Dinner, then Stay

The meal is often at the heart of most memorable travel experiences. From the moment you begin to imagine the succulent meat, crispy roasted potatoes and creamy pasta to first taste and the final bite, the journey is to be savoured. 

Newmark Hotels & Reserves has a table setting just for you at Terrarium, inviting guests to travel not only for the destination but for the dining experience itself.

What’s on the Menu?

Chef Patron Chris Erasmus is no stranger to seasonal menus. Growing up in a family that prioritised cooking from scratch with the most wholesome of ingredients, that philosophy continues to shape the restaurant’s approach today, and so does his award-winning team. 

Terrarium is known for its hyper-local cuisine, shaped by seasonal ingredients and a modern approach to South African dining, leaving many guests already planning their return visit. 

The winter menu at Terrarium is an adventure for the senses:

• Yeast & Spread: A unique selection of mushroom butters, oils, artichokes and parmesan corn flakes
• Kinglip: layered with textures of onion and charred leek. 
• Sorbet: Seasonal, and from the garden, of course
• Venison: Roasted venison loin with beetroot, black garlic & plum
• Tanzanie Dark Chocolate: With dark chocolate, cranberry and chai, you can’t go wrong

Setting the Scene at Terrarium

Positioned within the distinguished Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, Terrarium balances refinement with warmth through deep tones, polished interiors and carefully curated local artwork. 

Erasmus and his team have carefully shaped an experience to create an inviting restaurant experience that encapsulates Cape Town’s genuine hospitality merged with age-old family traditions in cooking. Knowing that here, every dish feels intentional, thoughtful and carefully composed, making it worth travelling the distance for.

Where to Stay for Prime V&A Waterfront Dining

The meal may begin the evening, but the atmosphere of the V&A Waterfront makes guests want to linger far longer. Between the harbour lights, ocean air and energy of the waterfront, guests want to linger a little longer. But your first sit-down meal is only the beginning. After dinner, stay in lavish accommodation and enjoy the sights and sounds of waterfront life. 

Get comfortable in one of our offerings by Newmark Hotels & Reserves and settle in for the night with the glamorous city lights reflecting across the harbour and Table Mountain in the background. 

• Queen Victoria Hotel
• The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
• The Dockhouse Boutique Hotel

Make your reservation at Terrarium or book a luxury stay with Newmark Hotels & Reserves at the V&A Waterfront, where exceptional dining becomes part of the entire winter experience.

Q: What inspired the culinary style and menu at Terrarium? 

A: Chef Patron Chris Erasmus draws inspiration from family traditions of cooking from scratch with wholesome ingredients, combined with an innovative approach to hyper-local South African cuisine.

Q: What specific dishes are featured on the current seasonal winter menu? 

A: The menu includes unique items such as roasted venison loin with black garlic, Kingklip with charred leek textures, and Tanzanian dark chocolate with cranberry and chai.

Q: Which luxury hotels are recommended for guests who want to stay near the restaurant? 

A: Guests can stay at the Queen Victoria Hotel (where Terrarium is located), The Victoria & Alfred Hotel, or The Dockhouse Boutique Hotel for a complete waterfront experience.