Mount Nelson: Alfresco Dining at The Fountain by Planet Bar

Fountain Restaurant at Mount Nelson Candice Bodington

Relaxed Mediterranean flavours in a spectacular garden setting.

Summer is in full swing at the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, even more so with its brand-new alfresco dining experience: The Fountain by Planet Bar. Taking Mediterranean piazza vibes to the max, umbrella-shaded tables cluster around the fountain in the magnificent gardens, inspiring leisurely lunches that segue into cocktails and dinner. Start a summer’s evening with antipasti and a Negroni spritz, and see how the night unfolds…

Simple, refreshing flavours

Fountain Mount Nelson Restaurant Setting
Candice Bodington

Chef Luke Barry has curated a menu that matches Mediterranean freshness with local ingredients. Explore dishes such as Zuney Wagyu bone marrow, fresh Cape burrata, house-made charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses from nearby suppliers like Wild Peacock. Other offerings include Nonna-style pork-and-beef meatballs with fresh bread, West Coast prawn scampi, Saldanha Bay mussels, roasted calamari or eggplant, and a medley of flatbreads prepared just steps from your table. The dessert menu offers a decadent pistachio bomboloni, while the limoncello-misu with fresh berries provides a playful twist on the classic tiramisu.

To honour the bounty of South Africa’s landscape, Mount Nelson is working closely with renowned local suppliers, including Farmer Angus from Spier for charcuterie and eggs, and Meuse Farm for organic vegetables and flowers. Many herbs are also sourced directly from the hotel’s own chef’s garden, adding a home-grown element to each dish.
When Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm; no reservation necessary

Saturday braai lunch experience

Mount Nelson Braai Experience
Claire Gunn

Another brand-new offering pays homage to the good old South African braai and is held on the poolside lawn. Guests gather and watch the wood-fire cooking in action, before tucking into the likes of boerewors rolls, succulent local beef cuts, and grilled shellfish. These can be paired with traditional sides such as samp and beans, potato salad, mealie pap, and braai broodjies. A live acoustic performance adds to a vibe that is all South African.
When Saturday, 12pm – 3pm

Even more reasons to make the lush gardens of the iconic pink lady a home from home this summer.

Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it Mount Nelson, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town

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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 22 January 2025