Think of Spain and it’s all about flamenco, seafood, and fiesta (and running bulls and tomato fights, of course). Think about South Africa and it’s all about sunshine and good times.
They’re different, but they have a love of sharing food in common.
And so we come to Qué Linda Restaurante in Cape Town’s Sea Point. It’s Spanish, but with a South African twist.
Pretty as a picture
Qué linda means ‘how beautiful’ and it’s everything a good restaurant should be – welcoming, fun, delicious. It’s the same team behind Una Más Mezcalería, the beloved Sea Point Mexican restaurant. Both countries are Spanish-speaking, but their cuisines are not the same, as co-owner Sean Binder points out.
Why Spanish, then? ‘We saw that there was a need for this type of cuisine, something different from what was being offered. So we thought, we’ve got the team…’
And they were on the money. The restaurant has pretty much been full since opening, with plenty of long-term bookings. The restaurant is seen as a destination spot rather than attracting passing foot trade. Booking is not essential, but it is advised – it gets full.
On the menu
There is paella (give it 40 minutes to be prepared), but in general, the food is not 100% Spanish. Rather it is inspired by Spain. This is important to know when ordering.
Traditionally, pintxos, for example, are just a bar snack; a bite. Here, even the olives are a bowl full; the pulpo Gallega (octopus) is a full starter portion – and worth every bite.
At R380, the jamón Ibérico pintxos would need to be more than a bite.
The menu is not huge, but there is something to pique everyone’s interest, and along with pintxos there are tapas. Think patatas bravas (delicious, and the portion plenty for two). Ditto the mushroom and leek empanadas. Or choose the gamba al ajillo (garlic prawns) and tortilla Española.
Just so you know, like apples and oranges, a Spanish tortilla is nothing at all like a Mexican tortilla.
There are two desserts, both very tasty – Basque cheesecake and leche fritas, which is fried milk and surprisingly good.
Wine List
Co-owner Gavin Binder (they’re brothers) fell in love with Spanish food during his travels, having spent much time in the country. And head chef Dian Botes is trained in the cuisine.
The wine menu is replete with South African fine wines and local wines made with Spanish varietals. Sean explains that imported Spanish wines will be added soon.
If you’re wondering, tapas originate from various regions in Spain, typically served on a plate and can be a smaller portion of a main dish, eaten with cutlery. Pintxos, on the other hand, comes specifically from the Basque Country and are usually served on a piece of bread, often skewered with a toothpick.
Eat something, learn something. Enjoy.
Details
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon-late
Address: 39 Regent Road, Sea Point
Contact: 078 184 3354
Website: quelinda.co.za
Instagram: quelinda_restaurante
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Written by Lorraine Kearney.
