Sloppy Sam: Middle Eastern Fare on Cape Town’s Heritage Square

Generous, heartwarming flavours to share.

Sloppy Sam has been on the Cape Town food scene (in various incarnations) since 1935, owned by Hooman Saffarian – on and off – since 1985. The latest iteration of this oldie-but-goodie fits like a glove into the old brick walls of its new home, it feels like it’s always been there… 

It took Hooman a year and a half to find his new space (after leaving his previous De Waterkant pop-up) but he’s created a cosy and intimate space lined with Persian carpets and vintage ephemera in the heart of Heritage Square. His devoted regulars are flocking back to savour what Persian-born Saffarian describes as “simple food, cooked well”, a style that is unmistakably Middle Eastern, with a bias towards Greek, Turkish and Persian flavours. 

Small plates with heart

The focus of the new menu is a series of small plates to share mezze-style: fill the centre of the table with a whole selection and dig in. Everything is cooked from scratch, made with real ingredients, and Hooman’s down-to-earth love for feeding people is palpable in every bite you take. 

The utterly moreish lamb riblets, pan-fried calamari, and his legendary hummus are a must. And you’ll definitely want to add Turkish Borek to the table – light and crispy phyllo pastry cases filled with a deliciously warm potato and cheese filling flecked with chilli and cumin. Moussaka, kufteh meatballs, perhaps a Greek salad, and a fluffy naan bread or two to scoop up the hummus, and you have a generous finger-licking feast.

Liberal with his ingredients, Hooman is one of the few remaining old-school restaurateurs: genuine, warm, charming – switching from the kitchen to the front of house, effortlessly and calmly, and always ensuring each and every one of his guests is treated as if they are a VIP guest in his home. 

For a memorable night of delicious, made-with-love food and generous hospitality, Sloppy Sam is back. 

Good to know There are two seatings, with ample time so you don’t feel rushed.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 8pm or 8pm – 10pm
Contact 082 377 3707
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.