Notes from the Cape

Octopus’ Garden is in the St James station building, in what I believe is the old post office. It has a very airy and light, lovely, laid-back atmosphere. The décor is a tasteful mixture of modern paintings and bohemian murals.

The menu is an eclectic blend of local and Italian (one of the co-owners is Italian). Dishes include game carpaccio, steak, fresh tuna, line fish and pasta dishes (it is not a large menu, but it should have something to suit everybody). Lois wanted the spinach ravioli with tomato and pepper sauce. However since she does not eat spinach, it was no problem for the restaurant to substitute the ravioli with tagliatelli. I had a spinach cannelloni which was really fantastic. I would have preferred a little chilli in it, but they assured that next time if I ask when I place my order they will add some chilli for me.

If you bring white wine, instead of giving you an ice bucket, they put your wine into the fridge and periodically come past your table to top up the wine. I cannot comment on the wine list (since I didn’t order the wine), however their house wine is an Italian house wine, which was very nice and fruity.

On the night we went, they were a bit slow bringing the food, and they were out of stock of some of the items (they had no line fish or lasagna). However they did apologise and assure me that this is because the chef had hurt his sholder in a car accident that afternoon and was not at work (I am assured he is doing well and will be back at work this week).

Because of the name, many of the songs played at the restaurant are Beatles songs, which suited me fine. I certainly got the impression that many of the tables were regulars, which is always a good thing. The staff was all very friendly, and both owners swung past the tables to apologise about the delay, and to check that all is fine, and I really got the impression that they were genuinely interested and not just asking because it was expected.

Leila the guide dog was welcome and presented with a bowl of water.

I will definitely be back.

written by Craig