AskBrie.com

Suggest a Spot

Your Guide to
Epicurean Delights and Spirited Adventures!

By Brett Perlstein

Restaurants

Whiskey

Travel

Latest:

Ariel Modern Italian

Ariel Modern Italian is an exquisite fusion of Napoli and New York, nestled in the vibrant heart of Cape Town. This restaurant embodies the graceful simplicity of Italian cuisine, offering an array of Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, and classic cocktails. Ariel Modern Italian is more than just an eatery; it’s a place where friends gather, celebrations occur, and joy is shared over good meals. The ambiance is reminiscent of European street dining, making it a delightful spot to wind down an afternoon.

Summary: Elegant, Vibrant, Welcoming
Cuisine: Italian Fusion
Type: Casual Chic Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: 90 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005

Café 28

This gem is tucked away in the Inanda Greens Office Park overlooking a magnificent 9-hole golf course, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Unique, high quality ingredients – most of which are imported from Italy – and fresh organic produce grown in their very own garden offer up an impressive range of sharing boards (taglieri), pizza’s, pasta and heavenly desserts. The menu caters for a variety of palates including many vegetarian options, and they have a frozen range to bring the magic of Italy to the comfort of home.

Summary: Outdoor Terrace, Imported Beers, Great Service
Cuisine: Italian
Type: Casual Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: 54 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley, Sandton, 2196

1920 Portuguese Restaurant

The taste of Portugal in the heart of Joburg! Authentic Portuguese cooking and a menu offering a wide variety to choose from. Service is excellent and the atmosphere vibrant and fun, with an outdoor terrace area if you’re looking for a more informal setting. Book in advance, this one is popular for a reason!

Summary: Specials, Vibrant, Terrace seating
Cuisine: Portuguese
Type: Casual Dining
Facebook
Location: 1 Hutton Court Cnr Jan Smuts &, Summit Rd, Randburg, 2196

Embarc

Embarc is a stylish, award-winning oasis. Opened by Darren O’Donovan and Lisa de Beer in November 2020, this chic dining spot quickly became a beloved part of the Parkhurst culinary scene. The Embarc offers a modern, elegant dining experience in a trendy, relaxed space, serving up mouthwatering dishes that have helped it garner prestigious accolades, including South Africa’s best new restaurant in 2021 and the Best Bistro award in 2022.

Summary: Stylish, Award-Winning, Welcoming
Cuisine: Modern Elegance
Type: Trendy Relaxed Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: Corner 13th Street and 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg

Foxcroft

Experience the same intensity and thoughtfulness of a fine dining establishment in a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere. Underpinned by expertly crafted, unpretentious food, the menu ticks all boxes showcasing seasonal and sustainable produce that is well cooked, treated with care, and presented in innovative, modern ways with the vegan and vegetarian options following suit. The bill at the end offers exceedingly good value for a top-notch fine-dining experience that leaves you feeling spoiled to the max!

Summary: Relaxed, Modern, Great vegan/vegetarian options
Global Cuisine
Casual Fine Dining
Website
Instagram
Shop 8, High Constantia Centre, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806

Acid Food & Wine Bar

Acid Food & Wine Bar is a place to unwind, socialise, and discover new flavours. The menu changes weekly, featuring global cuisine inspired by traditional local and global recipes, with a particular emphasis on South East Asian flavours alongside an ever evolving selection of natural, minimal intervention wines from independent producers who don’t usually get listed or are hard to find including bubblies, whites, reds, and rosés. Whether you’re in the mood for small plates or larger dishes, expect something new and exciting with every visit!

Summary: Intimate, Cozy, Welcoming
Cuisine: Global Cuisine
Type: Unconventional Fine Dining
Website
Instagram
Location: 19 4th Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, 2193

Load More
You can't go wrong with a Brie recommendation. He approaches food with an enthusiastic sense of adventure and spontaneity that simply cannot be topped. Dishes that had me apprehensive at first have become dishes I'll go back for again and again, that can only be described as a spiritual experience, and must be shared with friends because it will "absolutely change your life"!
Amber Sharp
Amber Sharp

Meet Brie

Humans are like onions, we have layers, one of mine – I’m an avid foodie. Any chance I get, I’m exploring a delicious menu somewhere in good company with a great whisky.

On my favourites list you’ll find unassuming spots that will surprise and delight – don’t judge a “book” till you’ve tried the food, swanky bars for those celebratory nights, and refined dining establishments with food so good it could be a last meal – all have something exceptional to offer. I can say that having been to every single one.

I believe life should be savoured – one bite, one sip, one laugh at a time. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together.

Welcome to the table and buon appetit!