COY, housed in a stand-alone building between the Bascule Bridge and the Robinson Dry Dock, sits on the water’s edge and boasts eye-catching views of the luxurious marina with its grand yachts on one side, and the brute of fishing boats passing through the operational harbour on the other. Table Mountain provides an iconic African backdrop for this spectacular new dining destination.
The often-overlooked ingredients
The restaurant presents a relaxed yet refined take on fine dining with a focus on southern African cuisine. Chef Ryan, alongside head chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender, has been exploring, unearthing, uncovering, and rediscovering Africa’s often-overlooked treasures, from cooking techniques to culinary stories, and ingredients
COY’s menu features two dining experiences: an immersive seven-course tasting menu and “the twos”, a lighter lunch option. Complementing the tasting menu is a carefully curated wine pairing, while an exceptional wine list and a selection of cocktails are available too.
Guests can look forward to the likes of fresh tuna tartare served with caramelised coconut and sugarcane, seared linefish with mussels, peri peri and askoek, as well as chargrilled squid which is beautifully complemented by pearl barley and a bold rum sauce
Those looking for something a bit meatier will enjoy the venison with elements of sour fig and pickled pear or the lamb rump served with the chefs’ twist on a potjie as a side, along with spinach, butternut, and a skopo jus.
Provocative interiors
The restaurant has been designed by KT Interior Architectural Studio, who have created a moody, stylish, and provocative space, bringing Chef Ryan’s vision for COY to life. The restaurant’s dark and sophisticated interior was designed to ensure that the chefs’ vibrant food remains centre stage, while also accentuating the breath-taking views of the ocean and the backdrop of Table Mountain— a magnificent vista visible through every window.
A carefully curated range of finishes with strong, tactile textures was chosen to complement the moody look and feel, with the team using contrast to superb effect when it came to balancing the aesthetics of the powerful space with a sense of calm, style, and luxury.
The focal points of the design are undoubtedly the hand-polished fireplace, set against a textured, abstract, black-and-white mural by artist Melissa Dreyer, the raw steel bar with brass inlay and a curved oak top, and a visible yet discreet window into the kitchen.
Celebrate the shoreline
COY is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship, the essence of Africa and its cuisines, the beauty of ingredients, and the vibrant spirit of Cape Town – hidden in plain sight.
COY is open Monday to Sunday from 12h00 to 21h00, bookings are essential.
A: Shop 151, The Scherwyn Pavilion Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
T: 021 207 3278
I: coy_capetown