The Mount Nelson is probably the best-known hotel among people who know Cape Town, not just because it has hosted so many icons over the years, but also because it has a stunning tea garden and patio serving light meals and traditional afternoon tea. There is something about sitting outside and listening to the fountain while looking at the garden and trees that invokes peace. On a nice day people will scatter in lawn chairs or sit at tables for hours just relaxing at the hotel, which is open to the public for dining and lounging.

My schedule didn’t allow for tea mid-afternoon, so I opted for a light meal perfect for summer: oysters and a glass of white wine on the patio. The service is good, but the servers are not pestering you, and I feel as if that is for a purpose. They encourage you to linger and relax, even recline in the garden. I might have liked a bit more attention, however, but perhaps at the time the restaurant was low on staff. It took a while to place an order and I felt I was tracking down service.

The oysters were delicious, mild, and quite cold, which was a perfect accompaniment to the crisp Sauvignon Blanc. The a la carte menu is simple, but there are plenty of small bites and salads to choose from. It is priced the way you would expect an upscale hotel would price food — not by any means exorbitant, but not for those on a tight budget. I loved the scene and the afternoon in general. Keep in mind that this is hardly the place to go for a quick bite mid-day — it is definitely a place you need to go when you have ample time to relax and wait. As I was leaving, the tea service was beginning and I saw the table of food (pictured). I promise I will go back after seeing that spread for sure!