Lunch at Oasis Bistro

Dine poolside at the Mount Nelson hotel’s new restaurant

Looking for somewhere to lunch in Cape Town’s city centre? Oasis Bistro, the latest creation by top South African chef Rudi Liebenberg, offers a Mediterranean-inspired à la carte menu comprised of light meals, from salad and sandwiches to heartier fare such as grills and curries. The bistro is family friendly too, so feel free to bring the rugrats along.

The restaurant is only open during the spring and summer seasons, and as such, the menu’s designed to complement the warmer months. Sous chef Dion Vengatass, who runs Oasis Bistro on a daily basis says: “The food speaks for itself. It’s simple and made with high quality ingredients.”

The restaurant is informal yet elegant with a bright and airy ambience, and visitors are encouraged to  dine alfresco on the poolside terrace (the eatery is also adjacent to Librisa Spa, so gather the girls for a spa date followed by lunch and bubbly).

The food

Start with a fresh and summery bite: the menu has three varieties of oysters to choose from, or, try the Ceviche of the Day (the chef’s favourite); it’s made with fresh fish sourced straight from the harbour and served with avocado, lime and corn chips. Other starters include: Duck Rillettes served with Grape Jam and Country Bread, a Spicy Calamari and Marinated Baby Marrow Salad, and  - one the vegetarians will love - the Warm Tomato and Brinjal Tart.

Alternatively, keep it simple and linger over the Charcuterie and Cheese Platter, a selection of local sausage, cold meats, farm cheeses with homemade pickles and preserves, or tuck into a vibrant salad, from Traditional Salad Niçoise made with homemade tuna confit to the simple yet tasty Tomato and Burrata Salad.

The main courses are slightly heartier. There’s steak tartare and frites which you can order with whisky or cognac, a Cape Malay Chicken Curry, West Coast Mussels steamed in White Wine, and grilled meat dishes such as prime rib, ostrich fillet and roast rack of Karoo lamb.

The pool menu

Diners can also order from the pool menu. Try the signature Oasis Green Salad with cucumber, broccoli, sugar snaps, avocado, asparagus, crisp iceberg lettuce, rocket and herb vinaigrette. For a light lunch order the Chicken Wrap, a delicately spicy meal with lettuce, cucumber, carrot, fried brinjal, yoghurt, and hummus.

Plus, you can create your own pizza by adding your choice of delicious toppings to a Margherita base.

With an extensive cocktail and wine list to match the food offering, Oasis Bistro is set to become Cape Town’s hottest summer lunch spot.

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