South African in the suburbs

By Sienna Parulis-Cook (cityweekend.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-06-20 14:55

Beijing's first South African restaurant offers diners a spacious outdoor terrace perfect for summer evenings, a menu of meats and curries, quite good service and an exceptional and affordable South African wine collection.

We started with the Air Dried Beef and Feta Salad (40 yuan), a tasty mix of vegetables topped with strips of meat, one of South Africa’s specialties. While no exotic African meats, like crocodile or ostrich, were available, we were happy to order the Grilled Salmon (80 yuan), which was enjoyable, although we would have liked more of the delicious sauce, and the Lamb Tomato Bredie (80 yuan), a lamb stew with tomato sauce, both served with rice and vegetables.

Dessert is a must at Pinotage, where the rich Chocolate Mousse (35 yuan) and Lemon Meringue (30 yuan) left our sweet teeth satisfied. The Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc was a steal at 85 yuan, and, like all wines at Pinotage, is sold to take home at even 30 yuan less than the menu price, so it's no wonder the new restaurant is already packed on weekends.

Pinotage (South African)

Tel: 6430-7010
Add: Lai Guang Ying Donglu, Lane Bridge Villa