COY

Chef Ryan Cole – the culinary force behind award-winning Salsify at The Roundhouse – serves up a more relaxed take on fine dining at this spot on the water’s edge at the V&A Waterfront. Expect an ocean-inspired menu blended with moody, design-led interiors and postcard views of the marina and Table Mountain.

What’s on the menu?

The main event is COY’s seven-course ‘COY Experience’ tasting menu, which changes with the seasons and leans heavily into seafood, drawing on local ingredients and techniques. Vegetarian/vegan menus are available on request. Think tuna tartare with caramelised coconut and sugarcane, seared linefish with mussels, peri-peri and askoek [ash bread], and chargrilled squid with pearl barley and rum sauce – plus considered meat courses. The wine pairings and list are as carefully curated as the food. Also look out for their SunDAZE concept menu available in winter.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes. A small waterside terrace with a handful of tables, perfect for sundowners and harbour-watching when the weather cooperates.

How do you get there?

Park at the V&A’s Portswood garage and walk towards the Bascule Bridge from Time Out Market. MyCiTi’s Waterfront/Breakwater stops are nearby.

Why go?

For a polished but unpretentious take on fine dining with a proud focus on the ‘African pantry’. COY delivers a sense of occasion without any stuffiness and offers some of the best food in Cape Town with views to match.