Jazz nights & Mediterranean delights at Amare’s in Bantry Bay
If you’re looking for a Cape Town evening that’s laid-back yet luxurious, Amare in Bantry Bay ticks every box.
Image: Supplied: Amare Restaurant
Summer is nearly here, and as the evenings grow longer, many Capetonians are stepping out in search of great food and live entertainment.Nestled on Victoria Road in Bantry Bay, Amare Restaurant is the perfect place to watch the warm glow of the sunset fade into the sea.
I arrived expecting a good Mediterranean dinner, but what unfolded was something richer, more relaxed, more alive: the clink of wine glasses, the chic, yet unhurried ambience, and the sultry sounds of live jazz lifting the evening into an unforgettable evening.
Tucked away at 29 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay, Amare is beautifully positioned just off the Atlantic Seaboard.
As the evening settled in and the live jazz began, the mood felt simultaneously upscale and intimate.
The performance, led by acclaimed percussionist John Hassan, brought rhythmic energy that perfectly complemented the restaurant’s laid-back Mediterranean charm, creating an evening where fine food, music and a stunning setting united effortlessly.
Mediterranean style cuisine
We sampled dishes from the specially crafted three-course set menu, and each one reminded me why Mediterranean cuisine continues to capture Cape Town’s heart.
Starters
We tried the Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with cucumber, mint and crispy focaccia, and the Tuna Crudo with citrus and baby cucumber - both were excellent. The flavours were bright, fresh and beautifully balanced, perfectly setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Mains
The Charred Aubergine layered with baba ghanoush, parmesan, tomato and fresh herbs is a perfect vegetarian option - comforting yet sophisticated.The Baked Linefish in a lemon-garlic crust, with confit fennel and a parsley reduction, was polished and fresh, the fish was perfectly seasoned, with the fennel adding a subtle sweetness.
For meat lovers, the Karoo Lamb Chops grilled with rosemary, thyme, lemon and black pepper are a must - succulent, aromatic and evocative of Mediterranean summer nights.
Desserts
Dessert continued the Mediterranean theme beautifully. The Amare Signature Tiramisu arrived rich and creamy yet perfectly balanced. The Selection of Homemade Gelato and Sorbet offered contrasting textures and flavours is ideal for sharing. But the Hibiscus Poached Pear with whipped ricotta and roasted pistachios stole the show: the floral tang of the poached fruit paired with the creamy ricotta and crunchy pistachios made for an elegant finish.
Amare’s boutique wine list is curated by one of the industry’s most respected experts, and the pairings across dishes demonstrated clear care and skill. Service was polished without feeling stiff - the staff complemented the relaxed, attentive tone of the evening, allowing the music and food to take centre stage.
As the evening settled in and the live jazz began, the mood felt simultaneously upscale and intimate.
Image: Supplied/Amare Restaurant
The Jazz
What truly elevates Amare beyond a typical fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant is its live jazz element. As Hassan’s rhythms filled the space, the evening shifted from simply dining to a full sensory experience.
The performance encouraged diners to linger and sip slowly, to savour each plate and each note. The sound was well balanced, never overpowering, striking that rare harmony between ambience and artistry.
If you’re in Cape Town and looking for an evening where Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, sea-air ambience and live jazz converge, Amare in Bantry Bay ticks every box.
IOL Lifestyle