We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Food and ambience

About
Zest Restaurant is a Mediterranean Bistro located in the small coastal town of Gordon's Bay. Zest serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. It is located on the beach front, which offers spectacular views of False Bay. It is a quaint family owned Restaurant that boasts with two qualified Head Chefs. It offers the best dining experience in the Bay, which will even satisfy the hardened critics. Their stylish menu features a wide variety, including fresh seafood, poultry, beef, pork, in season vegetables from local gardens and farms, as well as homemade soups, breads and decadent desserts, always presented tastefully. Come to Zest and enlighten your senses!
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
CUISINES
Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Contemporary
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
Reviews (508)
Filter reviews
422 results
Traveller rating
237
132
34
12
7
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
More languages
Traveller rating
237
132
34
12
7
Show reviews that mention
All reviews crab cakes tapas line fish pork belly grilled hake salad main course false bay value for money sea view cape town starters beach gordon
Sort and selected filters
Sort FilterEnglish
Updating list...
Reviewed 4 days ago

Great view! excellent service! delicious food! thank you to the owner and the staff! the hospitality was amazing! Cafe Zest thank you for sponsoring Safta award winner Nazli George Aunty Ivy from 7de laan anti bullying campaign.absolutely amazing. thank you.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 4 weeks ago

Zest was recommended to us and we were not disappointed. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere and all of the staff were friendly and attentive. We enjoyed our meal so much that we actually returned the following night as there were plenty of things on...the menu that we were tempted to try. Highlights were the Belly Pork and two perfectly cooked Fillet Steaks.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 29 October 2023

Very good food. Very nice staff. The manager herself came to our table to accommodated our wishes for vegetarian meals.

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 11 October 2023 via mobile

Had a lovely birthday dinner at this coastal restaurant for one in our party. The owner’s son was the chef and he was able to adjust the fresh Mediterranean menu offerings to our dietary restriction’s which was great. The presentation of all our meals was...wonderful as well. Prepare to bring home a To-Go-Box as the offerings are plentiful.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 2 October 2023 via mobile

We we had our last night to ourselves and wanted a quick bite to eat. We scouted out the local restaurants and chose Cafe Zest. Upon arrival, we were greeted very friendly and guided to our table. The menus are written out on the wall...with a fair variety available. Drinks order was taken quickly and then the food order. Service was great. Food came fairly quickly and well presented. The plates matched the descriptive menu and both platters were delicious. The waiters were friendly and caring and the owner/manager came to check that all was in order. A modt enjoyable last minute dinner was had. Will go there again.More

Date of visit: October 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 29 September 2023

While touring Gordon’s bay our guide suggested we stop here for lunch. Wow! The food was amazing! The day we were there it was cold and rainy so there were not many people in the restaurant. We had the most amazing lunch by the sea...and the staff was very attentive. The goat cheese/phyllo appetizer was incredible! I would expect this place to be full on a warm sunny day and I would definitely recommend you stop and give them a try.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 17 September 2023

When passing you wouldn't think the food would be as good as it actually is. 5* Profesional chef standard. I loved everything. There is a South African warm welcome added to it, personal touch. Thank you!

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 17 August 2023

What a lovely restaurant and the most perfect setting. Zest has a wonderful outside seating area - almost on the beach. The inside of the restaurant warm and cosy and still you have the great views. We had pre-theatre meal last night. Zest is labelled...as being Mediterranean food. Starters (tapas style) all look great but we went straight to mains. 2 x great pork and my fish and chips (it is by the sea after all) where lovely sized portions as well as reasonably priced. Every one enjoyed immensely. Only one pudding was had (a choice of 4) Sticky Toffee Pudding with ice cream - enough for two. The staff are so attentive. Just a great experience and well worth the journey out of Cape Town. We will be back very soon. Thank you again.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 28 July 2023

We've been going there on and off for the past few months, and I must admit the quality and consistent quality of their food is phenomenal. If you're ever in the area you HAVE to visit. It has a fairly decent selection of wines, a...stunning view and great service to accompany absolutely great food!! And the hospitality from the owner is unmatchedMore

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 8 June 2023 via mobile

We had dinner here last night and it was absolutely fantastic. 🤩. The service was fast and Efficient… The atmosphere was perfect with the fire place at the center of the restaurant. Making sure we were well taken care of, the Management, was excellent and...made us feel at home and constantly checked if all was in Order😊 The calamari starter was something very special … delicious !!! Fillet steaks were perfectly prepared 💯. The Grilled Hake with Seafood bisque was mouthwatering. Well done Chefs. We will definitely be back, to try the whole menu… Tappas and all😁. Thank you for an amazing evening.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 20 March 2023 via mobile

Fabulous Tapas and Fish and Chips! Great service. Lovely owner. Top chef and really good waiting staff. Far better than most other places in the area.

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 2 March 2023

If you don't expect Mediterranian cuisine, this is a nice bistro at the waterfront of Gordon's Bay. They offer a variety of dishes, including Asian fushion, as well as Hake & Chips (since when is England at the Mediterranean?); the latter can only be served...if there is no blackout ("load shedding") as all electric alliances are not working. Fish, unfortunately, is overcooked. Service is good, value for money, too.More

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 25 February 2023 via mobile

Hermien and her staff at Zest were excellent hosts, giving attention to detail and offering a wonderful variety of world class dishes. We shared several of the tapas options for starters. The calamari with lime mayo was the winner! That was followed by the best...pork belly I have ever had! It was a difficult vote to decide whether the choclate pavé or Basil Panna Cotta should come out top - both were creamy with depth in taste. We will definitely be back!More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 19 February 2023

Nice location on the beach. The seafood was served quickly and we enjoyed it. Friendly service. We sat outside which gave us a nice view of False Bay.

Date of visit: November 2022
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 5 February 2023 via mobile

We nearly got it wrong. Made reservations for Zest Cape-town but always wanting to eat in Gordon’s bay. Nicely situated near the waterfront it is a small but good restaurant. Good menu, good food. And we even bought art. One of the waiters and his...brother make very nice statues from waist. We love the idea that more and more people realize waist is a huge problem and doing something positive with it is great.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
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.
View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Gordon's Beach Lodge
274 reviews
.56 km away
Krystal Beach Hotel
581 reviews
1.35 km away
Ocean Breeze Hotel
274 reviews
4.89 km away
Willowbrook Country House
263 reviews
9.00 km away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern
436 reviews
.89 km away
Ooskus Fisheries
118 reviews
.44 km away
Talla's Tavern
260 reviews
.06 km away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Ndiza Gallery
17 reviews
1.33 km away
Bikini Beach
13 reviews
.35 km away
Gordon's Bay Main Beach
9 reviews
.39 km away
Indigo Scuba Diving Centre
24 reviews
.62 km away
Questions & Answers
Ask a question
Lynne L
30 March 2019|
Answer
Response from Storkorpen | Reviewed this property |
Lynne I found this information on Google: "Monday 12–10pm Tuesday 12–10pm Wednesday 12–10pm Thursday 12–10pm Friday 12–10pm Saturday 9am–10pm Sunday 9am–10pm We need 24 hours to process reservations." //Peter
0
Votes
jplavallee2017
7 January 2017|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from jplavallee2017 |
Thanks see you soon:-)
0
Votes
TheresaW1106
13 October 2016|
Answer
Response from 228Zest | Property representative |
Hi Theresa. We do not have a printed kidies menu or a play area, but we do have options available for kids. We always try to accomodate as far as we can. We have regular customers with children and do have a kiddies chair... More
0
Votes
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

Zest, Gordon's Bay - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Zest

Zest is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4