Cape Town food lovers (and beyond), rejoice! The original Chefs Warehouse & Canteen is back. Yes, it’s already opened the Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on the 7th of August, with the Merchant Bar & Grill opening on 13 August. The location? Well, it’s just across the street from where it all began back in 2014. At last, the beloved eatery – founded by renowned chefs Liam and Jan Tomlin – has made a triumphant return, blending its iconic down-to-earth charm with a fresh, grown-up twist.
Nestled in a beautifully renovated space at 91 Bree Street, the new Chefs Warehouse & Canteen offers more room to indulge in the Tomlins’ passions for food, art, wine and design. “It’s nostalgic, but better,” says Liam Tomlin, excited to revive the restaurant that initially popularised the ‘Tapas for 2’ concept in Cape Town. In fact, it is the ‘Tapas for 2’ concept that became a hallmark of the Chefs Warehouse brand and transformed Bree Street into the vibrant restaurant hub it is today.
The new space retains the heart and soul of the original, but with added flair. Tomlin’s extensive cookbook collection now takes center stage, visible through a large window overlooking the dining room. Then, two wine cellars bookend the space, filled with bottles from his personal collection. The restaurant’s rustic design – complete with exposed brick, steel and modern lighting – is complemented by art from the late Paul du Toit, adding a touch of the Mother City’s creative spirit to diners’ experience.
The ground floor of 91 Bree Street is home to Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, while the upper floors house a new venture – Merchant Bar & Grill. On these upper floors, you can expect an old-school, modern dining experience with a focus on local producers, house-made charcuterie and a vast cheese selection. The top floor, Room 91, is a private event space overlooking Bree Street, perfect for everything from cocktail parties to wedding receptions.
Of course, the food remains the star of the show. The ‘Tapas for 2’ format returns with a four-course menu at R800 per person, alongside an à la carte selection featuring old favourites. The latter includes items like venison tataki, pork gyoza and pea risotto with smoked pork shoulder croquettes. In addition, the wine list is as impressive as ever, with selections carefully curated to pair perfectly with each dish.
As Cape Town’s culinary scene continues to evolve, Chefs Warehouse & Canteen remains a beacon of quality, creativity and innovation. “This restaurant now also feels so natural, so much an expression of our love for food and dining experiences that are high quality, exciting, fun and unstuffy,” says Tomlin. “It’s like the best of past, present, and future.”
Chefs Warehouse & Canteen serves lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Merchant Bar & Grill opens on 13 August for dinner service.
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