Good food, drinks and friends is a fabulous combination that makes life feel worth living. I try to indulge every occasion I can and recently I was able to enjoy an amazing evening in the company of this formidable trio at the gorgeous Mantra Cafe in Camps Bay.
Situated on the “sunset strip” in Camps Bay, Mantra is tucked up a discreet staircase on the first floor which offers even better views of the beach and beyond than the eateries located on street level.
With wide open windows that deliver panoramic views across the Atlantic, a sun soaked deck made for sundowners, gorgeous interiors filled with foliage and a sweeping bar offering an array of colourful cocktails, this is a barefoot restaurant that is casual and relaxed. That being said, Mantra has a sophisticated, upmarket atmosphere that you would expect in Camps Bay – just without the pretension. And that’s something I value highly. I want to be able to enjoy my beautiful city, but I don’t want to feel awkward and unwelcome if I arrive with sandy toes and kids in tow!
Mantra is known for it’s casual yet chic dining…. and for it’s cocktails! On arrival I was greeted with a tall glass of The Hugo (MCC, elderflower cordial, soda, lemon peel, R75) and breathtaking sunset views – a combination that allowed me to forget the stress of the day within an instant!
The menu at Mantra is varied and delicious. Featuring simple, classic dishes made with the finest fresh ingredients, there is bound to be something on the menu to suit everyone in your party…
I can highly recommend the Tuna Ceviche – marinated tuna with avocado and Asian flavours and French mayonnaise (R115). The grilled calamari with fresh green chimichurri sauce (R115) was also a very popular choice.
For mains, I opted for the Spicy Lamb Curry, served with cucumber raita, salsa, Melissa’s Coriander Chutney and basmati rice (R175). The most popular meal at our table however was the Slow-cooked Pork Belly served with spicy sweet citrus glaze (R185). The pan-seared line fish (R235) was also an option as was the 300g Thick Cut Rump Steak (R185). The menu also offers delicious pizzas and salads. Check out the other options here.
All the dishes at our table were attractively presented and ample in portion – no one was leaving hungry!
I’m the person who always checks the dessert menu first and there were so many decadent options to choose from – Baked Cheesecake (R68), Lemon Tart (R55), Pear Frangipane (R68) were all good choices, but if there’s a chocolate option there’s really no other choice so it was the Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse with caramelized nuts (R65) for me!
I had an amazing evening soaking up the atmosphere at Mantra Cafe – a combination of happy holiday makers and relaxed locals enjoying the best their city has to offer. I loved spending the evening with friends – old and new – in the stunning setting that is Mantra at Camps Bay!
Win a Mantra Café Voucher for 2 worth R500
I’m giving one lucky reader a voucher to enjoy a meal for 2 at Mantra
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Contact Mantra Cafe
Mantra Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 43 Victoria Cafe, Camps Bay
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday (09:00 – 21:30)
Website: www.mantracafe.co.za
Call: +27 21 437 0206
I was a guest of Mantra Cafe and Jared Ruttenberg for this review. All opinions are my own.
