas delicious. Service friendly but slow and disorganised but it’s understandable as they need to find their groove. What a pity the outside area is for smokers. We had to move inside to try and breathe but the smokers fumes follow you in. Would be great to stick the smokers in a corner behind the wall somewhere.
Jennifer •
Maybe it’s time that people who can’t enjoy a vibey place stopped going to them instead of being a killjoy