There are many cities famed for their food and…Windhoek isn’t one of them.
Just 10 short years ago, fervent foodies would have cast their eyes over the capital’s culinary landscape, seen nothing but tumbleweeds as dry as various establishments’ entrees staining the horizon and hurried home with a bucket of KFC, thinking themselves treated and tasteful.
Fast forward to 2019 and it’s a whole new situation.
Restaurants mushroom in a burst of exciting concepts replete with spirited – if mostly underwhelming – stabs at service. Food trucks come, go and set up again each morning and, as weekend market culture grows, the public is privy to a wealth of artisanal food producers presenting everything from delicious preserves to vegan ice cream.
It’s a slow, steady and entirely welcome food revolution and with honourable mention to the just last week reviewed Stratos, here are some of the new(ish) food spots putting their best foot forward.
If this winter calls for delicious Italian and American food, Caprice is your connect. Situated at 18 Liliencron Street within the Village complex, this intimate little eatery serves fresh bruschetta, a wealth of handmade pizza and pastas as well as American-style frankfurter hotdogs and gourmet burgers. Casually sophisticated with indoor and outdoor seating, Caprice is a solid choice for good service, destination eats and an Italy-infused drink selection.
Local is lekker at the newly opened Olivia’s Kitchen. A stylish but understated and amiable eatery where the freshly made tarts, cakes, bagels, wraps and macarons are as sweet as the service. Presenting a deli, fresh produce and coffee shop combo dovetailing seamlessly into a tiny wine lounge where the smell of baking bread is the thing of dreams, Olivia’s is a great spot to spend an out-of-office work day, take a quick cake break or enjoy a sneaky glass of wine in the late afternoon. Head here for an incredible selection of local food products and an extensive menu focused on quality food, great flavours and pretty plating.
Petiscos are the name of the game at this new Portuguese restaurant. Serving Portugal’s small plates of traditional dishes not to be confused with Spain’s tapas, Isabel’s Table is a must for those seeking authentic Portuguese flavours in scenic surroundings. Think garlic chorizo, slow-cooked ossobuco, esparregado, pineapple carpaccio with pina colada panna cotta as well as a meat or fish plate of the day. Weekend evenings are lively and sunny weekday afternoons on the patio are absolutely escapist.
Bonsai Bistro
Windhoek has a friendly little health food hub in Bonsai Bistro. Situated at Elysium Fields at 40 Berg Street in Klein Windhoek, Bonsai Bistro is the place to seek all things gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free but not scant on flavour. From gluten-free ganache tarts to health bowls of the day, freshly squeezed juices, mango cheesecake and Thai peanut chicken with sweet potato noodles and steamed broccoli, this bistro does healthy tasty, creative and with a smile.
With its mouthwatering selection of steaks paired with everything from bone marrow to boerewors, the newly opened Butcher Block Steakhouse is bound to be a hit this winter. Upscale, decadent and situated at Am Weinberg Estate, this plush steakhouse is a treat for the discerning meat lover. Head here for some entirely over-the-top dishes, don’t miss the three cheese prawns and leave room for some Mississippi mud pie.
Introducing the newest kid on the coffee shop block, Café Prestige is a hip little happening at Freedom Plaza 1990. Airy, functional and with plug points aplenty, Café Prestige is a solid spot for digital nomads pursuing caffeine, naked caramel cakes, incredible quiche, freshly squeezed juices and Saturday morning mimosas. Do yourself a favour and order the prosciutto and fig jam sandwich and thank me later.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!