One of the first things you notice as you enter the newly revamped Belthazar is the meat locker that forms part of the wall art. Mean slivers of beef hang in a specially designed temperature-controlled display.
This is why both locals and visiting tourists head to this steakhouse in Cape Town. You can come for the relaxed luxury vibes and V&A Waterfront views (outdoor seating gives you some great spots for people or harbour watching), you can come for the ambience (soft lights, sophisticated New York-inspired steakhouse feel), but you can’t fail to be impressed by the beef.
‘We opened Belthazar 20 years ago, and over time it became one of Cape Town’s leading restaurants, collecting many prestigious awards along the way, including Best Steakhouse in South Africa, Best Seafood Restaurant in Cape Town, and Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for our wine list,” says co-owner Ian Halfon.
The space is much smaller than what it used to be before they shut down for two years but comes with a different charm. When you visit today you’ll find a cosy, chic operation serviced by white-waistcoated waitstaff that is perfect for power lunch meetings and intimate dining after dark.
Start with the house favourites such as a four tomato salad served simply with avo, thin slices of Parmesan, and olive oil, or the giant fried onion blossom with a rich dressing.
Steak-wise, a lot is happening ranging from grain-fed, grass-fed, and Karoo Wagyu among others. The dry-aged ribeye cut with a classic blue cheese or bearnaise butter and whipped Parmesan mash is bound to win over any steak fundi.
While the beef is impressive, don’t overlook their seafood menu. Their platter options are a good start and bring the venue’s best fresh fish to the fore, or go for the perfectly cooked Mozambican langoustines and garlic sauce if you’re feeling decadent.
Onto the wine list, there’s a sharp collection of over 2000 wines and a choice of up to 250 Cape wines by the glass. Unsure what to start with? Resident sommelier Jan Hendrik Venter recommends the Belthazar bottled range of white and reds made with grapes from the Stellenbosch region.
Belthazar’s crowd is a diverse mix. From families looking to tuck into quality cuts for lunch or dinner, to young couples looking for something more sophisticated on a night out at the waterfront.
When: Monday to Tuesday & Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm. Wednesday & Sunday, 12pm to 11:30pm
Where: Shop 153, 19 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Tel: 021 421 3753
Email: contact@slickrestaurants.com
Website: belthazar.co.za
Instagram: @belthazar_capetown
Facebook: @BelthazarRestaurant