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Urchin Restaurant
Review
About
Offers an elementary ocean dining experience curated by renowned Chef Gerard van Staden.
Features
CUISINES
Seafood, Asian, Contemporary, Fusion
Meal types
Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Is this restaurant good for business meetings?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 6:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.8
38 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Kim F
Stellenbosch155 contributions
Jun 2023 • business
Been wanting to come to Urchin since it opened as I heard so much about their beautifully crafted seafood dishes and the whole experience. It doesn’t disappoint. From the time you arrive and are greeted with the most gorgeous restaurant fragrances to the menu selection and wine sommelier suggestions you feel special. The food was delicious. We had the 2 course set meal. Portions really good sized with exceptional. flavours. We had line fish done two different ways. Oysters with caviar and passion fruit dessert with a beautiful sugar basket and meringue petals.
Fantastic service from Tyrone and a great chat about wines with Richard. Will be back to experience more.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Lewis
Dear Valued Guest. Thank you so much for your review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. We look forward to hosting you again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle
Written July 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celeste M
Cape Town Central15 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Back for another superb dinner at Urchin - this time brought hubby along with friends. I couldn’t believe that Chef Gerard could blow us away a 2nd time! We had the new tasting menu with wine pairing. Each dish so unique and completely different from the one before - interesting and delightful! I could trade my birthright to have that salmon salad every day!
I’m neither a food critic nor a poet, so definitely don’t have the words to describe how sensational the food, wine and service was, yet again! This restaurant is definitely my favourite in Cape Town - from the comfortable seating and ambiance to the excellent service and exquisite food! Thank you so much Chef Gerard, Richard, Shepherd and the wonderful team for another memorable evening! We’ll be back! I want everyone I know to experience this slice of heaven!
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Celeste
Thank you so much for your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your dinner experience for the second time at our URCHIN restaurant. We cannot wait to welcome you back again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chelly m
Dubai115 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Recently opened. Urchin was one of the best restaurants we ate in Cape Town. The food was simply delicious. We had the 4 course option. Sergio was the best. Very attentive, patient and resourceful. I always have issue with vinegar, and he and chef made sure all dishes were done with lemon so I wouldn’t miss the delish experience. We had oysters, the ravioli, the steak and the duck. All exquisite! It’s worth a visit. We will defo come back and recommend to family and friends.
Written April 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Lewis
Dear Chellym
Thank you so much for this great review. I am delighted that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. I will most certainly share this great feedback with Sergio and Chef Gerard. We cannot wait to host all your friends and family in URCHIN soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula LeĂŁo
Belo Horizonte45 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
If I could give a zero rating I would. Firstly, there was no still water; there was no wine menu, I managed to receive information about only 3 red wines, with prices above R1,000 per bottle (South African wine was cheaper in Brazil than in Cape Town!). And to finish, the waiter brought the bottle of wine already opened to the table, saying that it had only been opened 30 minutes ago, to serve glasses. I asked for the bill immediately and went to the neighboring restaurant. They didn't even apologize for our in-satisfaction.
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer27411649345
23 contributions
Jul 2023 • business
What an absolute treat being wined and dined by world class Chef Gerard van Staden! The food was impeccable, the wine top notch and the service indescribably on point!
We went as a team for a company outing and loved every minute being at Urchin. From the warm welcome at reception, to being seated by the hostess, to Richard and Ryan describing the wine and food, to Sergio the assistant restaurant manager checking up on us and Dylan the master sushi chef! Gerard, the exec chef and his exceptional team made the whole experience what it is and I doubt you come close to experiencing this type of service anywhere else.
Urchin is a real gem in the heart of Cape Town and definitely not to be missed! The fish, meat, Duck, everything cooked to perfection!
Thank you Gerard and team! You guys are truly one of a kind!
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Lewis
Dear Valued Guest. Thank you so much for your amazing review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. We look forward to hosting you again soon in URCHIN.
Kind Regards
Danielle
Written July 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
phil
Chobham20 contributions
Mar 2023 • business
From the staff who were super attentive to the flexibility and sommelier I couldn’t fault it.
I had a crisp glass of white wine with some fantastic sashimi and sushi.
I believe there was a far wider ranging menu which from what I saw other customers eating looked fantastic.
Also the fact most of the tables had Japanese sitting at them I think says it all.
Highly recommended!
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Valued Guest
Thank you so much for your valued feedback, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us in URCHIN. We look forward to hosting you again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Veronique
Cape Town800 contributions
Apr 2023 • solo
I discovered this new restaurant via Restaurant week.
Very warm welcome and friendly staff.
One of the dish was containing an ingredient that I'm not found of, They offered me an alternative option.
The food is fresh, good and well plated.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Lewis
Dear Valued Guest
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I am delighted to know that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. We do look forward to hosting you again soon.
Many Thanks
Danielle Lewis
Written May 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristin D
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • family
Gerard and his staff go above and beyond to ensure that every detail of your meal is a wonderful experience. This is fine dining at its best, but with a beautifully relaxed ambience that made it enjoyable for each one of us. Gerard clearly has a passion for the seafood that he prepares and presents it exquisitely. Desserts are works of art and we each debated why our choice was the best. Also the best wild mushroom risotto I have ever had. What a treat!
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle Lewis
Dear Kristin
Thank you so much for your great review. We are delighted to learn that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. We do look forward to hosting you again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle
Written July 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annadanmuil
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • friends
My expectations were exceeded when I was blown away by not only the best service, but such beautiful presented platters with flavors I couldn’t even dream of experiencing. The service made me feel like I was the only table in the restaurant and each course was explained to us aswell as paired with the perfect wine by one of the mixologists in the restaurant. The chef would personally check in on us occasionally. The Urchin really is a full experience that satisfied me and my friends and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for interesting and absolutely delicious tasting foods.
I felt very honoured to be served the unique dishes I was served, and taken care of so attentively. Thank you so much to all the staff and wonderful Chef for creating all the magic.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Valued Guest
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. Thank you for your review and we look forward to hosting you and your friends again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim W
Waterford3 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
We were a party of 5 and had 3 courses each, sending clean plates back to the kitchen each time and all agreeing that it was the best seafood we'd ever had. Urchin is a must-visit for anyone looking for a well-priced fine dining experience. We could not fault it (the service really was impeccable).
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Kim
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience in URCHIN. We do appreciate your feedback and we look forward to hosting you again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WayneB
Cape Town8 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
For our 27th wedding anniversary we went to Urchin, Hyatt Hotel CT. Food, staff, decor, 101% WOW. Highly recommend. We received complimentary bubbles to start the evening of, starter as in pics was unbelievable, mains being beef fillet WOW, and the complimentary surprise desert plate - that was special, thanks Zeyn and team.
From our arrival, to been seated, service and the good bye....one felt relaxed, not pressured. The ambiance and setting of the restaurant was tranquil.
Kirstin, the saxonist, got the evening swinging with a stunning performance (great choice of musician). At my request, she looked up our elwedding song and played as the evening ended.
My wife and I were totally blown away by this restaurant.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tana Alma Lancaster
Good Day Voyager66349435402, Thank you for such a wonderful review and rating. We appreciate the kind words and are so happy to hear that you felt at ease and relaxed while dining with us. We are over the moon to read that you enjoyed your dishes and cannot wait to have you both back with us some day.
Written February 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris M
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • solo
Excellent food and atmosphere. The tasting menu wasn’t available the evening I went, however the chef and team were able to make it special and create the tasting menu from existing items.
Everything was fantastic. Efficient and friendly. Was staying at attached Hyatt so it was convenient. Highly recommend.
Written December 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tana Alma Lancaster
Good Morning Chris, Thank you for taking the time to review your experience at Urchin. We truly value all feedback. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the food as well as the atmosphere and hope to see you dine with us again.
Written December 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Celeste M
Cape Town Central15 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
My friends and I treated ourselves to an amazing night out on Saturday at Urchin! Chef Gerard had his work cut out for him with food allergens for 3/5 at the table (gluten, garlic & dairy)! His personal care went well beyond anything I’ve experienced before. We felt sooo well taken care of and had the perfect evening of excellent food, wine & company. Can’t choose my favourite - every dish was a flavoursome treat for the taste buds! So good! Thanks also for excellent service - special shout out to Sergio and Richard. I can’t wait to go back!
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Celeste
Thank you so much for your amazing review and for your feedback. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience in our URCHIN restaurant. We look forward to hosting you and your friends again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fioroni
Cape Town Central49 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
What an outstanding experience! Don't hesitate to get here as quickly as possible.
We enjoyed their 6 course menu which kicked off with lobster capellini in a lemon grass and butter sauce. The lobster was delicately sweet and the mouse in the capellini was outstanding. This was followed by delicious slices of fresh tuna (escabeche) with a chili, lime, caper and sesame salad. Best yet.
The palette cleanser of passion fruit sorbet on a light biscuit crumb was more like having a pudding before the pudding! Can't fault the concept! For mains we had duck breast with bok choy, fennel, kimchi & soya toffee with duck liver pate'. The duck was cooked to perfection and in spite of being a generous portion, it was impossible to stop eating it. Whilst the duck was the star of the dish, the hero was definitely the fennel.
Finally the evening came to a necessary end with the prettiest pink pud, a raspberry mouse, paper leaf meringue shards and a raspberry coulis and an espresso to seal the deal.
A big thank you for the excellent and friendly service from the s
Sommelier,Richard and our waiter, Tyrone. A special nod to the staff in the kitchen, impressive cooking!
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tana Alma Lancaster
Dear FioroniFoodie, When we came across this review we were blown away as a team because we are always striving to give our best to our guests and we are over the moon to hear that you had a fantastic time. We cannot wait to see you back with us again soon!
Written October 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
neillisaflynn
28 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
This Restaurant is situated in The Hyatt Regency Hotel in The Bo Kaap in Cape Town. The staff told me the restaurant had only been open since the start of early December 2022, but the food was excellent and the staff were fantastic, with an extremely friendly cheerful and informative manner.
You would easily pay double, if not treble for the quality of this food in London.
I strongly recommend if in Cape Town track it down, you won’t regret it.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
Dear Neil
Thank you for your valued feedback and we are delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience in URCHIN. We look forward to hosting you again soon.
Kind Regards
Danielle Lewis
Written April 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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