This is one of Simon’s Town’s best-kept secrets. Located at the south end of Simon’s Town and owned and run by a local Capetonian, Sophea Gallery is a spiritual art gallery with various forms of fine art, as well as a Tibetan teahouse offering “food for body and soul”. Their all-day menu consists of a variety of sweet and savory vegetarian dishes, including baked goods, soups, salads, stews and desserts. The prices are extremely competitive, starting at R17 (US$1.70) and capping at R50 (US$5).

We went in to browse their crafts and stayed for lunch when we smelled the delicious lunch being prepared. Being a cooler day in the Cape, we ordered the Gonga Thukpa Soup, a traditional vegetable soup with rice noodles (R35) and Sakarkhanda Ko Tarkari, a Nepalese sweet potato and pea curry served with rice, yogurt and chutney (R49). Don’t forget to try the traditional Tibetan Butter Tea, it is surprisingly fulfilling for the savory taste bud. The vibe is very laid back and the staff is exceptionally friendly – definitely a place we can come on a regular basis without breaking out budget.

Best deal: Gonga Thukpa Soup – R35 (US$3.50)

Must try: Tibetan butter tea R12 (US $1.20)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking nearby
• Great view of False Bay with outdoor tables on sheltered verandah
• Low prices
• Vegetarian

Cons:

• No espresso

Sophea Gallery & Tibetan Teahouse
2 Harrington Road
Simon’s Town, 7975
+27 21 786-1544
www.sopheagallery.com

The Meeting Place Restaurant started out as a deli/coffee shop that also sold unique, modern household goods on the second floor store. Located on the main road in Simon’s Town, they’ve now opened a beautiful restaurant downstairs that caters a full menu and a variety of regulars. Created by Olivia Gain, the simple white walls with a haphazard arrangement of frames and white furniture make it a very relaxed place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The outdoor patio upstairs has a commanding view of the harbor across the street. After ordering, we browse through their housewares and dessert display for entertainment. For a light lunch, we order the Brie, Tomato & Basil Pesto Sandwich for R40 (US$4) and House Salad to share and two cappuccinos. The food is extremely light and natural, with a focus on coastal dishes such as fish cakes, mussels, linefish and seared tuna. They also do a great burger served with rustic chips and a towering club sandwich. With a great view, good service, scrumptious meals and a relaxed yet energetic ambiance, the Meeting Place seems to have it all.

The Meeting Place
98 St George’s Street
Simon’s Town, Cape Town
+27 21 786-5678

Best deal: Brie, Tomato and Basil Pesto Sandwich – R40 (US$4)

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Easy to find on main road with street parking
• Great view with lovely outdoor tables
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant