Cape Town Hot Spot: The Mess

WORDS Cheri Morris

Cape Town’s latest culinary gem The Mess is offering a home-away-from-home dining experience that encourages the casual sharing of gourmet dishes.

The newly-opened restaurant and bar is located at The Rockwell in Green Point and is aptly named The Mess, making reference to the 15th Century word for a communal eating area. The restaurant and bar offers a uniquely informal, unfussy eating experience with an emphasis on creating a warm and welcoming, yet elegant atmosphere.

The Mess is the brainchild of owner and restaurateur Carlene de Gouveia who is a gourmand, perfectionist and food technologist with extensive experience in the food and wine industry. Together with Chef Luke Wannacott of Lukefoodalways, Carlene wanted to create a comfortable space for people to go on dates, hang out with friends and eat really good food in a beautiful surrounding. The menu is varied, yet small and features shared plates of the finest and freshest quality ingredients available with a focus on the celebration of flavours. For those who aren’t so keen to share, there are also main plates available. There are an array of beverages available; from grapefruit-flavoured G&T and beers to frozen Mojitos and a selection of Carlene’s favourite wines.

The Mess is open Monday to Saturday from 6pm until late. To make reservations online, click here.