Beluga promises sophistication, consistency and exclusive views

Beluga is not just any port in a storm; it’s serving up a storm in a port.

Beluga exceeds expectations at its new digs, located in Cape Town’s contemporary cruise port on the outskirts of the V&A Waterfront. It will satisfy your cravings for classic favourites while also tantalising your palate with exciting new additions.

Beluga opened its doors in Green Point’s The Foundry in 2000, serving a Euro-Asian fusion menu in a cool but casual New York loft-style atmosphere. Conde Nast Traveler named it one of the top 60 restaurants in the world, known for its excellent sushi and post-meal jelly beans.

Fast forward to 2017, when the restaurant changed hands. They took the restaurant to the next level by hosting yearly launch events, introducing exciting menu changes such as adding amazing vegan options and fresh seafood platters and emphasising the incredible wines South Africa has to offer.

Beluga was all set to host its 20-year launch event in November 2020, but sadly, like so many South African restaurants, it closed its doors in 2020 due to COVID-19 and government trading restrictions.

But Beluga has emerged from its ashes, this time in the V&A Waterfront’s Cape Town Cruise Terminal.

More often than not, a memorable restaurant experience stems from factors other than the food itself. Eating out is about the whole experience, from the menu, ambience and decor, to the service quality and the location.

Being seated at a table that overlooks a cruise terminal, whether filled with ships or only inhabited by seagulls, makes for a calming atmosphere.

And the menu is more than decent too.

Beluga is best known for its sushi conveyor belt and chef specials, but its à la carte menu offers a layered dining experience and allows you to appreciate everything the kitchen has to offer.

Begin with the venison carpaccio, which is topped with baby leaves, crispy capers, a balsamic reduction and parmesan shavings; and work your way up to the seared salmon fillet, which is served on a bed of crushed potatoes, spinach and a creamy sauce. The crayfish platter is also sublime – served with a side of choice and best enjoyed with a crisp glass of white wine.

One could call them warm baskets of heaven, and that wouldn’t be an inaccurate descriptor; Beluga’s dim sum is very delicate and is served piping hot.

The kitchen ensures that your dim sum is placed before you as it has reached the perfect temperature, straight out of the steamer.

While there are many wines to choose from, it’s always fun to choose from a colourful assortment of signature cocktails. And if you’re looking for a refreshing aperitif to start the evening off before exploring the wine list, the Strawberry Collins is generous in both height and gin.

To finish the evening on a sweet note, try the chocolate beignets, more popularly known as the “deep-fried balls of happiness.”

The beignets are deep-fried, Belgian white chocolate balls served with caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.

If you like your dinner with a side of disco, on the last Thursday of every month, Beluga hosts “Dine and Dance with DJ Rene,” offering specials on cocktails, mocktails, sushi and dim sum.

Details: 

• Location: 1st Floor of Cape Town Cruise Terminal, Duncan Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
• Times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm
• Bookings: dineplan.com
• Contact: 021 418 2948 | 061 434 0813 | [email protected]
• Website: beluga.co.za

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Written by Sarah du Toit for Cape {town} Etc.

Feature image: Beluga Cape Town / Facebook