With a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and premium dining spots, the Mount Nelson is a great destination for foodies to try something new. Whether it’s authentic pan-Asian cuisine, Andalusian seafood fusion, or a luxury afternoon tea, the Nellie caters to all kinds of food lovers in the Mother City.

Amura

The hotel’s flagship eatery is Amura, the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Ángel León. Guided by Head Chef Guillermo Salazar, Amura brings a thoughtful dialogue between Andalusia and the Cape to its culinary philosophy. Salazar’s approach blends technical precision with a minimalist, expressive style that reflects both his international background and the raw beauty of the local coastline.

The drinks programme follows the same spirit of innovation, incorporating coastal influences and collaborations with local producers. From bespoke spirits to ocean-aged wines, the selection is curated to complement the restaurant’s coastal identity while exploring the meeting point between Andalusia and the Cape.

Designed by internationally acclaimed South African interior architect Tristan du Plessis, the restaurant space is inspired by the poetry of the sea and the romance of grand ocean liners from a bygone era. Crafted timber, rich leathers, rattan and curved forms translate into a contemporary, luxurious cinematic design.

Amura by Ángel León is now open to diners year-round. To book a table, please contact via email ([email protected]) or book via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Sunday | 12.30pm – 3.30pm (lunch, avail. Fri – Sun) | 6.30pm – 9.30pm (dinner, avail. every day)

Afternoon Tea

Arguably the Mount Nelson’s most sought-after service, their Afternoon Tea is a favourite for birthdays, post-graduation ceremonies, and any other big event that deserves an indulgent, luxury celebration. It offers over 60 fine, loose-leaf teas for those wanting an authentic experience, single-origin coffee from Ethiopia and Rwanda for the more adventurous, and sweet treats made by their acclaimed, dedicated pastry chef.

The food includes fine cakes and finger sandwiches, delicately arranged in tiers, with live piano music further enhancing the laid-back afternoon atmosphere. The savoury menus change seasonally, although there are dedicated options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free guests. Nellie, the hotel house cat, is also known to make appearances during this time, particularly when the sun is out.

To book a spot at Afternoon Tea, please contact via email ([email protected]) or book via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Sunday | 11am – 3pm

The Red Room

Part of the acclaimed Chefs Warehouse family in and around Cape Town, The Red Room is known for its pan-Asian flavours across multiple menus. The stylish decor takes inspiration from classic Hong Kong design, itself the melting pot of many Asian cultures.

The premium à la carte menu includes a range of steamed and fried small plates, as well as traditional Japanese-style barbecue “robata” featuring lamb, beef, and prawn-based meals. For the winter, there is a dedicated four-course set menu with a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options for R650 per person. The main attraction for foodies is undoubtedly the “Red Room Roast Duck”, served alongside mandarin pancakes, clay pot rice, Cantonese sauce, and duck broth.

The space includes its own cocktail bar serving Asian-inspired cocktails, such as a Weekend in Shanghai or a Red Room Old Fashioned, as well as a self-described “unusual wine list”. There is extra care taken to appeal to vegetarians and vegans at The Red Room, with an abundance of plant-based options that are as deeply curated as the rest of the menu.

To book a table, please contact via email ([email protected]) or book via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Saturday | 6pm – 9pm (restaurant) | 5pm – late (bar)

The Verandah

For a sophisticated evening dining experience, The Verandah offers a small, hyper-seasonal à la carte menu that focuses on quality over quantity. Menus change frequently, ensuring guests dine on local ingredients at their most flavoursome.

Currently, the starters include cured salmon gravlax and fresh oysters, while the mains feature duck à l’orange and a premium Beef Wellington for two. The refined sides include pumpkin wedges, pomme frites, gratin dauphinoise, and roasted mushrooms, while desserts consist of chocolate mousse, Baked Alaska (braaied for South African taste buds), and mango, raspberry, and lemon mille-feuille.

The style fits with the rest of Mount Nelson’s inspired, elegant interiors. Clean white tablecloths meet suspended air plants with classy seating and windows into the courtyard gardens.

To book a table, please contact via email ([email protected]) or book via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Sunday | From 6.30pm

Oasis

Those seeking a more casual yet high-quality service can book a table at Oasis, Mount Nelson’s green and leafy poolside restaurant. With views of the tranquil gardens and the option to book breakfast, lunch, or a jazzy Sunday brunch, Oasis occupies a unique position among the hotel’s restaurants.

The restaurant has a farm-to-table, locally sourced approach to dining: house-made biltong, open sandwiches, classic pizzas and burgers, salads, and a sweet selection of desserts. Oasis is also the best destination for coffee enthusiasts, serving sustainably sourced Ugandan coffee in a variety of hot and cold drinks, including their own signature iced coffee creations.

To book a table, please contact via email ([email protected]) or book via Dineplan.
When: Monday – Sunday | 6.30am – 10.30am (walk-in breakfast) | 12pm – 3pm (lunch & Sun brunch)

Planet Bar

The Nellie’s very own late-night watering hole, Planet Bar, is a chic spot for snacks and carefully crafted cocktails. They serve everything from vodka martinis to negronis, with a wide selection of wines, champagnes, Cap Classiques, beers, and ciders. Their Pink Lady Gin-based Rose & Rosé cocktail balances white chocolate syrup with Angostura bitters, while the tropical Four Noble Truths is made with Aqua Zulu Cachaça, pineapple & roasted coconut purée, and lime.

Non-drinkers can choose from their very own non-alcoholic cocktail list, with options exclusively curated for them. Planet Bar is equally suited to warmer and colder weather, with an open terrace for enjoying a cocktail in the summer and an indoor fireplace for indulging in a glass of red in style. The bar’s interior combines historic glamour with modern touches, featuring plush seating, black-and-white tiled floors, and celestial decor elements that create an elegant ambience. ​

When: Monday – Sunday | 12pm – late

The Chef’s Table

This exclusive dining experience brings guests into a hidden kitchen alcove, where they gain deeper insight into The Nellie’s innovative kitchen and indulge in dishes curated by the hotel’s executive chef. Dishes are prepared in plain view, allowing attendees to chat and discuss the culinary choices behind these premium dishes.

There is no set menu, as the Chef’s Table experience changes daily based on which seasonal ingredients are freshest that day. Eight guests are allowed per seating, at a cost of R1650 per person. The brochure is available online.

To experience Mount Nelson’s most luxurious fine-dining event, book a table via Dineplan.
When: Wednesday – Sunday | From 7pm

Dining at the Mount Nelson

At the Mount Nelson’s variety of restaurants, visitors are treated to fine dining from award-winning chefs, fresh ingredients, and a unique mix of local and global flavours. With seasonal menu changes and new experiences added to the calendar, there’s always something new to try at the Pink Lady.

Where: Mount Nelson, 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town

Website: belmond.com
Instagram: @BelmondMountNelsonHotel
Facebook: @MountNelsonHotel
Phone number: 021 483 1000

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