95 Keerom

95 Keerom 95 Keerom St, CBD, Cape Town

Tel | 021 422 0765

Hours | Dinner Mon to Sat; lunch Thurs & Fri

Style | Smart-casual

Features :

Good wine list

Late dining

Private rooms

Romantic

Trendy

Veg-friendly

Guests

Cuisine :

Website |

Email |

Rossouw's Review

Please Register for free or Log in to see this review and add your own.

From the Restaurant...

Scores

Avg Critics

? / 5

Avg Readers

? / 5

Register (FREE) or Log in to see these scores

Reader Reviews

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Distinctly Average and Disappointing .... With Condescending Waitservice | By Tony | Tuesday, 06 March 2012

We had read rave reviews about 95 and were excited to experience one of Cape Town's top culinary offerings. Unfortunately the hype exceeded the reality. We'd have been better off eating elsewhere.

The restaurant is in a very attractive cul-de-sac in The Gardens upscale neighborhood near the center of town. The area is inhabited by heritage buildings occupied by quaint barristers' chambers (old law offices) and 95 is a building of character which, like its sibling, Carne (a more than decent steakhouse) has been tastefully restored and redecorated.

We ate upstairs and were seated at a corner table in elegant surroundings. The table setting was tasteful and the seats were attractively upholstered in a bamboo-looking wood frame. An interesting conifer substituted for the usual floral table decor.

So far so good.

The chef/maitre d'Hotel presented the menus and summarized the menu with an Italian accent highlighting the specials and certain items from the regular menu. We inquired about the steak tartare and were informed that it was made from rump steak. When we pointed out that the menu referred to "prime filet " wWe were told that the meat was actually "the fillet cut of the rump". What cut is that???

Then we met Isaac, our waiter, and things started to go downhill pretty fast. We opted for menu choices that suggested wine by the glass as the best option. That's when we noticed that there were only two reds by the glass and only a few whites. A disappointment for a top-class Italian restaurant.

Since one of the reds was unknown to us, we asked for a small drop to taste. In most classy establishments they're only too pleased to let you sample wines served by the glass whose bottles have already been opened. In our case, Isaac thought we'd just asked for something totally out of the ordinary and reacted in an offhand way stating that he'd have to see if this was possible. Eventually, the taste arrived.

Two of us decided on a glass of white and red, respectively, and our third guest opted for sparkling water. Again, Isaac displayed a condescending attitude as if to suggest that we ought to have at least ordered a bottle of wine.

Then we ordered. Our "third guest" chose the entree portion of steak tartare and decided to skip an appetizer. Again, Isaac piped up. "I would recommend you order an appetizer since the main course will take time to prepare". Again, we were taken aback by Isaac's pushy, seemingly condescending attitude. He so "pushed" a starter that our third guest eventually gave in, succumbing to a starter salad and a starter portion of the tartare. At this point I stepped in and defended the original choice of no appetizer and Isaac reluctantly backed off.

The rest of us ordered linguine with crayfish (superb) and a trio of game meat , the latter well cooked and tasty but accompanied by uninspiring sauteed chopped spinach.

The meat quality of the steak tartare was underwhelming -- defintely more rump than filet -- with specks of grizzle pre-mixed with the onion, parsley, onion, capers, etc. Typically, this dish is prepared (ie mixed with panache) at the table, but at 95 it appears as a hamburger patty without any trace of egg, but only with small accoutrements of onion, capers, and parsley.and mini-toast. A disappointment in presentation and quality.

No refills of the wine glasses were offered by Isaac, who had to be requested for a resupply.

Desserts were unappetizing and unremarkable. Only two appealed -- gelato and sorbetto. Again, we were unimpressed with only one choice of each. If pineapple sorbetto or vanilla gelato didn't appeal, you (and we) were out of luck! What a pity that this so-called leading Cape Town restaurant couldn't dream up a wider choice of enticing offerings -- especially given the abundance of delicious fresh fruit in season.

In short, the food was average, the service surly and presumptuous and the attitude haughty. There are many better choices delivering higher quality cuisine at a lower cost with less attitude.

Overall Rating: 3

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

No, I would not go back.

0 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Always good | By FIona | Saturday, 28 January 2012

This restaurant is just so consistently good. I have been eating there almost weekly for the last 2 months and cannot fault the food. The carpaccios are always good whether fish or beef. I mostly have the rosemary grilled fillet which is some of the best beef to be had in Cape Town. While I don't like the rattling off of the menu in heavily accented English (I always get the giggles) I know that it is popular with other diners and the fact that the chef gets to all the diners personaly is remarkable. This place does simple food really well. Deceptively well, which may leave some people feeling underwhelmed. I however love knowing that the food will always be simple and good, not something to be taken for granted in Cape Town.

Overall Rating: 4.5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

0 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Mama Mia!!! | By Victoria | Sunday, 08 January 2012

This year for our anniversary, my husband and I ate at 95 Keerom for the first time. Our expectations were high having heard many recommendations and reviews about the restaurant. We were seated downstairs which is by far the more intimate and cosy area so if you are there for a romantic dinner then state this when booking. The experience started well with an appearance by Giorgio himself delivering the house recommendations to us (standard for every table but a nice touch!). The food was delicious - simple but packed with flavour - really letting the ingredients do their best - the way good Italian really does. Outstanding were the Crayfish and Cherry Tomato Linguini for main and the White Chocolate Souffle with White Rum for desert - these really had the WOW factor and will not be forgotten! A really great experience overall - we will be back!

Overall Rating: 4.5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

0 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

One of my reasons to go to CT \| By Tassin \| Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Simple, fresh, highest quality ingredients combine with great execution to make this one of my "must do's" on Cape Town trips. I am yet to leave disappointed or with a guest who has not been absolutely blown away. Perfect portion sizes allow for starters, mains and dessert.

Overall Rating: 5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

1 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Still at the top of his game \| By Michael \| Tuesday, 01 February 2011
Still best Italian in the Cape & with Assagi in JNB best Italian in SA. Short menu done properly. Sets the standard for Italian food in SA.

Overall Rating: 5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

1 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Wonderful Italian Food \| By Motor \| Monday, 17 January 2011
Unlike many other Cape Town establishments that fail to provide excellent food in December / January, 95 Keerom always comes up trumps. Giorgio is always at hand to explain his best dishes. The ravioli is absolutely sublime and grilled beef fillet is always a winner.

Overall Rating: 5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

1 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

95 Keerom CBD, Cape Town

Italian Style \| By Michael \| Friday, 22 October 2010
Excellent produce with small menu cooked superbly which makes it a weekly visit in my three month stay in Cape Town. Best fish restaurant in town.

Overall Rating: 4.5

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

Yes, I would return!

3 votes → Register for free or Log in to vote

Book Now

Online booking by ComeDine

Home · Restaurants · Add Review · Journal · The Guide · About · Contact

Twitter

Facebook

Rossouw's Restaurants