Have you been wandering through the V&A Waterfront recently – probably on your way to the Time Out Market Cape Town – and wondering what all the cranes are for?
Well, the secret's out: David Higgs is bringing his live-fire fine dining restaurant Marble to the Cape.
Marble opened in Johannesburg in 2016, and quickly grew a loyal following for its relaxed approach to fine dining as much as its innovative use of fire and flame in a restaurant that was equal parts eatery and theater.
Now Higgs is opening a seaside outpost of Marble slap-bang in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Marble Cape Town will make its home in what was the original Union-Castle Building, first built in 1919 to serve the busy passenger and shipping line.
The historic building is being stripped out and reimagined, with Marble taking the top floor to dish up fiery fine dining with a side order of memorable ocean and mountain views.
'We've always prided ourselves on selecting prime locations for our restaurants, and Marble Cape Town is no exception,' said chef-patron David Higgs, co-founder of Marble. 'The panoramic views from our top-floor venue are simply spectacular, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by the beauty of Cape Town.'
Marble Cape Town will seat up to 300 diners, making it one of the larger upscale restaurants in the V&A Waterfront. The Johannesburg original has long been known for its elegant décor – courtesy of the Marble Group interior director Irene Kyriacou – and expect an ocean-inspired expression at Marble Cape Town.
The same will certainly apply to the menu. Open-plan kitchens and cooking with fire are the hallmarks of the Marble experience, and Higgs will no doubt bring that same flair to Cape Town. But, while Marble Johannesburg is all about prime cuts of aged beef and lamb, Marble Cape Town will lend itself to a sharper focus on seafood and vegetables, coupled with a Mediterranean slant.
While the finer details are still under wraps, expect Marble Cape Town to be a delicious new addition to the V&A Waterfront when it opens later in 2024. Unfortunately, there is no firm date set for the first seating.
Hungry now? Head on over to the Time Out Market Cape Town ...