Nestled in the vibrant Cape Town, URCHIN embodies the art of culinary excellence. Like a beautifully choreographed ballet, the restaurant orchestrates dining excellence where sustainable fish and seafood take centre stage. With a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, URCHIN embraces the hallmarks of elemental ocean dining, impeccable service, locally sourced ingredients, and a carefully curated wine cellar featuring world-class selections.
Just like its namesake, URCHIN’s menu unveils a symphony of delectable seafood creations that captivate both the palate and the eye. Led by Chef Gerard Van Staden, each dish ignites all five senses, inviting guests on an unforgettable journey of flavours and textures. Portions are thoughtfully curated, allowing for a multi-course adventure where the bounties of the ocean shine as true stars.
Start off with delectable Lüderitz oysters; well-seasoned tuna tartare with lime and green mango; and a neat, zesty Cape Salmon ceviche topped with peppers, heirloom tomatoes and spring onions. Then there are several types of signature sushi rolls and nigiri, prepared by one of three on-site fundis.
In the hot section, go purist with well-cooked prawns in thermidor sauce, or try the Kabeljou. This Cape favourite gets a playful twist with lemon, leeks, turmeric and a parsley emulsion that’s bound to impress.
Apart from the meals, the short and sharp drinks list includes delectable cocktails and wines that span from a range of Winelands regions. Keep an eye on some steely Chenins and Chardonnays that go well with flavourful seafood.
Urchin pulls you away from the buzzy CBD energy. The atmosphere in this intimate dining room is moody with dimmed lighting, tasteful artworks adorn the walls, paired with attentive service. If you’re looking to get a taste of what Cape Town haute cuisine is about right now or a romantic spot for the perfect date night, you’ve just found one.
At URCHIN, elegance, delight, and culinary mastery are intertwined to create an experience that transcends expectations.
Here’s a lineup of special dining events in Cape Town not to be missed!
1. First Thursdays at URCHIN
Every First Thursday of the month, URCHIN promises a lively evening with food and music. Let a local band or performers serenade you with live tunes for a warm, relaxed mood throughout the evening. Chef Gerard and his team also pull out all the stops for a personally selected 6-course meal to complement the evening. Dine with All Senses Engage your senses in a culinary spectacle as we kick off the month with our signature “Dine with All Senses” experience. Immerse yourself in a feast that transcends taste, incorporating visual, aromatic, and textural elements to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
If you’re doing First Thursday, plan your art walk carefully to tie in a visit to this fine dining restaurant in Cape Town.
Cost: R650pp, excludes drinks. Book via Dineplan
When: Every First Thursday, from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
2. Delve into Mediterranean delights with this capsule dinner
On Thursday 9 November, Chef Gerard is ready to take guests on a journey into the sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean. Join the team for a curated menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Greece, Italy, and beyond. Featured dishes are infused with the vibrant flavours of olive oil, fragrant herbs, and the essence of coastal dining.
Cost: R650pp for a 6-course menu, excludes drinks. R1150pp with alcohol pairing. Book via Dineplan
When: Thursday 9 November, from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
3. Taste the Movie: The Menu
Chef Gerard is planning a sensory dining experience with ‘Taste the Movie: The Menu’ at URCHIN. Dine on a 10-course cinematic feast that captures the popular art-house movie with fine dining dishes that take complexity to new heights. Curious about the twist? If you’ve watched ‘The Menu’ before, you might have a clue.
Cost: R1150pp for a 10-course dinner, excludes drinks. Book via Dineplan
When: Saturday, 11 November from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
4. Fresh flavours for URCHIN’s curated spring dinner event
Spring and summer bring a bounty of ingredients with immense flavour profiles. The team at URCHIN is showcasing the arrival of spring with a three-course feast of seasonal ingredients. Each dish shows off the meticulous care Chef Gerard and his team put into sourcing the most exquisite seasonal ingredients for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that embody the essence of spring.
Cost: R650pp, excludes drinks. R1150pp with alcohol pairing. Book via Dineplan
When: Thursday 16 November, from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
5. Taste the Movie: Harry Potter
Harry Potter fans will love this fine-dining tribute to the beloved series. URCHIN promises an enchanting homage straight from the magical realm. Fear not, Professor Quirrell is nowhere near – just pure magic and delectable delights.
Cost: To be confirmed – see URCHIN social media for updates. Book via Dineplan
When: Saturday, 18 November from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
6. Taste the Movie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Indulge in a fresh take on the charm of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a culinary journey inspired by the iconic film. Diners can look forward to flavourful dishes driven by pop culture influences and culinary storytelling that bring each ingredient to life.
Cost: To be confirmed – see URCHIN social media for updates. Book via Dineplan
When: Saturday, 25 November from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
7. Chocolate delights for this fine food feast
If you’re big on dining out (that’s pretty much every Capetonian!) or big on chocolate, URCHIN is taking things to new heights with their Chocolate Affair set menu of savoury and sweet takes on cocoa.
Tuck into six courses of pure culinary art where chocolate is creatively incorporated to deliver richness and complexity to each dish. It’s fueled by flavour, it’s next-level, and it’s a fresh way of looking at fine dining in Cape Town.
Cost: R650pp for a 6-course dinner, excludes drinks. R1150pp with alcohol pairing. Book via Dineplan
When: Wednesday, 29 November from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
8. Ring in the festive season with decadent dining
URCHIN is converting their plated into a festive wonderland as they ring in the season for the “Under the Mistletoe” dining experience. At the fine dining restaurant in Cape Town, the holiday season is a time for spreading joy, love, and the pure delight of stylish dining.
The menu for this event features a carefully curated symphony of festive cuisine that captures the essence of December – a month filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments shared around the table.
Cost: R650pp, excludes drinks. Book via Dineplan
When: Saturday 2 December, from 6pm onwards. Advance booking is recommended
Where: Hyatt Regency Cape Town, 126 Buitengracht St, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town
Tel: 021 214 1234
Email: [email protected]
Website: urchinrestaurant.co.za
Instagram: @urchin_ct
Facebook: @UrchinCT
