Idiom Wine Tasting Centre & Restaurant
Idiom Wine Tasting Centre & Restaurant
Idiom Wine Tasting Centre & Restaurant
4.5
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About
Idiom Tasting Centre offers spectacular views of the majestic ‘Helderberg basin’ mountains and the full profile of the Cape Peninsula from Table Mountain to Cape Point. The wine tasting centre showcases Idiom’s Flagship Blends, signature Italian varietal wines and rare limited release 900 Series wines. Idiom offers wine tastings, wine and canapé pairings as well as wine and macaron pairings.
Somerset West, South Africa
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Idiom Wine Tasting Centre & Restaurant
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
26 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
3
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Traveler31387352921
Springs, South Africa4 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
The venue and situation are brilliant. The wine is good. However we were disspointed that firstly this week they have discontinued their a la carte menu and now offer either pizzas or an expensive somewhat limitted 1, 2 or 3 course menu.
We we there a month ago and I enjoyed what I considered the best moules & frites I have ever had. Sadly no more with other really nice choices. The fiixed menu portions were tiny, not that good and expensive. For example we asked what the fish of the day was. I was told Sea Bass which does not exist in the Southern hemisphere and the waitron went to check. He came back with 2 fish I have never heard of and a grouper! Anyway we tried it and was a portion of Kabeljou (I think) abouthe size of a fish finger. The 2 courses took about 2 hours in total to serve and eat and I had to leave for at 3pm for a 3.30 appointment, after arriving at 1pm. The manager was nowhere to be seen until a group of foreigners arrived at 2.45pm and had his total attention.
We won't be back. I presume us locals are sidelined in favour of foreigners.
We we there a month ago and I enjoyed what I considered the best moules & frites I have ever had. Sadly no more with other really nice choices. The fiixed menu portions were tiny, not that good and expensive. For example we asked what the fish of the day was. I was told Sea Bass which does not exist in the Southern hemisphere and the waitron went to check. He came back with 2 fish I have never heard of and a grouper! Anyway we tried it and was a portion of Kabeljou (I think) abouthe size of a fish finger. The 2 courses took about 2 hours in total to serve and eat and I had to leave for at 3pm for a 3.30 appointment, after arriving at 1pm. The manager was nowhere to be seen until a group of foreigners arrived at 2.45pm and had his total attention.
We won't be back. I presume us locals are sidelined in favour of foreigners.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete
19 contributions
Jan 2023
And the food is also excellent. A little bit up the hill but the journey is surely worth it, Will come back sometime soon.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bolton
Cape Town157 contributions
Nov 2022
Had breakfast at this exquisite restaurant with amazing views of both the mountain range and the ocean - wow, wow, wow - the views are simply the best - host Oscar made certain that we were welcomed at the door and taken cared of throughout our stay - the breakfast preparation is a truly unique experience - the service is great and attentive - the prizes are more than reasonable for such an outstanding property - this is a must visit when in Somerset West - one has to put enough travelling time aside, since it is quite deep into the mountain, but worth the travelling.
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa2 584 contributions
May 2022
Idiom Vineyards is known for their high quality wines. Part of the Idiom experience is the drive from the gate to the tasting room/restaurant which is a relaxing drive of just under 3km. As you climb the mountain you get beautiful scenic views around you and even cross two railroads. The main building in which the tasting room and restaurant is located is beautiful and modern, with great views of the bay far down below. Although the restaurant capitalizes more on what the building has to offer and the tasting area seems like a bit of an afterthought, the wines and staff make the experience worth it. It is good to note that the tasting area is around a bar island, so I wouldn't recommend a tasting at Idiom if you are a large group. They have 2 wine tasting options to choose from, with one focusing on their more entry level wines and the other on their premium wines. The guy that did our tasting, Johan, was extremely knowledgeable and just put the cherry on-top of the entire experience. Their wines are a bit more on the expensive side however well worth a try, and the vineyard is a must visit if in the area.
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion W
Somerset West, South Africa16 contributions
Jun 2022
A rating of Three is actually not fair, but four for this visit is too good.
We love the setting, the building, the view, the wine, the service all amazing.
We brought guests here hoping to show off. Alas we couldn't.
Management was not in evidence. The manager stood in the background with his hands in his pockets watching or chatting with other staff.
We had an unfortunate table close to the door on a cold and windy day, this in itself does not affect this review. The restaurant has a two door access system designed to keep the unwanted weather conditions out. The door was being poorly managed, kept open and we were constantly exposed to cold and wind. We asked our waiter to please ask that the door be better managed. This, not really the waiters area of control, changed nothing. We asked to see the manager, Jean van de Westhuizen. From the get go his attitude was unhelpful, sarcastically informing us that he would now have to open the internal door to close the external door. Really?? We had a number of dirty cutlery items at our table as well. The food was good, but not good enough to justify a very limited menu, Particularly if you are vegan or vegetarian. The staff however were amazing, Lwazi, Tino and Craig made our visit pleasant. The wines we chose are really very good and the recommendations by Tino and Craig really appreciated. Will we go back? Yes we love going there and hope this was just an off day.
We love the setting, the building, the view, the wine, the service all amazing.
We brought guests here hoping to show off. Alas we couldn't.
Management was not in evidence. The manager stood in the background with his hands in his pockets watching or chatting with other staff.
We had an unfortunate table close to the door on a cold and windy day, this in itself does not affect this review. The restaurant has a two door access system designed to keep the unwanted weather conditions out. The door was being poorly managed, kept open and we were constantly exposed to cold and wind. We asked our waiter to please ask that the door be better managed. This, not really the waiters area of control, changed nothing. We asked to see the manager, Jean van de Westhuizen. From the get go his attitude was unhelpful, sarcastically informing us that he would now have to open the internal door to close the external door. Really?? We had a number of dirty cutlery items at our table as well. The food was good, but not good enough to justify a very limited menu, Particularly if you are vegan or vegetarian. The staff however were amazing, Lwazi, Tino and Craig made our visit pleasant. The wines we chose are really very good and the recommendations by Tino and Craig really appreciated. Will we go back? Yes we love going there and hope this was just an off day.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMBFDublin
Dublin688 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
This is a beautiful restaurant with a wonderful location. However the lack of a visible and effective management presence meant the service was a bit hit and miss. The staff are lovely but need a bit of direction. Our friend loved his pizza and I thought the dessert was great but my husband said he had a bad aftertaste after his fish.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andycluver
Cape Town Central, South Africa39 contributions
May 2021
Memorable lunch at Idiom Restaurant near Somerset West / strand .
The food was outstanding with good local wines .
Service was good .
Highly recommended .
The food was outstanding with good local wines .
Service was good .
Highly recommended .
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard
Cape Town Central, South Africa48 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
We made a booking for 11 am. Expected to have lunch. It was a disappointment when we were informed we can only do brunch! We had a bottel of Gusto, Prosecco, which we enjoyed. We decided to do a wine tasting with canapés. This was excellent. We enjoyed is so much we wanted to stay for lunch. After inquiring, we found a cancellation... wow the Menu was excellent, something to remember!
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jozi2Melb
Exec in Tokyo166 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
The drive up to the restaurant is impressive. The building is modern both inside and outside. It would certainly appeal to an international clientele.
The inside of the restaurant has clean lines and great views of the vines, mountain and far off sea.
The day we were there, the restaurant was about 25% full. In other words, it was not busy.
On arrival, despite a confirmed reservation, the host seemed unable to find the booking. No table had been set aside. As it was not busy, we ignored the oversight.
Despite Covid distancing requirements, we were then offered a table immediately next to 4 or 5 other tables. We declined and requested to sit outside at a vacant table.
Menu options include a four course set menu, a very limited a la Carte option and a separate (odd for an upmarket restaurant) pizza section.
As we did not want a 4 course lunch, we chose two items off the a la Carte menu.
That was when the debacle started:
My guest asked that no chips were put on his plate. He additionally ordered roast vegetable. The waiter went back to the kitchen and the chef apparently stated that removing the chips from the plate was impossible. Really?
My guest then asked for aioli to accompany his main course. Even if it meant extra payment. The waiter went back to the chef who stated that aioli was not available. He then asked for mustard. The waiter again disappeared only to return with a message from the chef (apparently) that there was no mustard. Seriously? We asked to see the manager to figure out what was going on.
The alleged manager arrived, confirmed what the waiter had said and promptly disappeared.
By this time both untouched courses were lukewarm.
We again asked for the manager and a completely new “manager” arrived on the scene. We were then told that he was the “real” manager and that aioli and mustard were indeed available. Another 5 to 10 minutes later, these arrived. Clearly someone was lying.
When we questioned the waiter about this and the reason he had introduced someone purporting to be the manager, he said that a more senior waiter would do despite us having asked for the manager.
By this time, the food was seriously cold.
While artistically presented, my fish dish was mean in quantity and the vegetables almost non-existent. See photo. 2 pieces of asparagus, 4 (exactly) salad leaves and (probably) one spinach leaf cannot justify the price.
The glass condiment holders brought to the table were dirty. Notwithstanding Covid.
The third setting at the table should have been cleared as we sat down. It remained until we left. See photo.
We asked for the bill as there was no way we were going to order any other course. Just as we were about to depart, the waiter arrived with two “mocktails” care of the real manager. Too late.
I personally will not return to this overrated and pricey establishment. Especially when no one seems to know what is going on, from the waiters to the manager.
So, one star for the food and four for the location. Sadly, an average of two stars due to the above.
The inside of the restaurant has clean lines and great views of the vines, mountain and far off sea.
The day we were there, the restaurant was about 25% full. In other words, it was not busy.
On arrival, despite a confirmed reservation, the host seemed unable to find the booking. No table had been set aside. As it was not busy, we ignored the oversight.
Despite Covid distancing requirements, we were then offered a table immediately next to 4 or 5 other tables. We declined and requested to sit outside at a vacant table.
Menu options include a four course set menu, a very limited a la Carte option and a separate (odd for an upmarket restaurant) pizza section.
As we did not want a 4 course lunch, we chose two items off the a la Carte menu.
That was when the debacle started:
My guest asked that no chips were put on his plate. He additionally ordered roast vegetable. The waiter went back to the kitchen and the chef apparently stated that removing the chips from the plate was impossible. Really?
My guest then asked for aioli to accompany his main course. Even if it meant extra payment. The waiter went back to the chef who stated that aioli was not available. He then asked for mustard. The waiter again disappeared only to return with a message from the chef (apparently) that there was no mustard. Seriously? We asked to see the manager to figure out what was going on.
The alleged manager arrived, confirmed what the waiter had said and promptly disappeared.
By this time both untouched courses were lukewarm.
We again asked for the manager and a completely new “manager” arrived on the scene. We were then told that he was the “real” manager and that aioli and mustard were indeed available. Another 5 to 10 minutes later, these arrived. Clearly someone was lying.
When we questioned the waiter about this and the reason he had introduced someone purporting to be the manager, he said that a more senior waiter would do despite us having asked for the manager.
By this time, the food was seriously cold.
While artistically presented, my fish dish was mean in quantity and the vegetables almost non-existent. See photo. 2 pieces of asparagus, 4 (exactly) salad leaves and (probably) one spinach leaf cannot justify the price.
The glass condiment holders brought to the table were dirty. Notwithstanding Covid.
The third setting at the table should have been cleared as we sat down. It remained until we left. See photo.
We asked for the bill as there was no way we were going to order any other course. Just as we were about to depart, the waiter arrived with two “mocktails” care of the real manager. Too late.
I personally will not return to this overrated and pricey establishment. Especially when no one seems to know what is going on, from the waiters to the manager.
So, one star for the food and four for the location. Sadly, an average of two stars due to the above.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mkekana
Maputo, Mozambique21 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Went to Idiom Wine Farm & restaurant. The wine and the food are delectable. The presentation of the food is beautifully done. The ambiance of the restaurant is breathtaking and the service is world class. Highly recommended.
Written 20 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience