Saturday! Sweet day of relaxation, sun and fun.

I spent my Saturday (after shopping, obviously) catching up with old friends, at a new spot in town.

People in Cape Town are often wary of dining anywhere close to the ocean, as most of the time, the proximity means sky-high dining prices. This weeks foodie escapade took me somewhere absolutely perfect for a Saturday afternoon in the windy, sunny city of Cape Town: Say hello to Lily’s Restaurant.

Take your eyes off our, frankly superb and lauded Clifton/Camps Bay ‘Millionaire Mile’, and follow your tummy to the ‘Golden Mile’ in Mouille Point. Lily’s Restaurant is placed ideally, within one of the safest, coolest and foodie-centric neighborhoods in the whole city.

Overlooking the Atlantic ocean, the all-day eatery is relatively new and serving up a world of yummy with their legitimately inventive contemporary food. Even if you don’t read further, here’s the summation: Fantastic!

I’m an ambiance girl, and interior design plays a pivotal role in providing me with good vibes. Lily’s Restaurant is worthy of a visit from any foodie, with Pinterest-like tastes. The restaurant best describes the decor as

“a whimsical combo of smart, crisp, contemporary styling with some quirky surprises.

My Meal

It all began with the managers recommendation: Broccoli, Every Which Way.

I did not think I could ever be shocked by vegetables, because really…can you even make anything special with them?

Oh, how foolish I was 5 minutes ago.

The starter came, and I bit into Tempura, charred & pickled broccoli, salad cream, toasted pine nuts and whipped goats milk cheese. You may have to actually fight your kids for this veggie dish. It’s that good.

The next starter I had to try was the Carpaccio. My friends have been hell-bent on refining my palate, so I’m starting to learn how certain dishes are supposed to be made; and the in-house biltong Carpaccio with Parmesan, avocado, olive oil and balsamic, was a tasty little starter and a different take on how Cape Town eatieries prepare Carpaccio. The flavors of the dish, were both wholesome and snarky with tartness.

Not being one to shirk at quantity, I did order the Grilled Calamari as a starter too. Made with feta & tomato Concasse, potato puree and basil cream, the calamari was lightly grilled and seasoned well, rendering it perfectly made once I’d sampled a fork full.

Then came the Mains, and the brilliant starter set my taste-buds’ expectations high. I read through the menu atleast 6 times, worrying my lips with indecision. So many dishes I wanted to try, but I finally settled for the Holy Cow (there should have been an exclamation after the name…you know…for the sake of symmetry)

The dish came, and I had my weight in medium Beef fillet, button mushrooms, onions, potato puree and beef au jus. The meals deliciousness was surpassed only by its plating.

I always fuss about presentation because I think its indelicate for a restaurant to not take pride in the way their food is dished. Lily’s had me trying my best not to make a mess while immersing myself in the succulent meal, absolutely saturated in hearty and rich flavors.

DESSERT

Sweet endings from Lily’s may lead to new beginnings of dining this side of the world permanently.

Dessert was Death by Chocolate – a chocolate tart, white chocolate mousse, salted caramel, chocolate sauce, caramel popcorn, cocoa crumble & vanilla pod ice-cream.

I really dug that this desserts sweet elements weren’t overwhelming, with that annoying kind of cloying sweetness at the back of your throat. It was a lovely end to an already really good dining experience.

My friend had one of the cakes of the day: a Chocolate and Caramel Cake, as well as some dessert drink involving Amaretto and Ice Cream. It was all just a delicious haze at that point.

Verdict?

Lily’s is at the start of their journey, and I hope to God they don’t get jaded and complacent with their dining experience, as many a eatery have become. They have attentive and warm service, an efficient and synchronized staff, and most importantly, an eclectic modern menu which isn’t “taking itself too seriously.”

I’m really loving this spot guys. It get’s a 9/10.

What about the health nuts & vegetarians?

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan friendly…Hell! Lily’s Restaurant would probably chop up some gourmet air-free air for you.

Their menu values practically every kind of foodie taste…all you need to do is read the menu thoroughly, and note which dishes are marked with the (*) which indicates a substitution is available…or just inquire with your waitron.

They also have salads, quinoa, options for those slimming and choices for those wanting to add something healthy like Cauliflower Mash, to their dishes too.

The restaurant is said to endeavor to use sustainable, free range and organic produce as far as is possible.

What of the drinks & booze?

They got their liquor licence, so I went in on their cocktail menu. The Down Dog and Apple Martini, are really refreshingly crisp cocktails.

Try everything from drinks made with litchi juice, to balsamic vinegar; Non-alcoholic cocktails are there for the taking(what’s the point though, right?!), or head into a carefully curated wine list loaded with the best of local and international wine, champagne, dessert wine, and more.

*P.S: There are smoothies, soft drinks, juice and water for the non-boozers.

Lily’s Restaurant get’s an all-round 9/10.

Lily’s Restaurant

1 Surrey Pl, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005

Tel: (+27) 21 204 8545