There’s many things to distract you from the food at Bombay Bicycle Club, a bohemian love shack with a carnival-like atmosphere that has become a Cape Town attraction.

Everything about the Bombay Bicycle Club experience smacks of theatrics, and I mean that in a good way. It’s one of five eclectic Madame Zingara Holdings restaurants, and a sixth one is in the works.

As we entered, there was a table by the front door with swings for seats — their ropes hanging from the ceiling. I spent the next few seconds wondering what it would feel like to eat on a swing as we ascended the rickety-feeling stairs to the second floor.

Our table was lit by a candle that dripped hot wax into the salt bowl below, and somehow, it all added to the flavor.

The waiter flounced and acted coquettish, working his tip while announcing the specials with charm.

I ordered the Durbanville Hills merlot rose (35 rand) which claimed to taste like fresh berries and rose petals but didn’t. It was good though.

My salad was totally interesting and visually impressive. The Bombay salad (55 rand) came with greens and red wine-poached pears, brie, cashew nuts and Bombay dressing.

The long wait between the salad and the main course gave us time to check out the decor, which included lots of frames, glitter, and bright, shiny objects ideally suited for people who are easily distracted — and like it that way.

The waiter checked in to say the food was “just being plated” and would be right up, but it took a while longer.

The roasted artichoke risotto sounded more beautiful than it tasted, but just get this description: “fresh mint and crème fraîche drizzled with truffle oil” for 70 rand. Like I said, great theater.

I ordered a special — oven-roasted beef with creamy mushroom sauce topped with red wine-and-onion marmalade for 145 rand. The meat was tough.

Dessert was magnificent: Turkish delight crème brûlée (45 rand) scented with rose water, and this time I could taste the rose flavor although it was subtle, not overpowering.

Fans of the Bombay Bicycle Club bring their guests and visitors to experience it.

As another reviewer said of this restaurant, “I don’t come there for the extraordinarily good food. It’s alright.”

Is it worth the experience? Definitely.