Contemporary sophistication and sensory pleasures combine.
There’s more to TANG than meets the eye… Its name immediately conjures that wonderfully evocative flavour that alights your taste buds; but it also refers to the ancient Chinese dynasty who revered sensory pleasure and creativity above all else.
The modern-Asian restaurant at the V&A Waterfront certainly lives up to its moniker – the minute you step through the doors, a multi-sensory experience awaits, where superb food, beautifully plated, and fine attention to detail take you on a journey.
Nicky van der Walt’s Sandton restaurant created a buzz on the Joburg dining scene when it opened in May 2021. And now, its vibey Cape Town counterpart (launched in December 2022 in a sought-after space at the Waterfront with iconic views of the harbour, yacht basin and Table Mountain) has already received a highly coveted gong! It was named Africa’s Best New Restaurant 2023 at the 4th annual World Culinary Awards.
Luxe location
TANG Cape Town is a sophisticated, sensual space clad in pale oak and marble (with pops of cherry blossoms and a lighter, more tropical look than its moody Joburg sibling), which Nicky and designer Tristan du Plessis felt was more suited to its waterside setting.
The restaurant retains its signature marble waterfall, a Champagne fridge and walk-in wine cellar. The ultimate luxury, of course, is its location – right on the ocean’s edge.The alfresco tables may just be the best seat in the house, also overlooking the Waterfront precinct’s buzzy, central piazza.
Palate-pleasing plates
Inspired by classic Cantonese eateries in Hong Kong and Japanese izakayas, the menu features modern iterations of classic Asian cuisine – cooked in woks and on a robata grill to infuse smoky flavours. Being in a coastal city means access to the freshest produce and seafood befitting a world-class gastronomic city.
Expect prime wagyu and Angus beef, tomahawk steaks, spare ribs and signature Peking duck (which takes a few days to marinate to perfection) on the meat side of things. For seafood lovers, there’s lobster, langoustines, prawns, soft-shell crab, baby kingklip, coconut sea bass and chilli-salt-and-pepper calamari (get them all on the signature Imperial Seafood Platter) or go for salmon teriyaki, black cod miso, tuna tataki, rock shrimp, and dim sum with scallops, lobster and caviar. TANG is also known for its variety of gyoza (potstickers), bao buns, and tantalising sushi, plus decadent desserts with the flavours of yuzu, matcha, ginger, sake, sesame – and chocolate.
The drinks menu flows with plenty of Moët and the finest spirits and wines, including Van der Walt’s own label, Mirabella.
It’s an all-round sensory experience, sprinkled with that extra magic that only comes with the crowd that gathers here and its magnificent setting beside the ocean.
Good to know TANG Dubai is set to open at the Palace Downtown Hotel in 2024.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 11pm
Contact 076 652 8772 (also WhatsApp), reservationsva@tanghospitality.com
Where to find it Ground Level, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
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