Posted on: November 21st, 2008 RLSouthpole

On initial approach you might be slightly disappointed with Southpole, a fine dining “eatery” near Milnerton’s Royal Ascot. The shop front is cold, with little to recommend it, and reads a bit like it’s trying to hard to be a trendy city establishment. Which would be fine if it wasn’t located in the middle of the suburbs. It’s a clear case of location, location, location…or the lack of it.

Never-the-less young chef Yngve Muldal, formerly of Forty Ate and Beluga, has clearly put his heart and soul into this restaurant, his passion coming through as you speak to him. This passion shows once you enter the restaurant itself. (Which is why we recommend that you move beyond the façade.) An area that looks uninviting online is actually very intimate once you step through the doors, with a vibey atmosphere, educated and intelligent staff and a pleasant buzz coming from the open kitchen. Watch as the kitchen team, chat and collaborate, putting the final touches on your dish and, although a small group of people, the entire staff team has the feel of a finely tuned machine.

But enough about the admin side of the establishment, I’ll bore you to tears! What about the food, the cuisine, the make or break element of your dining experience? I’m happy to report that the food is excellent, with wonderful and unexpected flavour combinations. A standard a la carte menu is available, but for something a little different, each week the chef produces a special one-time-only selection. This keeps things fresh, and ensures that there’s always something new to try. All our main courses were above par, but for a real treat, I suggest ordering a few desserts and sharing them around the table. We ordered 3 between the 2 of us and were not disappointed. Again, interesting combinations such as parfait and cookie dough and cinnamon doughnuts and fudge sauce kept our taste buds clamouring for more and each new experience was a delight. This menu is a clear case of having fun, and enjoying the art of creating fine food for the enjoyment of your patrons.

All in all, well done Yngve, you’ve made a fantastic start in your journey towards creating a fantastic restaurant. Prices are reasonable for a fine dining restaurant, dishes are marvelous and presentation impeccable. Definitely worth a try!

Southpole Lounge Eatery / Ocean Square / Ocean Drive / Sunset Beach / Cape Town / Tel: 021 551 5752 / www.southpolerestaurant.co.za

4 Responses to “Southpole”

1. Denise Says:
   January 1st, 2009 at 10:44 am

   The food at Southpole is “our of this world” to say the least. If you have not as
   yet been there, do yourself a favour and spoil yourself. Watch the chef and his
   staff prepare your meal in their glass enclosed kitchen - they enjoy doing it.
   From the time you set foot in the door you can feel the atmosphere, you are there
   for the food and its presentation. The staff are friendly and attentive yet unobtrusive. We will most definitely be back.

2. Bobby Says:
   January 5th, 2009 at 3:36 pm

   Yngve, the red bandana clad mad scientist of food, certainly knows how to create taste sensations that leave you begging for more! Definately deserves a second (and third) visit.

3. Tori Says:
   April 30th, 2010 at 6:40 pm

   South Pole is one of the best restaurants we’ve ever eaten at. As the reviewer says, once you’re through the doors, it’s a wonderfully cozy spot, and the food is amazing. Well done Yngve!

4. hanli roothman Says:
   June 24th, 2010 at 2:39 pm

   As the writer says…… Look beyond. You will not be dissapointed! best dinner we’ve had in the last year - with all sorts off unexpected little pleasures along the way. Enjoy!

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